Siobhan Frith, originally from the UK was drawn to the sunny lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast because it supported her interests in diving, fell running, and cycling.
Now a master jeweller, Siobhan spent the majority of her career working on handmade jewellery commissions as well as repair and restoration of antique jewellery in England. She also produces her own modern jewellery designs in her home based studio near Noosa.
Her training and career as a jewellery designer, started in England and involved the privilege of working with gifted and talented bench jewellers, and antique dealers who shared their vast knowledge of jewellery design techniques outside the confines of the modern day apprenticeship curriculum.
When I started my apprenticeship over 30 years ago I found myself at the bench with an elderly jeweller who had made original Art Deco pieces in the 1920s – it was pretty inspiring stuff!
Many apprenticeships focus on modern day techniques rather than on a complete biopsy of jewellery making techniques down the ages. By studying the way jewellery was made, from Roman times to the roaring twenties, and having day to day hands on experience with rare, valuable and even ancient pieces, Siobhan has gained a thorough understanding of how antique pieces were constructed so as to restore them without bringing in modernism.
Siobhan’s knowledge and skill set ensures her modern handmade jewellery commissions are crafted using traditional techniques so that they last a lifetime.
Siobhan believes that the learning never stops and it is this aspect of her trade that she especially enjoys.
