"I am a Taranaki local and feel fortunate to have The Jewel and the Jeweller in New Plymouth as attending their workshops was the opportunity I needed to dip my toes into the dark art of jewellery-making. I continued learning by completing online courses - you need so many skills, which is why the process is challenging, full of variety, and for me, meditative.

I am absolutely addicted to the process of making jewellery - from creating a design concept, applying it to a piece of metal, forming it, using fire, texture and at times, adorning with semi-precious gems to create a unique piece. I love the flash of colour as light passes through a gem; the shimmering reflection of light as it hits textured metal.

My ultimate aspiration is to create visually appealing jewellery, with meaningful design, which elicits an emotional connection to the wearer." - Julie.