Student spotlight: Kate Korn

Kate Korn is among our first cohort of students to graduate from the Diploma in Jewellery Design and Business. The attendance for this course is one day per week for twenty weeks and has been devised so that term one focuses on jewellery design and term tow focuses on jewellery business.

Kate talks about her experiences of the course and what she’s planning to do next.

How did you get into jewellery making?

I found my passion for jewellery when I discovered Swarovski Crystals. Initially I was creating accessories for myself and my closest friends, experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques, getting my ideas from many sources and learning to form unique pieces according to my own taste. It was an eye-opening experience when many people showed an interest in my work and asked to buy pieces. It has been a slow but steady process of growth, dedication and belief in my life’s destiny.

Since those days I have launched a number of diverse collections and individual works, from simple everyday wearables through stylish wedding sets to bold catwalk accessories. Bringing all these pieces to life gives me the purest form of joy and excitement and has established my own style. Nowadays, after graduating from jewellery diploma courses at the Metropolitan University and London Jewellery School, I’m continuing my career working from studios in London Battersea and Hatton Garden.

I remain devoted to my beloved Swarovski Crystals in conjunction with sterling silver, and other metals and textures although recently my attention is turning to natural stones and materials. I pay great attention to detail from inception through to the completion of each piece or collection.

Kate’s unusual use of crystals includes her range of “crystal ties”

What did you do before setting up your jewellery business?

My background is in fashion design, specialising in shoes and bags.

I have worked in many different sectors but only felt real passion when I started to design and produce jewellery around six years ago.

How did the course help you develop your business?

During the business course I have developed a broad knowledge of business operations as well as gaining targeted skills in the specific field, such as customers, markets, finance, operations, strategy, business policy, communications and IT.

I gained many valuable transferable skills which can be put to use in both everyday life or in my jewellery  career path.

Where can we buy your jewellery?

I’m new on the market and in the process of opening an online store although my collections are available on my website www.kornjewellery.com

What advice would you give someone thinking of starting a jewellery business?

Believe in yourself and what you love doing and be brave to share your passion with the world. Gain knowledge from multiple sources. Work hard, take nothing personally and if something blocks one route, find another. Never give up.

The next intake for the Diploma in Jewellery Design and Business is January 2015. Is it time for you to take your business seriously and join us?