Sarah's Work Experience journey
Written by Sarah
Back at the end of January 2024, I was introduced to Mitch and was lucky to be offered a couple weeks work experience at Petra Jewellery.
For the two weeks I was able to learn things within the business which suited my A levels, my ability and interests. Taking very creative subjects of Photography, Fine art and Media studies in college, I knew I was interested into looking at the more creative side of the business.
Before meeting Mitch, I knew I had wanted to find a creative job although I wasn’t sure specifically what would be best for me, or where to start. Having the chance to try a range of things, helped me to see which things I enjoyed and felt the most confident in.
The first task I was introduced to and was interested in was photographing the gemstones. It was great experimenting with ways to get the best result and also finding other ways to photograph which were slightly different from the ways the Petra team had been photographing. I was taught how to upload the photographs of gemstones I had taken to the collection on the website and was shown how the descriptions should be written.
Within the two weeks, I also loved drawing some of the tools and gemstones on procreate in a clean line style Mitch wanted which suited the look of the business.
After the work experience, Mitch gave me the opportunity to continue working for them each week, on a part time contract as a paid freelance content creator.
I have spent the last year working here part time and have loved it!
The past year has given me much more confidence in working with a small team and understanding where my creative strength and ability lies. It has also been an amazing stepping stone gaining so much experience in a creative field and seeing how a business runs from an inside perspective.
My work over the last year has mainly involved photography, editing reels, uploading to the website, merging and sorting customers on the till, some artwork and graphic design. Although I have been given a wide range of jobs to do, some examples being: repackaging tiny diamonds, counting print collateral, putting together gift bags.
I absolutely loved arranging these bright orange gemstones and getting some up close shots of them!
I have taken photographs of some amazing unique pieces over the last year, I couldn’t pick an absolute favourite although I particularly loved photographing some gorgeous engagement rings and capturing bright purple and blue gemstones in jewellery:
One of my highlights of the year was videoing and editing a reel during the 45th anniversary sapphire event. I found it so fun trying to capture as much of the afternoon as I could and putting the best clips together.
A surprising task I enjoyed was merging the customers on the till which was a more of a data management task, which I had no experience in before, but I found quite relaxing.
Creating artwork and drawings has always been my favourite, so creating a logo, artwork of tools and a diamond and heart line drawing which was put on promotional material such as their candles, pens, hand creams and tote bags was amazing!
Overall through the year, I have also loved photographing the finished jewellery pieces and gemstones each week and seeing the gemstone page on the website come to life.
I have done so much at Petra Jewellery in the last year and having this opportunity has been amazing. The team at Petra Jewellery have been so lovely!
“We are all so proud of Sarah, she’s been on an incredible learning journey, has grown massively in confidence and has really helped us too - she’s developed a technique for capturing the beauty of our gemstones on camera which really isn’t easy!”