Part of the Tustains jigsaw are our wonderful staff. They are constantly undergoing training in all aspects of jewellery and watches and offer help in a straightforward, friendly and helpful manor to any enquiry you may have. Our team’s expertise means we are well qualified to undertake all types of jewellery and watch repairs, cleaning, servicing and alterations, and can also offer valuations.
Tom’s has a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing but at Tustains is concentrated on watches.
“We are fixated on the time. However much we measure it, we can never control it. It is always against us but we fix it to our wrist all the same. It’s a bit like keeping your eye on the enemy.Clearly, there is a lot more to owning a watch than knowing the time. That shows our sensitivity, our humanity. If we want what we don’t need, it’s because we feel a connection with it. That is what I love about watches.
We don’t need open fires now we have radiators, but we love them”.
Joe started his career in the Graphic design industry, but by watching his father working at the jewellery bench he found a passion and interest in jewellery design and making. “When I started working with jewellery I found many similarities in the theory of typography and the balance and form in jewellery design.” His studies in Gemmology allowed him to develop a further passion for gemstones; “I try to look at gems in terms of ‘real world’ beauty and attempt to avoid preconceived ideas.”
Caroline is our organizer of the jewellery and watch repairs. “We all care a lot about our customers and about giving great customer service.” Caroline has been a dedicated member of staff for many years who has an infectious attitude towards doing things well.
Becky is a graduate in jewellery design from Birmingham School of Jewellery, who skilfully applies her training when helping customers to redesign old pieces of jewellery. “I love being part of the special moments in our customer’s lives.”
Becky has also undergone extensive and ongoing training with our watch brands; “Watches appeal to the more mathematical side of my brain- the complexity of different movements fascinates me.”
Nicky has been a part of Tustains for over 25 years. “Tustains is such a relaxed place to work and it’s great to work with people who really care about what they do.” One of Nicky’s many tasks is to design and create our beautiful window displays. “I like to think how our jewellery will compliment different styles and outfits.”
Kathleen is another graduate from the Birmingham School of Jewellery. “I love how personal the experience of picking a special piece can be.” Her bubbly personality has meant she has developed some amazing relationships with our customers and is very dedicated to offering help in a friendly way. “You could say I am a bit of a magpie, I do love anything sparkly! I find it interesting how the diverse characteristics of diamonds appeal differently to different people.”
Simon is our jeweller! He has been designing and making his own original style of jewellery for over 25 years. He learnt his trade as a model maker, also using various CAD systems and rapid prototyping technology. Simon developed his setting skills by attending the Birmingham School of Jewellery and subsequently working with designer/makers, creating one-off commissions and pieces for larger scale manufacturing.