A Letter From the Founder, Kassandra Lauren Gordon

Working in the jewellery industry can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be tricky. I had an unconventional route into the industry. I wasn't born into the industry, I didn't work in a workshop, and I didn't go to university for jewellery or become an apprentice. After completing my jewellery courses, I found it difficult to find a job or get anyone to talk to me about getting started in the real world of jewellery. I couldn't ask any production questions, and people didn't seem to want to talk to me about jewellery.

It was a very depressing time. I had spent a lot of time and money learning my bench skills and taking jewellery courses, but I felt like I was hitting a brick wall. I sent out over 300 emails to people in the industry, begging for someone to talk to me. Finally, one person responded and offered to meet me for coffee. He gave me some good advice and introduced me to some people in the jewellery business. The rest is history.

It only took one person to spend an hour with me to change my life. If it hadn't been for him, I would have probably quit. The Jewellery Collective is designed to help people like me. It's a place where people can ask questions, share experiences, feel heard, and feel part of a community. We also support independent, small jewellery businesses, the people who often work on their own.

I hope that The Jewellery Collective will make it easier for people to break into the jewellery industry. I want to create a space where people can feel supported and encouraged. I want people to know that they're not alone, and that there are people who are willing to help them succeed.