Jeweller - October 2018

MY BENCH
William (Bill)
Whiting
WORKS AT: Archer & Holland
Jewellers
AGE: 63
YEARS IN TRADE: 47
TRAINING: Apprenticeship
FIRST JOB: P & LJ Donnelly
in 1971.
Favourite gemstone:
Diamonds – in all colours
– because they can be the
centre stone or used as
highlights for other stones.
Favourite metal:
Platinum because a lot of
jewellers resist working with
it, due to the extra time it
takes to prepare and finish a
platinum piece.
Favourite tool:
My saw, because it is so
versatile and feels like it is
a part of me now after all
these years.
Best new tool discovery:
I have not bought any new
tools for quite a long time,
but I have heard about the
laser welder. Amazing!
Best part of job:
Handing over a piece of
jewellery I have made for
someone and seeing a
smile on their face. It’s so
rewarding.
Worst part of job:
Where I work in the
basement of my shop, I
don’t have any daylight or
outdoor views.
Best tip from a jeweller:
When manufacturing, don’t
waste time on things that
may not be necessary.
Best tip to a jeweller:
Treat every piece of
jewellery you are working
on as if it were your own.
Biggest health concern on
the bench:
My eyesight – I always wear
safety glasses. You can’t do
without your sight! i