The Latest Bransom Stars
06 Jun 2019
Faye Smith, David Summerfield, Gateshead – January’s Winner
“My father trained as a jeweller so my interest and knowledge came from him while growing up. First I was attracted to the fashion side and loved branded products, but have since come to enjoy learning about fine jewellery, particularly diamonds and gemstones.
“I started working at David Summerfield, initially on weekends and through holidays, to now full time. I work across different areas and branches, keeping each day fresh and interesting. I love establishing customers’ needs and finding them the perfect item; I can go from advising someone buying a diamond engagement ring in one branch, to taking in a jewellery repair or selling a branded product in another.
“The store is very proactive in its approach to training, offering the JET programme to all employees. I took the opportunity as soon as it came up – I think it’s important to advance knowledge, especially when everyday you’re advising customers on wedding rings for instance. Having that greater knowledge behind you gives you much more confidence when selling.
Having that greater knowledge behind you gives you much more confidence when selling.
Faye Smith
“The most enjoyable part of the course was learning in greater detail about gemstones. I felt I knew a reasonable amount about them already until I started to read course books and research online. It’s been useful learning about each stone’s origin and how they’re sourced; about their beauty, rarity and durability and has certainly helped when serving customers.
“The course books and online material provided were my first and foremost points of reference. Assay Office websites links etc were a great help as I knew the information was reliable. Sometimes searching online I wasn’t sure that the information provided was necessarily accurate, but my support tutor answered any queries I had.
“Since completing the course I’ve gained confidence in serving and advising customers. In particular, on a number of occasions I’ve been able to advise customers on repairs and give them a lot more options when looking to restore an older item of jewellery or remake an item; previously I’d have asked the jeweller for his recommendations.”
Faye Smith
Jennifer Godson, Gadsby’s of Bridgnorth – February’s Winner
“Having only been in the industry for eight months, Gadsby’s, the family business, is my first experience of the trade. I was a business consultant in London and moved home due to my father’s ill health, to join Gadsbys, which was established in 1884 and we’ve owned for five years. My father also owns a jewellery wholesale business, so I’ve grown up around jewellery.
“In-house training is hands-on learning from the combined experience of over 90 years in the shop. So the JET programme is so invaluable to someone like me – I can build a more in-depth knowledge and pick up new facts to share with the rest of the team.
“I’ve always had a passion for jewellery, and being surrounded by it daily has been quite testing on my wage slip! I did a lot of research into the course topics but I always chose a piece of jewellery in the shop to study and use as an example for my research.
The assignments on the four Cs and diamonds have really been invaluable to me. I’d absolutely recommend JET to others, especially newcomers like me.
Jennifer Godson
“I found the final assignment on the Victorian ring restoration enjoyable as we sell a lot of pre-owned jewellery and buy in a lot of interesting pieces. The hallmarking assignment also aided my ability in being able to date these pieces, although I also found this the most challenging.
“The course has been extremely useful. In my starting months I tended to pass over high-end sales, particularly engagement rings, to more experienced staff to ensure the customer received the right information and guidance. But I now have the confidence to take a customer through this journey myself. The assignments on the four Cs and diamonds have really been invaluable to me. I’d absolutely recommend JET to others, especially newcomers like me. We’re here to provide not only a service for customers, but also expertise.
“I want to continue progressing through JET to further my knowledge. When I have more experience I’d also like to take CAT as a first step to fuelling my interest in jewellery appraisal. I’d like to thank all the staff at Gadsbys who very generously passed on their knowledge and experience… particularly our manager, Debbie.”
Jennifer Godson