Qualifications
GIA AJP Accredited Jewellery Professional with a BA (Hons) degree in Dramatic Arts.
How long have you been at Gemporia, and how long have you been a presenter?
“I’ve been a presenter at Gemporia for 17 years now!”
What is your earliest Gemporia memory?
“Presenting live for my audition with the beautiful Lynn Jinks 17 years ago! She’s a long-time friend - I’ll never forget how kind and encouraging she was.
“I had to present a Ruby ring - I think I was so nervous that I misheard the director and said ‘prawn setting’ instead of ‘prong setting’!
“It was weirdly nerve racking and fun at the same time, but it felt right. The rest, as they say, is history.”
What is your favourite gemstone and why?
“At the moment, I have two - Diamonds and Aquaprase. Diamonds because they just radiate sparkling beauty wherever you go, and Aquaprase because of its unique character.
“Aquaprase is so different to any other stone - it’s a symbol of perfection within imperfection, and it’s magnetic beauty as a microcosm of our planet Earth is hard to resist.”
Who do you admire the most and why?
“David Attenborough. I believe he has been such a huge catalyst for the change in our behaviour towards our planet and each other. He has told the story of our planet like no other, and the light and knowledge he has shared with us all will go down in history.
“His curiosity and inquisitive mind and passion for our planet, his sense of adventure, his respect for life, his humility, integrity and resilience are just some of the many traits I admire in a person. He is a reminder that our time on this planet is short lived, and we should be kinder to each other and our Earth.”
What is your favourite place in the world and why?
“My home and my garden! I love where we live on the edge of the Cotswolds, with our beautiful English countryside on our doorstep - I feel so lucky to be able to appreciate it.
“Our home is where my children laugh and play. It’s where we dine with friends and family, it’s where I can bake brownies or create art with the children. It’s where I can nurture my garden, and play the piano, and watch my family grow - it’s where I have built the happiest memories.
“I long to travel back to Mexico one day, too. It’s one of the most vibrant, colourful places I’ve ever visited. Its people, its beaches, and its incredible biodiversity, from cenotes to jungle to beaches to an ocean rich with life.
“It’s certainly a place I long to visit again one day, but my number one is my home.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
“Champagne, Dairylea on crackers and binge watching the occasional series on Netflix late at night.
“But I don’t feel guilty at all - is that wrong!?”
What was your dream job growing up?
“I had many! A creative child at heart, I was inspired by art, fashion and music. I went from wanting to be a story writer to a concert pianist to an actress to a composer for film and television.
“But I also loved all things sparkly, so I guess I landed the dream job that I never imagined!”
What advice would you give for choosing a piece of jewellery?
“Always go with your gut instinct. If you love it, then it was destined to be yours!
“Choosing jewellery is a very personal thing. It is often a reflection of your personality, and your experiences throughout life. It’s like an extension of you, and the beauty of choosing a piece of jewellery is that it doesn’t have to follow any fashion trends.
“If you feel any connection to it, whether that be colour, symbol, style or cut, or it’s simply a reminder of a happy memory, it was destined to be yours.”
What quote/motto do you like to live by?
“I am what I am because I believe in all possibilities.”
