Vivian Watson - Author, Gemmologist, Jeweller

14 - Jessica de Lotz - Designer-Maker

Jess has a shop and workshop in Kentish Town and uses the workshops of Hatton Garden as well.  She graduated from Central Saint Martins and went straight into making her signature style of jewellery, full of personal meaning and symbolism.  She talks about several highly successful collaborations she has had over the years including one to commemorate the death of Frida Kahlo which ended up with her work being shown in the Museo Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya in Mexico.     We covered:   Central Saint Martins and early work Making jewellery for death Crests, Seals and Monograms Frida Kahlo collaboration Emily Johnson & an amazing coincidence The power of writing letters Daughter of an antiquarian book seller! Is your work quintessentially English? House of the Dragon collaboration Comic Con Taking inspiration from old jewellery Taking inspiration from other jewellers, or not Taking on interns and nurturing other jewellers Balancing work and children How Jess builds deep relationships with her customers Has 'storytelling' become hackneyed?

Vivian Watson - Author, Gemmologist, Jeweller

Vivian Watson is the author of How Did Our Garden Grow?  The History of Hatton Garden.  It is a fantastic read, rich with facts from the history of the street and human stories from the people that inhabited it.  Our conversation covered some highlights from the book, general reflections on the world of fine jewellery manufacturing and life in Hatton Garden. Instagram: @hattongardenpodcast

Jonathan Weissbart & Sapir Rabinowitz

S Weissbart is one of the longest running and best known diamond dealers on Hatton Garden.  I sat down with Jonathan and Sapir to talk.   We covered: How Jonathan got into the Trade. Stepping into the family business. Saul Weissbart. Diamond jokes and intro songs. The appro system and its vulnerabilities. Challenges facing the diamond industry. The Responsible Jewellery Council. How the trade has changed over the years. What diamonds still excite Jonathan. Diamonds essential to the story of Hatton Garden. Closing thoughts.

Harrison Beasant - Jewellery Designer

In this episode I most enjoyed the enthusiasm and drive that Harrison Beasant has for his work.  Harrison is an up and coming jewellery designer in Hatton Garden.  Originally a graduate of the Goldsmiths' Centre Foundation program, he then spent time as an apprentice in a traditional workshop.  His work carries the hallmarks of both approaches and I'm excited to see where he goes.   Enjoy!   We covered: How Harrison got into jewellery making. The Goldsmiths' Centre Foundation program. How Geoff got into the jewellery trade. Finding his own style as a maker. An ambitious engagement ring commission that he is working on. A pair of earrings that Geoff designed. The creative process. Collaboration with Lorenzo OG. Collaboration with the fashion designer Wisnel. Grillz. Experimental materials. Harrison's new mens' jewellery brand Monarch. Engagement rings. Designing with lab grown diamonds. Visions for the future of Hatton Garden.

Peter Hofer - Bespoke Jeweller

I enjoyed Peter's infectious enthusiasm for fine jewellery and hearing about his experiences with Bvulgari in Rome.  We spoke about:L   How Peter was encouraged into the trade by his mother and a family friend. The importance of experience in manufacturing. The joy and stress of working with high value gemstones. The art of designing bespoke pieces for clients. Timeless design. Rome, Bulgari, Cartier and the Duchess of Windsor. The London skyline. Hatton Garden and the West End. A culture of excellence. Hatton Garden village. The recent, darker side of Hatton Garden. The plight of diamond cutters in Surat. Historic diamond cutting centres. Some great characters of the trade.