Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Diamonds are a girl's best friend - profile of trainee valuer in auctioneers' jewellery department

Kate Slovak, 32, is a trainee valuer with Birmingham based auctioneers and valuers, Fellows & Sons’ jewellery department.

Having recently achieved the Fellow Gemmological Association (FGA) qualification, here she reveals what working in an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of treasures every day entails.

Please contact Rebecca Mee at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780 if you are interested in developing this opportunity. High res photography is available on request.

Q&A

Q: When did you join Fellows?

A: In October 2005. I worked there part time while studying for a HND in Gemmology at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham.

Q: What does your job involve?

A: My responsibilities include cataloguing and providing condition reports for jewellery, photographing jewellery for the auction catalogues and website and assisting with valuations.

Q: What aspect of the job do you enjoy the most?

A: I love studying and viewing the wide range of antique jewellery, particularly from the Victoria era, which comes through our doors. I’m also really interested in fashion and enjoy spotting trends and predicting what will be fashionable and sought after in the auction room.

Q: How did your interest in jewellery and gemstones come about?

A: Growing up my Dad always had a keen interest in antiques and collectables which I think rubbed off on me.

Q: Is there a particular item which sticks out in your mind – most interesting/valuable?

A: There was a Victorian bohemian garnet heart pendant that was featured in one of our recent sales which I really liked. It reminded me of my Grandma who originally came from Czechoslovakia and loved garnets – I have some of her earrings in my jewellery collection. I also liked it because I think the Victorian era still impacts on the jewellery industry today in terms of its vintage appeal and influencing styles.

Q: Can you give a brief overview of your career background?

A: I graduated with a degree in Arts Management from De Montfort University in 1997 before attaining my DGA, FGA (passed with merit) and HND Gemmology at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham.

My past work experience includes working as a promotions assistant for BBC Magazines, including BBC Homes and Antiques, marketing at the Guardian newspaper and as a jewellery administrative assistant for Wintertons Fine Arts Auctioneers in Lichfield.

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For further info and/or to arrange an interview with Kate Slovak, contact Rebecca Mee or Sarah Burton at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780 or e-mail rebeccamee@sealcommunications.co.uk