Jeweller - March 2020

My Bench
Zoë Pook
Zoë Pook Jewellery, Sydney NSW
Age 46 • Years in Trade 15 • Training Higher National Certificate in Silversmithing & Jewellery from university in London, plus learning the tricks of the trade
from two London jewellers • First job Ben Day Jewellery • Other Qualifications Expert at talking to myself when I work and thus confusing all my staff
SIGNATURE PIECE
KALI RING
SILENT AUCTION DONATION, SYDNEY PEACE PRIZE 2019
Named after the Hindu goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces and liberator
of souls, this ring is handcrafted in 18-carat Fairtrade white gold with Sri Lankan
sapphire and Australian diamond.
4FAVOURITE GEMSTONE Spinel, because it
is hard, beautiful, comes in unusual colours, is
underrated, not crazy expensive, and – for those
gem nerds – singly refractive. My absolute favourite
is grey spinel, I have way too many!
4FAVOURITE METAL To work with, it’s yellow gold
– so easy. To look at, rose gold – but what a pain in
the a*se to work with!
4FAVOURITE TOOL Safety back needle file. I love
the sharp edges, and it has an ergonomic feel.
Failing that, a ‘whacker’ – a bent, old, drill bit that
spreads the metal to cover porosity, create a nice
texture and smooth out bumps.
4BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY Mini clamps by
Tyler Brothers, Habras discs – I was skeptical at
first but one of my jewellers put me onto them –
Tappa Tools mini graphite ingots, or a laser welder.
4BEST PART OF THE JOB Tea break, and sitting at
the bench chatting with everyone, weighing in on
problems and finding solutions! I also quite like the
peace and quiet of early evening in the studio, with
the music on, working on a piece by myself.
4WORST PART OF THE JOB Polishing, and
managing clients’ expectations.
4BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER When stuck for
design inspiration, make something you yourself
would wear. Oh, and don’t under-quote!
4BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER Set boundaries with
clients and learn when and how to say no.
4BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH
Dust and polishing compounds in your lungs. We
have recently got some new fancy masks, which I
now just need to remember to put on!
4LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE It’s one of the oldest
ways for us humans to adorn ourselves, to show
our individuality or tribe, to be creative. It’s worn by
everyone, old or young, from any culture.
52 | March 2020