Jeweller - November 2021

My Bench
Troy O’Brien
Troy O’Brien Jewellery, Sydney NSW
Age 46 Years in Trade 31 • Training Apprenticeship through TAFE Ultimo; I apprenticed at Distell International with Albert and Peter Grech and with my uncle Peter Quinn
First job Distell International, 1990 • Other Qualifications 31 years of on-the-bench training, laser welding, and member of the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia
SIGNATURE PIECE
ANIMAL-INSPIRED PENDANT
STOCK PIECE
I don’t have one signature piece – many pieces I have made over
the years have become favourites! I do enjoy creating a range of
jewellery based on animals, creatures, and marine life, and that
has become a ‘bespoke’ style for the store. I hope that every piece
I create for my customers becomes a ‘signature’ piece for them
and an heirloom of the future.
4FAVOURITE GEMSTONE Tourmaline, because
of the diverse range of colours! Tourmaline is a
gemstone of such high quality and diversity, from the
exceptionally rare Paraìba tourmaline to the uniquely
beautiful bi-colour tourmalines.
Each gemstone holds its own unique beauty and
rarity, which makes them highly valued by discerning
collectors. I love sourcing tourmalines and genuinely
get excited by their divine colour and beauty.
4FAVOURITE METAL Platinum – the only reason
people don’t use it is usually because of the higher
cost but, for me, this is far outweighed by the benefits
of its high lustre and longevity.
It has a nice weighty feel, giving a true sense of luxury
and quality that, for me, makes it second to none.
4FAVOURITE TOOL My laser. It makes all sorts of
repairs, assembly of intricate parts, welding platinum,
and repairing porosity easier and is a well-valued
investment in my workshop.
4BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY My steamer. It’s not
exactly a new tool, but I went without one for many
years – and now I could not live without it!
4BEST PART OF THE JOB This is an obvious answer,
but it is honestly my customers’ joy in seeing a piece
of jewellery I have created just for them. It never gets
old for me.
4WORST PART OF THE JOB Dealing with manky
earrings, licked rings, and gross watches!
4BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER My old boss and
good friend Albert Grech always taught me to expect
the unexpected.
4BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER Keep the stress behind
the scenes! Be patient, smile, always work hard and
keep honing your skills.
4BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH Being
aware of your posture and your eyes; always take
breaks and stretch your back as well as your eyes.
Be careful of what you are breathing in, too. We work
with many chemicals, abrasives, and polish dust, so
try to protect yourself from these as best as possible.
4LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE It is different every
day. The ability we have to turn raw materials into
beautiful, loved pieces that become part of someone’s
life memories is a wonderful feeling.
80 | November 2021