The gift of a freshly mined opal was the spark that ignited Corrinna’s love for jewellery. She began honing her craft at a market stall in Geraldton, gradually building a portfolio of handmade pieces. Ready to take the next step, Corrinna approached local jewellers seeking an apprenticeship. Leon Baker Jewellers recognised her talent and supported her journey to study a Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture at North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE).
“The hardest part of my apprenticeship was actually finding employment at a regional jeweller in the first place, persistence was key,” she said.
Through her apprenticeship, Corrinna gained the skills to expand her jewellery range and explore new techniques.
“The course gave me the opportunity to try so many processes and has inspired me to continue creating unique pieces of jewellery,” she explained.
Her creativity and determination have already been recognised on a national stage. Corrinna was named a finalist at the 2025 JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards and received the Inspire Award at NMTAFE’s jewellery exhibition in 2024. These achievements have motivated her to keep striving for excellence.
“I feel I have acquired the skills and knowledge to confidently pursue my career in the jewellery industry and aspire to enter as many trade competitions as possible!”
Corrinna also shares advice for aspiring jewellers: “My advice to those who would like a career in the trade is to enrol in the Certificate IV in Jewellery Design course. Be patient, persistent, and practice, practice, practice.”