M: After finishing sixth form, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I went to the local college to search for a profession to train in. I chose a year-long foundation course in jewellery making at the Goldsmith’s centre in Farringdon, London. It was great because you get to learn a little bit about everything. You learn about setting, mounting, and silversmithing, along with enamelling and engraving. I really enjoyed the course and I was only 19 at the time.

M: I’m a diamond mounter. I make the mounts and the rings that the stones are set into. I don’t set the stones myself, but I make the mount and polish them.

M: When you finish your foundation course you lay out all your work, then people come and scout you. I worked at [the international jewellery company] Graff and it was a very interesting job. We always used such large, amazing diamonds and gemstones. My very first job there I was working on a pair of 2ct diamond studs! I worked at Graff for five, almost six years.

After that, I moved into self-employment because it was easier to take on multiple jobs. It means that I can work for various companies but also work for myself. Sometimes I get commissioned for private jobs to craft bespoke jewellery, or engagement rings.