Awards & Qualifications

• Qualified Gemmologist (2010)
• Qualified Jeweller (2008)
• Finalist – ACT Apprentice of the Year (2008)
• Cert. III with Distinction in Jewellery-Trade (Manufacturing) (2006)

Biography

“I first knew I wanted to be a jeweller when I was 13 years old. I accompanied my grandmother, Kathleen, on a shopping expedition and one of the day’s errands was to drop her worn, decrepit rings in to the jeweller to have them refurbished. We all sat down at a stylish table and they began discussing the finer details of the whole process. The jeweller began sketching and refining his ideas until both parties were very happy with the new design.  What felt like a couple of weeks later, we went back to pick up the rings and I was absolutely amazed at the difference. The new set had characteristics of the original rings, so the sentimental value was still there, but they looked stylish, full of life and ready to be worn for another 40 years. Kath was thrilled and I was enthralled. I wanted to be able to do that for people, to see the same satisfaction and joy on their faces as we showed on ours that day.” -Venetia Major

At 17, Venetia’s ambition to become a jeweller was fortified by attending a handful of short-courses in jewellery manufacture. At around the same time, she commenced a position in a large jewellery store as a Sales Consultant, learning a great deal over the 2 years she spent there.

In 2003, Venetia was lucky enough to complete a work experience placement with Vangeli Manufacturing Jewellers and in 2004 she undertook an apprenticeship in the field of jewellery manufacture at Diamond Ring Designs in Canberra. The year 2006 saw the completion of her Cert. III in Jewellery – Trade with Distinction from Enmore Design Centre, Sydney.

Venetia was a Finalist for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ in the 2008 A.C.T. Training Excellence Awards and later that year she completed her apprenticeship and became a fully qualified jeweller.

In 2010, Venetia completed a 2-year Diploma in Gemmology course with the Gemmological Association of Australia and is now a qualified gemmologist.

Testimonials

Dear Venetia
I would like to reiterate, thank you very much for your efforts with my daughter’s birthday present. I am sorry that you had very little time, but then the end product betrayed nothing of that restricted timeframe. On the contrary, it showed your ability to produce wonderful synergistic artwork and a professional quality in the end product, under pressure.
You handled the commission exceptionally well and Cally is very well pleased with her present.
Thanks again and best wishes,
Stephen Pogson,  15th February 2011

Dear Venetia

I cannot thank you enough for the most beautiful eternity ring.  The effort you went to with my husband to create such a perfect design for me was truly touching.  Nothing was too hard and you were able to know exactly how it would look and fit even through my swollen pregnancy fingers.  The pink sapphires and emeralds sit so perfectly inside the gold and I still continue to stare at it everyday.  Thank you for creating something so beautiful for me to wear.  I love it.     – Juliette Major

Venetia