It is the month of love but we all know every day is a day of love really. Well on the theme of love what are the things I love about being a jeweller?

I love the sparkle and utter wonder of gemstones… simply chemical elements made under pressure, heat and time. Mind blowing in every way.

I love that gold comes from stardust and I get to create with it nearly everyday. Need I say anything more?

I love tools. I am a self confessed tool junkie that likes nothing more than an elegant tool in hand - a reminder of human evolution and genius.

I love silver in all its forms it is so reflective, bright and fabulous to work with.

I love the people I get to meet in my teaching - beautiful creatives that need and want to make with their hands.

I love my customers for appreciating hand made items. And for sharing special memories while asking me to be a part of their personal stories.

I love those teachers who shared thier knowledge, expertise and time with me when I was starting off especially David LaPlanz. And to those who are still teaching me…thank you.

I love the people in the industry who put fear aside and share rather than compete. They realise it is far more fun to live this life collaboratively.

I love going to work everyday. It has been 30 years of very hard work but I have created my perfect career.

I love I still have so much to learn in this trade. I will never be bored.

I love that jewellery is one of our ways we mark time, place and occasion. Archeological records around the world show jewellery is a big part of our tale of life, love, loss and magic.

I love that I am able to pass on some of skills I have to others. It is an honour to be trusted to do so.

I love that after I die there will be a few bits of stardust out there that I touched and formed that keeps going around the sun.