Feature Friday - Q&A with Malcom Betts

I love antique diamonds.  They just have so much character to them!  So what do you do when you like the look of antique diamonds but are drawn to modern designs?  Well...if you're lucky, you swing by 5 Campden Street in London and visit Malcolm Betts!  Not only is Malcom a genius, but he's got a passion for antique diamonds too!

So enjoy this week's Feature Friday Q&A with Malcolm Betts!

Malcom Betts

1.  What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?
I was inspired by the techniques of blacksmithing, which lead me into forging metals and experimenting with similar techniques which I applied on a finer scale in jewellery making.

Platinum earrings with oval diamonds 1.20cts tot and round brilliants 0.90cts 2.10cts total pair.

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?
A hand-woven rich 22ct gold necklace with a cushion cut diamond from the late 1800’s.


The Gold Chain Necklace - 22ct gold hand woven chain with platinum set old cushion cut diamond 2.91cts.

3.  What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?
Finding an old, antique cut diamond and making it into a ring, giving it a new sense of life.


Rose Cut Diamond Ring - 22ct gold split band ring with round rose cut diamond 2.98cts approx.

4.  Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?
Graduation from my jewellery masters at the RCA (royal college of art).

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
In the materials I work with. 


Marquise Drop Earrings - Platinum earrings with marquise drops 1.33cts & channel set diamonds 0.24cts total.

6.  In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?
I don’t wear any jewellery! 

7.  When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?
I love mixing metals and old and new when I make jewellery. 

Gold & Diamond Bangles - 22ct gold molten bangle with mixed old cut diamonds 7.45cts & a platinum molten bangle
with old cut diamonds 6.12cts

8.  Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look?  How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings? 
Love it.


Platinum 18ct yellow and rose gold long necklace with natural coloured diamond charms.

9.  What advice would you give to budding jewelry designers? To budding fine jewelry collectors?
Gain the technical know how and only work in the materials that you enjoy.

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?
Skiing in Hokkaido, Japan.


Platinum Diamond Ring - 22ct gold ring with platinum set old cut diamond 2.45cts.


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