Two ladies visited our workshop today and suddenly my tutor called
me and asked me to correct a ring to the shape and bring it.
I was shocked. I have never done repairs and especially I dont want
to play with other people’s jewellery, atleast till I gain
confidence.
I could not say no, so I got the ring. It was a gold ring with no
stones, a little work on the top, and with almost a ‘V’ shape bend
in the shank. I annealed it, quenched in water and then placed the
ring on the ring mandrel and slowly and softly hit with the raw-hide
mallet.
It became round in shape, but I was worried to hit more so I gave it
to my tutor.
He took it and hit some more and then we pickled it and gave. I was
worried that I should not make the size bigger by continously
hitting it. End of the day I was happy that somehow I started my
repair work too.
I dont know if the goldsmiths style of work in our state and the
goldsmiths all over the world have the same style of working
although I have seen a lot of similarities.
The goldsmiths in our state have been in this occupation for
generations. Outsiders never came into the profession. When I
learned in Mumbai there were atleast 25 students, out of which I was
the only one that did not come from jewellery background.
All others were either children of diamond dealers, manufacturers
and goldsmiths.
But now I am seeing that most of the goldsmiths are not interested
in their children getting into this occupation. They want them to
study well and go for a job.
But now people from different backgrounds get into this industry. So
I guess life has its own way of balancing things.
Thanks.
Regards,
Kavitha Balakrishnan.