How I Became a Jeweller by Accident: My Unexpected Journey into Wax Carving

I didn’t plan to become a jeweller. In fact, I resisted it for a long time.

After five years at the Institute of art studying plasticine sculpture, I still wasn’t sure what direction my life would take. I was considering applying to a coin college, but I didn’t pass the entry exam. I suddenly found myself at a crossroads — without a clear plan.

At that time, a friend of mine who was already a jeweller suggested something simple:

“Why don’t you come with me to a wax carving course? The council is funding it. It’s free.”

I hesitated. A lot. But eventually I said yes.

Ironically, she couldn’t even join the course because she didn’t have the required diploma — so I went alone.

The exam I didn’t know I was taking

On the first day, I discovered there was a selection process. Only 20 people would be accepted.

I hadn’t even properly read the application. I thought it was just an introduction and a casual conversation with the tutor.

Instead, it was a 3D jewellery design test.

At that moment, I honestly wanted to leave.

But one girl in the room — who had studied at a well-known European jewellery design institute — told me:

“Stay. Don’t go. I’ll help you.”

We were given a ring design and asked to recreate it in 3D. I had no idea where to start, but she guided me step by step.

Somehow, I completed it.

The second exam

The next day there was a history of jewellery exam. I was overwhelmed again — I thought there was no way I could answer everything.

But I had a strong foundation in art history. So I did something very simple: I looked at the jewellery images and interpreted them through what I already knew about sculpture and design.

Somehow, it worked again.

I passed.

And I entered the school.

The beginning of everything — without realising it

At the end of the year, there was another exam for the lost wax carving certificate.

I still didn’t fully understand how to construct jewellery properly, especially in terms of symmetry and structure. I learned mostly by sketching in 3D and building forms intuitively rather than following strict technical methods.

Even today, I still don’t work in a purely technical way — I build through drawing and instinct.

The following year, I applied for a silversmithing course and passed that as well.

My first bench (1995)

During my jewellery training, I bought my first bench and basic tools in 1995. I set everything up in my mother’s living room.

At that time, I wasn’t in love with jewellery. It was simply a skill — something that allowed me to earn money, go out with friends, and slowly save for the future.

It was practical. Not yet emotional.

What comes next

In 1998, I travelled to London — and everything changed.

But that is another story.