The Number One Question I Get Asked When People Find Out My Job

As an independent jewellery designer and maker based in Christchurch, there’s one question that I can guarantee I’ll be asked whenever someone finds out what I do for a living: "How did you get into jewellery making??"

It's a story that began back in 2009 in my all-time favourite city in the world, London.

My journey into the world of jewellery started unexpectedly. At the time, I was part-way through a two year OE and working front-of-house in a gastropub in South Kensington. I had dreamed of living in London since I was a teen, and my time there did not disappoint. Surrounded by history, culture and arts, with countless European cities just a cheap Ryanair flight away. Working hard and playing hard with new friends from all over the world - it was one of the best times of my life.

No visit to London is complete without a photo outside the Palace

My days off work were spent exploring the city and soaking up the bustling atmosphere. I distinctly remember one particular day when I was walking through the eclectic streets of Covent Garden. I stumbled across a bric-a-brac store, filled to the brim with an assortment of treasures. Among the items, a tray of old belt buckles caught my eye. I rummaged through them and was drawn to a slim, beaten-up buckle with a simple leaf design.

Now, I’m not one for the woo-woo but in that moment, I had an epiphany that changed the whole trajectory of my life. I looked at that buckle in my hand, wondering what I could do with it, how I could use it to create something, and a sudden realisation ran through my mind: “I want to be a jeweller”.

This thought was completely unexpected. I had always been creative and enjoyed making things in my spare time. I even had a short-lived side-hustle in my teens, making origami crane earrings that I sold on Trade Me. But I had gone through school as teacher's pet and top of the class, and had never considered a career in the creative field let alone starting a creative small business.

 As it happened, at the time I was thinking about taking up some kind of hobby as a distraction from the long winter nights. That day, I went back to my flatshare and researched jewellery-making courses in London. I found an evening course at the Vanetta Seecharan Jewellery School, signed up and started soon after.

Those early days of making jewellery were filled with enthusiasm and a bit of improvisation. I remember removing the drawers from my bedside table so that I could use the wooden frame to attach a saw peg. I used to sit on the floor in my room and saw through perspex to make my bold (and pretty wacky) earring designs that I look at in a half-affectionate, half-"what were you thinking?!" way today. It wasn't the smartest setup from a health and safety perspective, but I was completely hooked and loving this creative outlet.

Two of the first pairs of earrings that I made during my time in London

As my working holiday visa was nearing its expiration and my return to NZ was looming, I had a decision to make - either get a sensible job using the communications degree that I had completed before heading off on my OE, or take the leap and follow the path that my heart was telling me to follow.

So I chose the latter. From my flat in London, I researched institutes in New Zealand that offered jewellery courses and ultimately chose Unitec in Auckland. I had a Skype interview with the main jewellery tutor (who ended up being my good friend and business partner). I returned home to Christchurch and, two weeks later, made the move to Auckland to begin my three year Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts, majoring in Contemporary Jewellery. And the rest is history. (Oh, and if you're wondering what happened to that belt buckle, I bought it and made a pendant with a stamp from a letter that my parents sent to me.)

That fateful belt buckle

Reflecting on my journey, I'm reminded that you never know which decisions, no matter how small, will change your life. It's a testament to the importance of taking chances and following your instincts. If I hadn't started that jewellery course 15 years ago in Islington, who knows what I would be doing now?

I am incredibly grateful for that time in my life and for the experiences that led me to where I am now. Today, I have the privilege of creating jewellery that I love, for people who love wearing it. It's a dream come true, and it all started with a simple belt buckle in a tiny London shop.

So, the next time you find yourself wondering about a new passion or considering a seemingly small decision, remember my story. You never know where it might lead.

I hope that you enjoyed reading about how my jewellery journey began. I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts so please feel free to share below!

 Aurelium jewellery is designed and handmade by Laura Naik in her Christchurch studio. Read more about her work and the ethos behind her minimalist everyday jewellery HERE.