Behind every sparkling diamond and gleaming band is a set of skilled hands and a sharp eye for detail. Viviana, or Vivi, is our newest jewellery polisher, whose passion for precision and longtime love for the craft has shaped her varied career.

She brings both artistry and grit to the workshop, from precise polishing to navigating precious materials with steady hands and razor focus. She shares her journey from sketching in childhood to ambitions of mastering the bench.

What does a typical day look like for you in the workshop?

I like to be very organised, so I always start by checking how many pieces I’ve got for the day. I divide everything into batches. About six to ten items at a time, depending on the workload. Then I’ll unpack, take photos to remember what’s what, and begin polishing.

It’s quite active, sometimes I’m back and forth speaking to setters or mounters if something needs extra work. I never get bored, and there’s always movement, which I love.

What first inspired you to get into jewellery?

I’ve always loved small, intricate things. As a child, I was constantly sketching. I studied at an artistic high school in Italy and discovered jewellery through courses there.

I was fascinated by the process, melting silver, working my way up to gold and platinum. I moved to London when I was 23, learned English, and studied jewellery here too. I’ve worked in design, retail, and production, but it’s the hands-on side, making, polishing, and crafting that I find the most exciting.

Your path into the industry sounds quite varied. What have you done before polishing?

I’ve been able to do a bit of everything. I started in luxury retail in Italy, then moved to London and took on various jobs, including working in an ice cream shop, while studying full-time. Those roles taught me patience, communication, and teamwork.

I’ve also worked as a watch assembly technician, which I really enjoyed. But I realised I missed jewellery too much. Polishing and creating at the bench feels like therapy to me, it’s where I’m happiest.

I’ve worked in design, retail, and production, but it’s the hands-on side, making, polishing, and crafting that I find the most exciting.

What’s the workshop dynamic like for you?

It’s actually really peaceful. I’m very chatty but also love my space. I listen to podcasts, never with both earphones in though, so I can hear the machine and colleagues around me if they need anything. It’s a mix of being focused and still feeling part of a team. The time flies.

Any close calls in the bench?

Definitely. When you’re learning early on, sometimes things can go wrong and mistakes can happen. Once, I used a faulty polishing machine and the mop inside caught a piece of jewellery, luckily nothing irreplaceable. I’ve also cut and burned myself a few times.

You learn to be careful with everything, including your hair and what you wear. It’s all part of the job, and now I feel much more confident.

Do you have any jewellery that’s special to you?

Oh yes. I wear a ring my mum ‘borrowed’ from her sister, it’s very me. And I have a cross from her too, which means a lot to me. I can’t wear rings at work, but that one’s always with me. I love jewellery that’s unique, and not something you see every day.

Do you ever make your own pieces?

I’ve made gifts for family, like a pendant for my mum’s birthday. Knowing how to make things is also more sustainable, and you can just use raw materials and your own skills. It’s lovely to create something meaningful. I don’t have full-time access to a bench, but whenever I do, I enjoy making things myself.

Have you had mentors who helped shape your path?

Oh yes, I’ve been pretty lucky. Some people are generous with their knowledge, and I’ve always been eager to listen and learn. Even outside jewellery, one of my early managers helped me understand how to communicate kindly and pick up on people’s moods.

It really changed how I relate to others. It’s more of a life skill, not just a work one.

I remember when my mum would bring me to a jewellery shop, everything was shining and sparkling. I was fascinated and wanted to stay there for the longest time.

— Vivi

What’s the most memorable piece you’ve worked on?

For my diploma, I made a 3D cross in silver with diamonds. It was the first time I felt truly proud of making something with my own hands.

I didn’t think I could do it, but I did. I also love the bangles and rings I’ve made since. Creating something from scratch is deeply satisfying.

You’ve done so much in the industry already, so what’s next for you?

I want to keep learning. I’d love to return to the bench one day and expand my skills, maybe even engraving.

I enjoy challenges and pushing myself creatively. There’s always something new to discover in this craft, which is what makes it so exciting.

Sometimes you're going to find generous people to teach you because they actually want to help you grow and master new skills.

For the love of Jewellery

Viviana’s story is a reminder that jewellery-making is about much more than sparkle and the finished product in a velvet-lined box. It requires discipline, resilience, and above all, love for the craft.

Whether she’s perfecting the polish on a diamond ring or dreaming up her next skill to master, Vivi brings soul to every piece she touches.

Her journey from Italy to London, from sketches to precision tools, shows just how far passion and persistence can take you, often with a little gold dust and gemstone sparkle along the way.

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