I first discovered the work of Claire Gent when I spotted one of my friends wearing an eye-catching cuff on her wrist. The design drawn onto the cuff was hauntingly delicate, and yet the cuff was quite large. Something about the juxtaposition of those two elements really intrigued me. I was extremely lucky to receive one for my birthday, which I have to keep removing from my little girl's reach. Maybe now that she has her own too, she'll stop stealing mine?!
Anyway, I had the utmost pleasure of interviewing Claire for my series on Dartmoor's business community.
Why did you become a jewellery designer/maker?
I used to work as a lighting designer and always loved handmade jewellery, but couldn't afford it. I decided to learn how to make it, did a course and for the first five or six years it was a hobby. It was only when I was really in need of a new challenge in my day job that I decided to pursue being a professional jewellery designer/maker.
Where do you work?
Partly in my dining room and partly in my tiny workshop.
How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a professional jewellery designer/maker?
I think it is well worth doing some training to get the basics, but then you can learn a huge amount from books and online tutorial videos. Jewellery is such a vast subject that you can just keep learning for your entire career. I don't think you need to worry about qualifications if you work for yourself, but if you were seeking employment it would probably be a good idea.
How long have you been a professional jewellery designer/maker?
I've been making for about ten years now, but I set up my own business when my little boy came along. It's almost four years since I posted my first product online.
Which galleries have you worked with?
I had some pieces in the Natural History Museum earlier this year, and I've been with Made in Bristol, NH2 (Nicola Hurst, Plymouth), Baxters (Dartmouth) and Franny & Filer (Manchester).
Who else works with you?
My only colleagues are my cats, and they're not especially helpful ! I really enjoy the Ladies Networking Group (held at Tavistock Enterprise Hub). It’s great to chat with others who are also often working alone or from home and gain their input/perspective of my business.
What is involved in being a jewellery designer/maker? How does your day usually unfold?
I walk my son to school, walk back up the hill and then usually check my emails before heading into the workshop. Some days I don't even stop for lunch as I need to get as much done as possible before it's time to go and pick him up again. I tend to spend my evenings packing things up for posting, doing social media, marketing, sales and sometimes ironing resists onto cuffs.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
You need to be very comfortable about working alone, because it can get lonely. The work itself can also be quite repetitive. Running your own business means being prepared for all of the other stuff such as admin, photography, marketing, customer service, sales as well as basic book-keeping and ensuring your cash flow is under control.
What is the best thing about your job?
People wanting to buy my designs makes me feel really proud. I also love seeing a product through from the start of an idea, to a thumbnail drawing and then creating it, finishing with final photographs and sending it to its new home. It's really satisfying.
What is the best thing about working here on the edge of Dartmoor?
A lot of my jewellery is inspired by nature. I'm quite outdoorsy because of my son, and even just on our walks to and from the school gate I see things that inspire me, especially the silhouettes of trees and the colours of the moor.
Where do you see your future career going?
Well, I love Orla Kiely and I'd love to get involved in designing my own homewares, using patterns and illustrations.