With a passion for becoming a goldsmith since secondary school, Emma’s journey began at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, where she studied jewellery design. Emma has now spent a wonderful 8 years in goldsmithing with 2 years specialising in stone setting. Now a leader in the manufacturing and setting of bespoke design pieces, Emma is able to support her team in Edinburgh through the day-to-day challenges.
TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A GOLDSMITH? HOW DID YOU COME TO THIS UNIQUE JOB AND WHAT WAS YOUR STORY LIKE BEFORE LAINGS?
EM: Everyone’s path into goldsmithing is different. My passion for becoming a goldsmith was instilled in me mainly by teachers. It was often advised that it is a hard industry to get a job in but this only fuelled my fire more to achieve that goal.
I worked in jewellery sales whilst studying 3D design, specialising in jewellery design at university. I practiced my bench skills in my spare time and spent time on placements at a couple of different independent jewellers in Scotland where I was taught a range of skills. Learning about the creation of such incredible pieces of jewellery inspired me, as well as being given the chance to work on them. A lot of what we learn is done on the job and is very practical in nature. I have found over the years that it is important to learn from your colleagues. They are instrumental in developing your skills and together we can expand our knowledge and skillset.
WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR SPECIALITY IN THE WORLD OF GOLDSMITHING? IS THERE A DISCIPLINE YOU ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN OR KNOWN FOR IN LAINGS?
EM: I now specialise in stone setting for Laings, and I enjoy bringing my own style to the finish of a piece of jewellery once I have set all the fantastical stones we work with. I also really enjoy working on restoration. reinventing a piece of jewellery that has lived a full life. It may be in a little worse for wear condition having received knocks over the years but being able to take a piece and restore it to its former glory is incredible.
WHICH AREA OF GOLDSMITHING DID YOU WORK ON IN REFERENCE TO THE HERO OF BESPOKE COLLECTION SPECIFICALLY?
EM: I hand set each of the stones in all of the pieces. Working on every designer’s collection.
WHAT TRAINING AND SUPPORT HAVE THE TEAM AT LAINGS BEEN ABLE TO OFFER IN YOUR TIME WITH THE COMPANY? HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SKILLSET HAS ADVANCED IN THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE WORKED HERE?
EM: Throughout my many years with Laings, I have witnessed the company's remarkable growth and expansion. I have had the privilege of working with many talented goldsmiths, benefiting from their advice and expertise as I developed and honed my own skills. Two years ago, I attended a Laings-sponsored stone setting course in Antwerp, which developed my specialist skill set. Starting in the service department with the aim of joining the workshop, I am now proud to lead our team of goldsmiths in Edinburgh, collaborating with a talented group in design, service, and manufacturing to create unique pieces every day.
IS THERE ANY UNIQUE FACTS OR ANECDOTES ABOUT GOLDSMITHING OR THE CREATION OF THIS COLLECTION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
EM:Every day brings a new challenge and the chance to learn, you will never know it all. It’svery special to work in a career that combines age-old skills with innovation. It’s a constantly evolving world and I share in the passion for creating exquisite new pieces and helping to preserve the crafts of the past.
