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Ashra
I’m a jewellery designer and a watch technician on a full time basis. I’ve been doing this awesome, niche career for over twenty years. Having the privilege of working in our long established jewellery business (closed 2002), I gained significant jewellery repair skills as well as perfecting a perfectly brewed tea with copious amounts of sugar.
I started a BA (Hons) course in Jewellery Design, Silversmithing & Allied Crafts at London Guildhall University (now London Metropolitan). I was supposed to graduate in 1997 but got delayed by a year as I got struck down with a terrible attack of bowel disease called Ulcerative Colitis. After having drastic emergency surgery, I was able to gain strength just in time to do the graduates show. Another operation delayed the graduation by a year.
Now that stormy seas are somewhat passed, I have to reflect on the impeccable nature, spirit and dedication of the entire NHS team that have treated and rehabilitated me. This was not only a physical challenge but a mental one also. If not for our gallant hero’s at the NHS, I most likely wouldn’t have been to appreciate my hobby and passion for jewellery and watches. My family have seen it all, the fear, the grief, the anxiety and the pain. But also they see the healing, the determination, and the triumph. I’ve been given a second chance and I’m going to take it with absolute conviction.
There will be many interesting jewellery concepts added from time to time. Remember, I’m also a watch tech so giving 100% of my time to jewellery is almost impossible. I’ve designed and managed this site myself which means site structure and photo’s is all me! My health will never be “firing on all cylinders” so please forgive me if I cant catch up with correspondence or updates. Feel free to get in touch with me about commissions or to enjoy a cup of tea, preferably the tea :)
Find a job you enjoy doing and you never have to work a day in your life. - Mark Twain