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Jeweller - Charles Campbell
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AS a young man working in an old trade, jeweller Charles Campbell appreciates that the craft has not changed much through the years. ''It''s quite an old fashioned trade; everything is done by hand and most of the tools haven''t changed much for hundreds of years,'' said Mr Campbell, whose has worked at Linneys in Subiaco for seven years.
''I think that is what I like about it (jewellery making); some things can''t be improved on with technology. Jewellers have their own set of tools and they are quite personal. You are kind of lost without your own set up.'' Mr Campbell, 26 of Maylands, started out designing jewellery for himself about nine years ago.
Deciding to make a career out of his hobby, Mr Campbell did an art and design (fine crafts and jewellery) course at TAFEWA. ''This course gave me an understanding of design processes and the ''art'' side of jewellery.'' He started an apprenticeship with Linneys in 1997, which he says has taught him the technical side of jewellery.
Making jewellery involves the fabrication of precious metals and the setting of gemstones and pearls, and patience, good hand skills and attention to detail play a key role in jewellery creation, Mr Campbell says. ''It can be pretty interesting in the workshop when someone thinks they have lost a diamond. Everyone will be looking through bins and crawling around on the floor for hours. It will usually turn up sitting on one of the jeweller''s benches!
''One of the most unusual pieces I''ve created is a chain maille bracelet covered in diamonds called ''Maille de L''amour''. It took almost a hundred hours to make because each link was hand-made one at a time and then joined together. The best thing about it is the way it feels on the wrist; it''s very unusual. ''My work involves the use of many varied techniques to manipulate the raw materials of white and yellow gold, platinum and silver into wearable pieces of jewellery. There are some basic methods in fabricating the metal, however these branch out into hundreds of different techniques.
''No jeweller can really master every single aspect of the trade. There are always more skills to learn so most people have their own individual approach. ''Most of my work involves interpreting drawings given to me by the designers and figuring our how to construct them. You need to consider the durability of the finished piece and also how it will be worn on the body.''
Mr Campbell said that at Linneys he was also lucky enough to be able to design some of his own pieces which is what he liked doing the most. ''I enjoy making something from start to finish and the satisfaction of creating something for a specific client. The best part is meeting a customer who is really happy with the job I''ve done and seeing the emotional attachment to the jewellery.
''The drawback to my job is working under pressure; it can be quite stressful at times. Your hands also get cut up a bit and burnt from using different tools.'' The jewellery Mr Campbell enjoys designing the most is contemporary pieces for young people. ''I was asked to design a men''s range for Linneys which was really good because it is basically making pieces that I would wear myself. Using cheaper materials like silver, titanium and neoprene, we''ve been able to create affordable jewellery for young guys with a sense of style.
''More guys are interested in fashion and will wear jewellery as a fashion accessory. I design on the basis to compliment the latest fashion.'' And of course, Mr Campbell''s job makes him quite popular amongst the ladies, and even more so with their mums. ''They always ask me to make them something, but that''s cool,'' he said.
Mr Campbell won the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) Apprentice of the Year, Design and Manufacture in 2000. ''The favourite piece of jewellery I''ve made is probably the yellow and white gold pendant/clasp that won me the JAA Award. The biggest challenge is to create a functional piece that looks good and is something new.''
Mr Campbell is working towards his future career goal of working overseas. ''One day I would like to have my own shop and to create the perfect design that people will recognise as mine.'' When he is not working Mr Campbell likes surfing, skating and cycling, and is interested in other art fields like photography, painting, drawing and music.
Industry overview: Jewellers design and make jewellery and small objects using a wide range of materials including metals, stones, woods, plastics and fibres. They may work for large manufacturing firms or small jewellery shops. Many run their own jewellery businesses and either sell direct to the public or supply work to galleries on commission or at wholesale prices.
It is a small occupation. Most job opportunities for jewellers are in capital cities, followed by larger country centres. Competition for apprenticeships is extremely strong, with a limited number offered each year.
To become a jeweller, you usually have to complete a New Apprenticeship in Engineering (Jewellery), and to secure an apprenticeship, you will need to find a job with an employer willing to supervise your training. Most employers want at least Year 10.
Jewellers may specialise in making particular types of jewellery such as rings or in using specialised techniques such as enamelling, engraving, anodising or casting.
They may also do design drawings and specifications for wearable or three-dimensional objects, repair jewellery by soldering, replacing or rebuilding worn or broken parts, and remodel old jewellery.Jewellers may work using mass production techniques and machinery, concentrating on one part of the work, or as more highly skilled craftspeople producing an entire article from beginning to end.
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Acknowledgements |
Content courtesy of Louise Allan-Johnson. |
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