Hello Sarah. You head and lead the jewellery workshop here at PTD, can you tell us what that's like?
It is really exciting to be part of a constantly changing and growing business. I have been here just shy of three years and have seen lots of developments. I manage an amazing team of talented jewellers who work incredibly hard to make sure every piece of jewellery is made with love and care. The most satisfying part of my job is working towards busy events such as Christmas and Mother’s day and making sure all of the customer orders go out on time to a high standard. It is rewarding knowing that you have created a bespoke piece of jewellery for someone to cherish and keep as a heirloom.
What makes PTD such a unique place to work?
There are approximately 35 members of the team here at PTD which are mostly ladies and four chaps (two jewellers and two gents in dispatch). Every department works together to ensure the brand keeps developing to meet the needs of our loyal customers. 95% of the jewellery can be personalised to the customers specification, meaning that every order is unique and varied. We work with our customers effectively to apply their personalisation to their chosen PTD design wherever it be marking a date, celebrating a birth, a sentimental memory, a good luck message or even a marriage proposal (which are always very exciting!) For me, this is unique as we are providing an extra special service that the customer can contribute to.
The new film captures the beautiful making process of a 9ct gold design in just two minutes, how long would it normally take?
The film looks BRILLIANT! The guys at Shy Camera did a great job and amazingly managed to capture lots of processes in just two minutes. There a lot of different techniques involved in making the 9ct Eternity Necklace. Our Goldsmith Mat looks after the gold department and makes each piece to order. Each processes is considered and planned meticulously wherever it be constructing the rings, soldering, marking out and setting the eight diamonds to personalising, finishing and polishing. It is really hard to give an accurate time, but on average each pieces takes approximately 2/3 hours to make.
The new Russian Ring cufflinks are a firm favourite to make here in our Brighton workshop
Do you have a favourite piece to make in the PTD range?
This is difficult! I like making different pieces for different reasons. I love making all of the gold products. I like the material and working with diamonds, it's always special. I do not tend to get chance to work on the gold as much as I would like, as I have other areas to look after. I like making the word bangle as it is one of our oldest products and still sells very well, the 'Spinning necklace','Mini links necklace', studs earrings, there are so many!
We currently have lots of new exciting designs coming out of the workshop one of which is the Russian ring cufflinks which is my favourite product so far!
