About Allison

My training

I have been making Jewellery for about 18 years now. Originally from England, I studied for four years at the Kent Institute of Art and Design. In 1993, I graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture and Design.

My main achievements

One of my proudest achievements at college was first prize in a national competition - The Goldsmiths Craftsmanship and Design Awards. My winning design was for a necklace based on the idea of cocktails; it featured a bi-coloured tourmaline, enamels and diamonds. As part of the prize I won the materials to manufacture the necklace. It was a real challenge to make. It is on display at our studio in Nelson and although it creates a lot of interest, it’s not for sale!

My work experience

After a successful last year at college, I was offered a career opportunity as a designer for Elizabeth Gage (a reputable London Goldsmith) Here, I worked for three years designing and illustrating jewellery for an elite client base from all over the world.

By 1998, however, the travel bug set in and I left London for pastures new. My travels eventually brought me to New Zealand, where I found a job in Queenstown as in-house jeweller for The Jade Factory.

I worked here for three years designing and manufacturing special one–off pieces using NZ greenstone with precious metals and other pacific gems, black pearls, blue pearls and opals.

I moved to Nelson four years later with the intention of working for myself. At first I shared a workshop with Yvon Smits at her home based business on Nile Street. After six months, we decided to form our partnership and set up Jewel Beetle. It was a decision I have never regretted.

I enjoy working with Yvon for many different reasons. She always has a different approach to me and as our business has evolved, I have observed how we’ve integrated our skills, developed them and capitalized on each others strengths. We both very much appreciate our traditional training and European working background and this standard has always driven us to achieve the utmost within our craft. There is always something new on the agenda and many new ways to “re-design the wheel”