Jacks Design
Jacks is one of the UK’s top emerging talents in contemporary jewellery design. Having completed a BA Hons in jewellery in the mid 1990s, she went to work for a top name in the jewellery design industry for eight years before launching her first independent collection.
Working primarily in 18ct gold and platinum, Jacks combines conventional goldsmithing and stone setting techniques with the latest in computer-aided design technology to create distinctly modern pieces that compliment both the contemporary and the traditional. Each piece is hand finished and set by Jacks to her exceptionally high standard. Her work is characterised by clean lines, simplicity and elegance and her style has been nationally recognised with awards such as the prestigious ‘Design Innovation Award’ for her work in platinum.
Based in Bristol, Jacks is happy to take on commissions for unique, one-off pieces and works closely with her clients to produce that extra special item.
Qualifications
2005 Short course in CAD/CAM Jewelcad Advanced.
School of Jewellery, Birmingham. 2005 Short course in CAD/CAM Jewelcad Intermediate.
School of Jewellery, Birmingham.
2005 Short course in Book Keeping.
Brave Enterprise, Bristol.
2005 Short course in CAD/CAM Jewelcad Beginners.
School of Jewellery, Birmingham.
2004 Short course in Platinum Masterclass.
School of Jewellery, Birmingham.
2003 Short course in Advanced Jewellery making Techniques.
Sir John Cass College, London.
2002 Short course in Advanced Stone Setting.
School of Jewellery, Birmingham.
1992 Business training course in setting up in business.
Birmingham.
Education
1988-1991 BA (Hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery, University of Central England
1986-1988 BTEC General Art and Design, Trowbridge Technical College
1981-1986 6 O’Levels including Maths and English, Clarendon Comprehensive, Trowbridge
Experience
2005-2006 Work Part-time at Bloomsbury in Bath, a contemporary jewellery shop.1996-2004 Workshop Manager at Diana Porters Jewellery Company.
I was responsible for the overall planning and management of the workshop, delegating and supervising work as appropriate. The main areas were as follows:
• Planning of the business with owner and Business Manager.
• Running of the workshop from completing stock orders on time, to maintaining quality control, to maintenance of equipment to health and safety standards.
• Personnel including staff recruitment, appraisals, training and overall welfare of the staff.
• Jewellery making was to be of an exceptionally high standard in silver, gold and platinum. I produced the original models and worked on the new designs along with the designer. I was responsible for the setting of the bigger stones and the one off commissions.Jan-Sept 96 Habitat, Bristol
Part-time Sales assistant.
1991-1995 Birmingham Assay Office
Part-time hallmarker.
1991-1995 Self Employed
Metalsmith/Jeweller
Awards
2005 Winner of the Platinum Design Award 2005.Other Skills/Interests1991-1995 Taught Jewellery and Silversmithing classes at Midland Arts Centre and Midwarwickshire College of Art, Leamington Spa.
1992 Gave demonstrations at Avoncroft Museum in the Midlands, showing the general use of old forging tools and techniques.
1994 Commissioned by TVG Ltd to design and make the Birmingham Centre Award for the best Independent Production 1994 in Television.