There are many years of experience and knowledge amongst our instructors, who lead our courses with a lot of talent and skill. I caught up with them to learn a bit more about them.
First off, let’s say hello to…
Lee Hughes
He is our highly experienced workshop manager at our sister company, Diamond Centre Wales. He has over 21 years of experience in jewellery manufacturing and precious metal work. His techniques include laser welding, GRS, and scopes, as well as precious metal casting post-production and finishing. In addition, he completed post-compulsory education and training.
What got you into the jewellery industry?
Kelvin offered me the job as a trainee goldsmith/jeweller as he knew I was fed up with my job at the time and wanted a change. Because I knew no one in the industry at the time, I thought it would be fun and a new challenge! A well-established jeweller told me in my first year of training that I would never succeed, but I’m still here 20 years later! Surely, I’m doing something right?
What’s the best advice you can give someone looking to break into the jewellery industry? Why would they enjoy it?
My advice: be aware that you need a lot of patience. The skills required are not developed overnight; it takes years of practice! However, the satisfaction of seeing the finished workpiece after all of the blood, sweat, and tears is so worth it!
Why do you think someone should choose our course?
Experience days give a taster of what it feels like to make something of your very own to wear (or share) and have a bit of fun doing so. Our courses will give you great foundations to build upon in an industry that can be very rewarding and is delivered by a very experienced team!
What is your favourite project or design you have worked on?
My favourite project is the tiara that I made for my wife. I’d been wanting to make one for years, so this was the perfect opportunity!
Next, let us meet…
Rhys Wilson
He is our in-house software developer and has spent over four years developing bespoke software, custom databases, and custom websites for our sister company, Diamond Centre Wales. He has a BSc (Hons) in Computer Applications Development, is currently working towards an MSc in Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing and is developing an interactive suite to streamline the creation and design process of bespoke manufactured pieces.
What got you into the jewellery industry?
The complexity of the designs and the uniqueness of each piece, combined with the possibilities that technology can bring to the industry, such as using augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to achieve remote design tools, lead to environmental changes, a reduction in carbon footprint, and promote a circular economy. These technologies will open up an unlimited design capability, enabling the users to become bespoke designers and create their own custom pieces, personal to them and reflecting their uniqueness.
Why do you think someone should choose our course?
Our team is made up of highly skilled goldsmiths, CAD operators, and designers that create bespoke jewellery designs and intricate pieces daily and have been doing it for several years. Our vast knowledge of the jewellery industry, paired with the latest techniques and cutting-edge technology, makes us the perfect team to guide any experienced student to achieve their desired goals. This, combined with our flexibility and a highly experienced, friendly team, makes us the perfect choice for all your jewellery design and educational needs.
What is your favourite project or design you have worked on?
My favourite project to date would have to be our CERIC design application. Through the creation of CERIC, we have begun our developmental journey into virtual jewellery design. Users can download CERIC via their smart device’s app store, create an account and begin to design their chosen piece of jewellery. CERIC offers unlimited design possibilities across many categories, such as wedding rings, engagement rings, eternity rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. With CERIC, the user can edit the design’s metal type and stone colouration to create something truly special and unique. Once a design has been chosen, the user is then able to select ring size and metal carat, enquire about that piece and get a quote.
CERIC can also store those designs along with a multitude of favourite designs chosen by the user and save those designs to their account for future purchases or alterations. I am looking forward to our next CERIC developments and what possibilities open up with new technological advancements. The future is very exciting for the jewellery industry.
Then we move on to…
Adam Evans
He is one of our CAD course tutors and our rapid prototyping manager at our sister company, Diamond Centre Wales. He graduated with a BSC from UWTSD and over 4 years of experience in the jewellery design and manufacturing industry. His expertise lies in computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), 3D scanning, design, and rapid prototyping. He is also accredited in Photoshop and is a rendering specialist using Key-shot and Deep-Image. Adam, like Rhys, is also working towards a Master in Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacture, where he is looking at innovations for the jewellery industry through research into the support structures of prototypes.
What got you into the jewellery industry?
I originally started by maintaining the rapid prototyping machines at the DCW and, over time, began using CAD software and doing some basic goldsmithing work. Whilst I enjoyed both aspects, I felt more suited to the CAD software and enjoyed helping the designers and customers achieve their vision for pieces.
What’s the best advice you can give someone looking to break into the jewellery industry? Why would they enjoy it?
Be prepared for a lot of different challenges. A big part of the job is creative problem-solving. Especially when working in the bespoke sector, no two pieces are ever truly the same.
Why do you think someone should choose our course?
The course has been created to give an understanding of 3Design, but also how it can be used to make working models for casting. It strikes a balance between aesthetics and manufacturing.
What is your favourite project or design you have worked on?
I always enjoy the remakes. One that stands out in my mind is creating a Norse ring for a customer. This involved creating the Futhark, which was completed by sketching and tracing from a 3D scan of the original ring. There were also a variety of other symbols that were interesting to draw and read about.
Finally, let’s meet…
Meuryn Nelson 
He is another one of our tutors on the CAD course. He is also a CAD/CAM operator at our sister company, Diamond Centre Wales. With over 4 years of experience with both CAD and CAM design, his main expertise is in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), 3D scanning, design and rapid prototyping. He is also accredited in Photoshop and is a rendering specialist using Key-shot and Deep-Image.
What got you into the jewellery industry?
My family has been part of the jewellery industry for 45 years, which led to my interest and desire to follow in their footsteps.
What’s the best advice you can give someone looking to break into the jewellery industry? Why would they enjoy it?
My advice to someone looking to enter the jewellery industry is to be very open-minded. Every single day you are likely to experience and learn something new, which makes every day exciting and keeps the brain ticking. With the introduction of new technologies, the possibilities in design are going to become faster and crazier.
Why do you think someone should choose our course?
The CAD software that we use, 3Design, is very intuitive due to its great parametric features. I have tried a few different CAD software over the years, and I find 3Design by far the most user-friendly. You will learn how to make the following items in our course: a plain wedding band, a channel set band, mill grain edging, a martini glass charm (with added features such as embossed hearts), halo earrings, and a halo pendant. The tools which you will use will enable you to create multiple different types of jewellery items – not just what you will learn during the course.
What is your favourite project or design you have worked on?
My favourite design/project was my creation for the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council. In my day-to-day job, I am more of a CAD engineer than a designer. So, it was nice to have a bit more freedom of design during this project.
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