Store Assistant Turned High-End Jewellery Designer
Store assistant, Samina Begum, from Port Talbot, has had her dreams come true, thanks to her experiences working at Swansea’s Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds within the Quadrant Shopping Centre.
At just 27-years-old, she has designed the business’ newest limited edition fine jewellery collection titled ‘Daffodil Collection’, just in time for St David’s Day.
Each piece is hand enamelled, and include natural yellow diamonds, crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Read Samina’s story:
“I’ve loved drawing since I was a child, but I never thought I’d get paid to put pencil to paper, let alone have the chance to design high-end jewellery!
“I started working here when I was 21 and three years in, I realised that I wanted to put my creativity to the test and study the Design Crafts degree at UWTSD. It was a brilliant experience and made me realise how much I wanted to design jewellery for a living.
“After I graduated in 2021, Stephen Hughes himself approached me on my lunch break one day and said, “you can draw, can’t you?” He then started talking to me about the limited-edition range he wanted to create for the store; all focussed around “the daffodil”. I started sketching designs immediately and refined them over the coming months, before having my final design approved by Stephen.
“Fast forward 6 months and I can’t believe my designs can now be bought in store. It doesn’t feel real. There’s a ring, necklace, earrings and a pin within the collection – each of them 18ct gold, hand painted, and completely unique, with prices starting at £1,000.
“I can’t believe how perfectly my designs have been matched, especially the colour gradients from rich orange to a bright yellow; which can only be achieved through painting by hand. I really believe that these are pieces can be passed down from generation to generation.
“Over the past year, I’ve also designed many bespoke items of jewellery for customers. From engagement rings to anniversary rings! I’ve even had customers come in with piles of old jewellery which I’ve then designed and transformed into completely new, unique pieces. I love working closely with customers, particularly those that want to give sentimental jewellery a new lease of life.
“My next project is to work on a second collection which is totally different to the Daffodil. I’ve already started the design work and I can’t wait to see the end product!
“I’m passionate about what I do and really hope that my story will help inspire the next generation of Welsh jewellery designers!”
Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds is an independent family-run business, which was founded by Stephen Hughes in 1996. Located within Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, it is renowned for its counter sketch design studio where customers can watch their bespoke designs come to life.
The store can be found opposite Clarks in Queen’s Arcade leading to Union Street within the Quadrant Shopping Centre
