I am a Gemologist and antique jewellery specialist at Courtville – Antique and Vintage Jewellers.  I am tasked with showcasing a remarkable array of historical pieces, ranging from ancient Viking jewellery to elegant posy rings from the 16th century. My role involves not just sales but also educating clients on the provenance of these exquisite items, drawing on my vast expertise in gemstone identification and my keen understanding of cultural and historical significance. 

This journey has been a blend of personal growth, professional development, and embracing opportunities. It’s about taking risks, remaining ambitious, and always being ready to learn and adapt. In the end, it’s not just about selling jewellery; it’s about understanding the art of the trade and the nuances of human connections.

Growing Up

I grew up in Australia, the youngest of three girls. My mum is from Whanganui and dad is English but they met and married in Australia. We didn’t grow up in Australia alone and my grandfather moved his whānau of nine children to Australia at the same time.  Growing up, my life was a whirlwind of family, laughter, and the loving chaos only a big, close-knit family can provide. 

The most significant influences in my life were my mum and her six sisters. Discipline and responsibility were also part of our family ethos. My mum and aunties didn’t just raise me; they taught me the value of hard work and contributing to the family. This sense of family extended beyond our home, creating a built-in Māori community in Australia. Our household was a microcosm of this larger community, where values of kinship, sharing, and mutual support were not just ideals but everyday realities. 

I remember this one hilarious incident at a family gathering. My fringe was getting annoyingly long, constantly falling into my eyes. One of my aunties noticed this and decided to take matters into her own hands – literally. She grabbed a pair of scissors and started snipping away. But, of course, it wasn’t straight. So, another auntie tried to fix it, and another, until my fringe was practically at the top of my head. It took me six months to grow it back.

We maintained strong ties back home and our family’s connection to our cultural roots was tirelessly nurtured by my mother. Despite owning land and having strong familial ties, the rapid cultural evolution made her feel increasingly detached. My great-great-great-grandmother Pukepuke Tangiora’s legacy in securing land rights for our family in Aotearoa is a testament to our deep-rooted cultural ties.

Steadfast Beginnings

My mother was the cornerstone of our upbringing, instilling in us the belief that we could achieve anything. Her fierce faith in us went beyond academics; sports were equally important. We all played state-level basketball, and our dad, treating us more like sons, taught us to fish, camp, hike, and surf. In our home, there were no ‘girl jobs’ or ‘boy jobs’; we were raised without limits. This foundation led us to diverse and successful careers. My sister Krystal became an assistant principal and head of science, while Celeste in Hawaii balances a family of five with a career at Hawaiian Airlines, armed with a master’s in business. Our cousins have also branched into various fields, from entrepreneurship to healthcare. We were nurtured to dream big and pursue any path.

This ethos of limitless potential has been the bedrock of our success. My mother’s unwavering support has been a guiding force, teaching us that the sky’s the limit. Her influence has been invaluable in shaping our lives.

My trip to Mexico at nine years old profoundly impacted me, igniting a lifelong interest in gemstones and jewellery design. Despite being too young for the school’s exchange programme to Mexico City, my mother’s advocacy and insistence on my maturity and capability won me a place. I spent six incredible weeks there, immersed in the local culture and living with a host family.

In Texaco, known as Silver City for its renowned jewellery craftsmanship, I stayed with a host family who introduced me to a local jeweller. There, I designed a special crescent moon bracelet for my mum. The jeweller offered me the chance to select the gemstones myself, which was an exciting and novel experience. I carefully rummaged through a bucket of gemstones, choosing the perfect ones for the bracelet. Surprisingly, the bracelet, which cost only about 50 AUD, was later valued at 1,500 AUD in 1996, highlighting my early knack for recognising gemstone value. This experience ignited my passion for jewellery, and the bracelet remains a treasured and symbolic item for my mum, embodying the unique experience and adventures it has witnessed.

Educational Journeys: From Bright Beginnings to Testing Times

I went to this amazing school in Cockatoo, Australia where education stretched far beyond the traditional confines of a classroom and I thrived. Our school was a canvas of modernist art, and we were the artists. We didn’t just learn about art; we lived it, breathing life into clay, spinning it into shapes and forms that were as unique as each of us. The school was nestled within an arboretum, and we were the caretakers, learning the delicate balance of nature firsthand. I loved every moment at this school because of its broad spectrum of education. They aimed to cater to every interest, every passion. It was freedom personified – a place where minds were nurtured to think freely and creatively.

