Lisa Spence

Course studied at BCU: BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies
Company: Richard Winterton Auctioneers

Can you tell us a bit about your job at Richard Winterton Auctioneers?

My role is within the jewellery department and I help identify, describe and catalogue pieces of jewellery for up and coming sales. We also offer other services such as valuations on items.

Which particular elements of your BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery studies degree is utilised most in your job?

Identification of gemstones.

What particular strengths of yours help you to succeed within your job?

I think my main strength is my willingness to learn new things and taking the information on board. The best tool I have at the moment is a pen and pad, I write all the new information within my pad for future reference.

Can you tell us about something memorable, exciting or challenging that you have experienced at work?

Some of the exciting things I have experienced so far, holding a £30,000 sapphire necklace and trying it on like it was mine. Meeting lots of people, having the TV show Bargain Hunt come here to film - the list goes on! Some of the challenging experiences are items I have never seen before which I guess is also exciting at the same time, but there seems to always be someone around to help.