Rebecca Share
Rebecca Share studied at Birmingham City University and is now the Jewellery Manager at The Fine Jewellery Company in Birmingham:
What course did you choose to study at Birmingham City University and why?
I decided to study at Birmingham City University because it is the best place in the UK to study when it comes to gemmology and jewellery! Birmingham is so vibrant and exciting when it comes to jewellery. The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham is the epicentre of jewellery manufacture for the UK and really inspiring. It's full of independent jewellery makers and experts!
When you started university, did you have a career path in mind?
At the time of doing my course at Birmingham City University, I was already working within the jewellery industry. So, undoubtedly, working with jewellery has always been my passion. I spent my 21st birthday trailing Bond Street in London and I'll always remember the opportunity to try on a £650,000 10.02ct Canary Yellow Diamond in Calleija and thinking, I could get used to this! I walked past Boodles and it really stood out for being so contemporary and interesting and I thought this is the future of jewellery! I want to be part of this!
Since graduating what industry experience have you gained/what projects have you been working on?
Since graduation, I've built up a wealth of experience because I've worked across the board. I've had the opportunity to work in everything from diamond dealing to gemstone testing! I've used that experience and expertise to become The Jewellery Manager of two online Jewellery stores - The Fine Jewellery Company and The Jewellers!
What is your current job role and what does it involve?
My current role is Jewellery Manager for TheFineJewelleryCompany.com and TheJewellers.com. We offer a huge range of jewellery online, ranging from genuine antique pieces to modern British designers. Having been involved since day one, I have worked on everything from website design, stock acquisition, cataloguing the jewellery, going to auction... a whole myriad of roles! My day to day can vary massively - I'm very rarely doing the same thing twice.
Do you have any tips for current students about ‘life after graduation’?
Make sure that you follow your ambitions and go for what you want. It is such a varied industry, there is so much room for creativity and individuality. A lot of people are looking for something different and personal when it comes to jewellery!..Get as much experience as you can while you are on your course.
What are your aspirations for the future?
A dream of mine would to be go and work for De Beer's in Canada! I'd love to move there and work in the underwater mining operations! Aside from that, my aspirations are to grow The Jewellers and The Fine Jewellery Company and work towards their continued success.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Without a doubt it has to be being part of the team that has helped to build The Fine Jewellery Company. I was brought in right from the start, and it's really impressive to see how fast it has grown in such a short space of time.The business is thriving, it's a really exciting time and I am proud to be a part of that.
What advice would you give to students thinking to apply for your course?
Again, I would say to try and work in the jewellery industry alongside your course if you can. It's really important to try and get as much experience as you can and that will stand you in good stead for the future, and help you to hone in on your craft! Especially in the Jewellery Quarter, there are a lot of independent jewellery makers and loose gem dealers where you can gain vital hands on experience that will go a long way!
How have your studies supported your professional development?
Without my courses at BCU I'd have never been able to follow the path I have taken. There are only a few places in the UK where you can study Gemmology and the FGA, DGA are really highly regarded. You can use them anywhere in the world...
See what courses the School of Jewellery have to offer.