Deborah Cowin is the master goldsmith and diamond grader at The Necessary Angel.
“I was born in Liverpool and brought up in the Peak District before settling in Cumbria. Originally I wanted to become a lawyer until I chose a silver smithing elective while at sixth form and became hooked! I went on to study Silver Smithing & Jewellery at Chesterfield College of Art, it did not lead directly to a position in the jewellery trade, but in 1990 I realised by ambition and opened The Necessary Angel in Keswick. I became a qualified diamond grader in 2005, having trained with the World Diamond Council in Antwerp . This enables me to source the most spectacular diamonds for my jewellery and my customers.
I specialise in one-off original pieces and personal commissions of jewellery in platinum and 18ct gold. This can be a design using a stone that has been especially sourced for the piece or one that includes precious stones that the customer already owns but would like re-modelled into something new.
Although I am passionate about diamonds, they are not my only one. I really love Opals, their vibrancy, and the fact each one is unique. Their colour and uniqueness makes them fabulous in commissioned pieces.
Customers can be involved in a commission from the outset, choosing their own stones with a little guidance from myself, and helping with ideas while I sketch the design (usually supported with tea, coffee or a glass of wine!).
I really enjoy working on individual commissions, so each piece is completely different- just like my customers!''