These Hands | Natalie
These Hands belong to our talented jeweller, Natalie. You'll always find Natalie smiling and searching for wonderful moments in the everyday, no matter how big or small. She is always willing to learn from those around her and master her craft, now its your turn to learn from her. Get to know Natalie below...
Who do these hands belong to?
Natalie, Jeweller.
What is your role at Natalie Marie Jewellery and how long have you been on the team?
I work predominantly on the online orders, with Ashleigh and Lea, but I also help out on the odd occasion with bespoke and developing new collections. I joined the team in February 2019.
"I never want to stop learning - so I'm always up for challenging myself by trying something I haven't done before! I loved learning how to micro pave set last year, and I'm still perfecting it."
Describe a typical day for you?
The day normally starts out with polishing some pieces that have been set, so they are ready to be sent to the customer. Then I start working on the online orders which are given to me by the manager, Madi. I love that we have so many pieces on offer that no two days are the same.
What is your most treasured piece of jewellery?
My engagement ring. My husband asked my mentor, who is a master jeweller from Hong Kong, to make it for me so it's extremely sentimental.
What is your favourite Natalie Marie Jewellery piece?
I love the Rose Ring and the Dotted Mana Necklace.
When did you first come across Natalie Marie Jewellery?
When my sister bought me the cloud ear jacket for my 30th birthday.
Where would we find you on the weekend? How would you unwind?
I live in the Inner West so I love spending the weekend close to home. Starting off with a sleep-in and a coffee with my husband at the cafe across the road from our house. I love walking to Newtown, having a few glasses of red wine and chilling on the couch with my dog and cat.
Coffee or tea? How do you take it?
Coffee, usually a strong almond flat white or a long black. Then when I've had too many I switch to herbal tea!
Beach, City or Mountains?
The beach, for sure. I try to get to Avalon Beach for lunch breaks as often as possible!
Favourite holiday destination?
Japan - I've been twice and would love to visit again.
What advice would you give to anyone considering to be a jeweller?
Find yourself a mentor! Find a master jeweller willing to train you how to handmake jewellery, willing to pass on knowledge and answer questions. Practice all you can and make sure you set yourself up at home to do so.
What inspires you?
People inspire me the most. Those who have an energy and passion for their career and pass on knowledge to others, jewellers who never stop learning, friends who start a new career at 30, managers who always strive to make the workplace better, people who make a conscious effort to better themselves, and people who strive to achieve goals even when others don't believe in them. I feel encouraged to better myself, to make sure I'm living a life that I love, and not wasting it.
What are you currently reading?
'Boys Will Be Boys' by Clementine Ford.
Describe your perfect day…
A day with no plans so I can do whatever I feel like.
Describe yourself in 5 words…
Patient, active, joyful, extroverted introvert.
What kind of challenges do you like to set yourself in life?
I never want to stop learning - so I'm always up for challenging myself by trying something I haven't before! I loved learning how to micro pave set last year, and i'm still perfecting it. I'd love to learn other types of setting and I'm always keen to learn more jewellery techniques. Outside of work - Yoga is a never ending challenge of poses that I may never be able to do!
What is your favourite daily ritual?
Going to morning yoga at Jivamukti.
What are you most grateful for?
The incredible people I have in my life. My husband who allows me to be the best version of myself, my beautiful, supporting and fun family, my close friendship groups and this crazy bunch of workmates I'm so lucky to have found.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I think it was the teaching of learning to accept change. I spent so much of my childhood trying to hold on to things and wanting everything to remain the same. Only when I started to accept change as a positive thing in my life did I really start to embrace it.
"Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they're meant to be" - B.K.S Iyengar
What is your least known talent?
I'm pretty good at lip reading!
What is on your wish list right now?
Another overseas holiday to anywhere I haven't been yet – even if I have one planned i'm ready to plan another.
What is your favourite gemstone?
Sapphires, in all the colours, especially pinks, purples and deep Aussie blues.
"I spent so much of my childhood trying to hold on to things and wanting everything to remain he same. Only when I started to accept change as a positive thing in my life did I really started to embrace it."
"My engagement ring is my most treasured piece of jewellery. My husband asked my mentor, who is a master of jeweller from Hong Kong, to make it for me so it's extremely sentimental."
Photography: @Tealily