High school was a stark contrast to my earlier years, marked more by concerns for personal safety than academic challenges. The atmosphere felt unsafe, with teachers seemingly unprepared to protect us, leaving me and my sisters feeling vulnerable. Despite the diverse student body, including Mauritian, Filipino, Egyptian, and Indian backgrounds, we were all indiscriminately categorised as ‘brown’ by peers and teachers, leading to a sense of isolation.

Academically, I excelled, with my grades keeping me in school when others were forced out. My ability to maintain high performance frustrated some teachers who appeared to want me gone. This academic resilience was my defence in an environment where I felt constantly besieged. During this time, my parents’ divorce added to the complexity of my life. Eventually, I moved to Queensland with my mother, finding solace in its larger Polynesian community and a more welcoming atmosphere, though subtle racism persisted.

My approach to education was pragmatic. I viewed it as a series of steps leading to my ultimate goal. So, when graduation came around, I was already en route to Japan, my mind set on bigger things. For me, life was about connecting the dots and making calculated leaps towards the future.  Interestingly, I tied for the highest grade in my school, but I didn’t receive the joint dux honour. Frankly, it didn’t bother me; I was already focused on what lay ahead. 

Professional Pathways

My sister, Krystal, was living in Ireland and invited me to live with her. I had a list of experiences like riding London’s double-decker buses and visiting European landmarks on my list so with my British passport, I left Australia. Soon after, Krystal found a newspaper ad for a weekend jewellery assistant in a family store in Limerick and with her encouragement, I applied and got an interview. What started as a temporary part-time position quickly turned into a full-time job. My work caught the attention of the area manager, who, after noticing a positive shift in the store’s performance, offered me a position in Dublin. This move was significant – it meant being hours away from my sister, but it also opened doors to further education in gemology. In Dublin, I started my journey as a gemologist, a path I hadn’t foreseen but embraced wholeheartedly. 

This path wasn’t just about career progression; it was about seizing opportunities and following my instincts. 

After returning to Australia to care for my sick mother, I utilised my European experience to work in a prestigious company. Despite the challenges of a strict workplace and the lack of diversity, this period was a significant learning experience.  Back in Europe, my first year in London involved diverse sales roles, handling everything from mediaeval artefacts to 1970s signed jewels. My tenure saw me grow in expertise, particularly in gem and metal identification, leading to industry recognition and opportunities. Access to a rare book library significantly contributed to my self-education and professional growth, helping me transition from an assistant to a key industry player. While in London I joined Ngāti Rānana which was transformative, offering a deep connection with my Māori heritage and a sense of belonging. This experience emphasised the value of cultural identity and authenticity in representing our heritage on an international stage.

Gemologist and Antique Jewellery Specialist at Courtville

My current role emerged from an intriguing opportunity with a new startup. The founder, Matthew Weldon, was establishing his foothold in the industry, and I saw potential in his vision. I left London to join his venture, bringing my expertise and a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to the table.

Our approach to the jewellery business is innovative. We focus on international markets, understanding the nuances of different regions, and curating collections to sell at a higher value where they’re most appreciated. This strategy has proven successful, and our business has been thriving for four years. When the lockdown hit, we pivoted to online trading to conduct business. This adaptability was not just a response to the pandemic but a testament to our entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of the jewellery business’s evolving landscape.

My role involves more than just trading jewellery; it’s about understanding the art of negotiation, the value of networking, and the importance of being adaptable in an ever-changing market. It’s a journey that has taught me the importance of taking risks, staying dedicated, and continuously striving for growth in both personal and professional spheres.

Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve realised the critical importance of recognising one’s worth and challenging self-imposed limitations. These insights have been crucial in shaping my understanding of professional value and advocacy. 

It’s not enough to work hard and hope for recognition; it’s about actively asserting your worth and fighting for it.

I’ve learned that hard work must be paired with self-advocacy and understanding of the professional landscape to ensure fair compensation and recognition. In a field where women are underrepresented, I’ve navigated my path largely independently, discovering that true career fulfilment comes from passion-driven work. This passion makes my job feel less like work and more like a pursuit of joy.

With time, I’ve recognised the need to use my education and experiences to inspire change and create opportunities for others. Experiencing sexism and racism first hand has underscored the urgency for greater inclusivity and representation in professional fields.  These experiences have taught me resilience, the importance of authenticity, and the value of a supportive community. They have been both challenging and empowering, shaping me into who I am today.