Jeweller - June 2021

My Bench
Anthea Plug
Smales Jewellers, Perth WA
Age 28 • Years in Trade 8 • Training Perth TAFE Apprenticeship • First job Nina’s Jewellery Store, 2012–2018 Other Qualifications Certificate IV in Visual Arts
SIGNATURE PIECE
HANNAN TIARA
COMMERCIAL ITEM
This piece was created for the Smales Jewellers Gold Nugget
Heritage Collection. The tiara is the signature piece of the
collection, named after the famous Hannan Street in Kalgoorlie
where Smales Jewellers originated more than 70 years
ago. I designed the Hannan tiara with help from my partner
on-site at Smales Jewellers’ Subiaco, Perth workshop. It
features yellow gold and hand-picked natural gold nuggets
sourced by local prospectors from the West Australian
goldfields. Set within the tiara are keshi pearls, selected to be
distinctive, making this pendant rare and unique and reflecting
the heritage of Smales Jewellers.
4FAVOURITE GEMSTONE The amazing watermelon
tourmaline must be my favourite gemstone! The pink
and green colours have an unparalleled beauty.
4FAVOURITE METAL Platinum is my favourite
metal due to its colour and weight. It evokes the
senses like no other metal as it can be felt by
the wearer.
When other metals such as gold are worn there is
no difference in weight, but this piece of jewellery
has a point of difference in the fact that the owner
really knows they have it on.
4FAVOURITE TOOL The hammer is my favourite
tool; you can forge so much with it – and not
just jewellery. You can have fun with it and create
organic shapes and pieces, such as a metal spoon.
4BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY The laser machine.
It is so helpful in reducing the ‘make’ time when
assembling pieces together.
4BEST PART OF THE JOB Seeing the reaction of
customers when they receive their special creation,
having their dream come to life.
4WORST PART OF THE JOB Ensuring no
fingerprints are left from either filing or polishing.
4BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER One of my old
mentors would always remind me, “Don’t let
mistakes get the better of you!” This is important, as
mistakes can flow on to your next piece.
You always need to start every job fresh.
4BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER Keep a creative flow
going. Never stop creating as you do not know what
you may be able to discover.
4BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH
Slicing my fingers when cutting.
4LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE While don’t
personally wear jewellery, I find so much joy in seeing
the pleasure jewellery creations can bring
to others.
70 | June 2021