Jeweller - August 2020

My Bench
Laurie Moffatt
Laurence Moffatt Manufacturing Jewellers, Sydney NSW
Age 64 • Years in Trade 47 • Training 4-year apprenticeship • First job Bernard Lowry Jewellers, 1973 Other Qualifications Diploma in Gemmology
SIGNATURE PIECE
GOLD HOLLOW BANGLE
PRIVATE COMMISSION
This 18-carat gold bangle was commissioned by a client to
celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary. The design was
based on a costume jewellery bangle she owned. I love outof-the-box
commissions and also restoring Australian antique
pieces. These have included gold brooches presented to the
famous Spanish dancer Lola Montes, to silver emu-topped claret
jugs, emu eggs and centrepieces made by notable Australian
silversmiths of the 19th Century.
4FAVOURITE GEMSTONE Sapphire because of
the variety of colour, durability, and that Australia
is a great natural source of it.
4FAVOURITE METAL 18-carat yellow gold
because of its malleability, depth of colour and
hue, and it is a pleasure to deal with!
4FAVOURITE TOOL An Italian saw bought at the
start of my apprenticeship, which allows you to cut
out a baguette setting or more intricate designs.
4BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY My coffee
machine! Otherwise, it would be the best linear
engine turning lathe.
It was manufactured by George Plant & Son in
England and has been unsurpassed for hundreds
of years.
4BEST PART OF THE JOB Simply sitting
and creating.
4WORST PART OF THE JOB Polishing!
4BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER Simplistic designs
often work out the best.
4BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER One of the most
important elements of the job is communication
and understanding between you and your clients.
4BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH
The back – definitely the back!
4LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE Of its challenges
and the way it helps you to discover your abilities.
52 | August 2020