Australia
Katie Cairns founded and established her jewellery business in 1978 after graduating from the Japan Jewellery Academy, Tokyo, Japan.
Katie’s business was situated in Sydney’s CBD for 27 years. During that time, she developed several styles and ranges of precious metal jewellery and collaborated with other jewellers in developing their ranges. As well as making and designing her own style of jewellery, she helps her clients bring their own design aspirations to life.
She was first introduced to the lost-wax casting and jewellery bench techniques when she was in Tokyo.
For Katie, staying in business for over three decades and keeping out of debt is an achievement! In 1983 she won a distinction in the Diamonds Today awards.
By delivering her workshops in a calm and simple way, Katie is able to introduce beginner students to foundation techniques in jewellery-making without overwhelming them! She believes students to be primarily designers. This means her duty is to be a facilitator – connecting theory with practice.
Katie is also a horticulturist and landscape designer.