I have now been immersed in the jewellery industry full time for over a decade, after leaving behind the world of Environmental Consultancy. After a number of years of study, supported by my employer and a bursary from the National Association of Jewellers, I qualified as an Independent Registered Valuer in November 2023.

In May 2013 I began my first full time position in the jewellery industry at Pruden & Smith in the heart of historic Ditchling, one of the leading contemporary jewellers in the South East. After joining as a Gallery Assistant for my first full time role in jewellery, I was promoted after 18 months to the position of Gallery & Client Account Manager and having studied for that last 5 years I have achieved registration as an Independent Registered Valuer (MIRV) and am a member of the Institute of Registered Valuers. I am responsible for running the gallery, grading and valuing gemstones. I supervise and train the sales team and also undertake most of the product photography for the website.

designer & maker / owner of Kat Zahran Jewellery - www.katzahranjewellery.co.uk

After learning jewellery techniques during evening classes at Chris Hawkins studio in Brighton from 2007-2009 and building up my portfolio I set up my own company as a self employed designer maker. I have exhibited at some of the UK’s fine designer fairs such as Desire and Craft in Focus. More information can be found at my website: www.katzahranjewellery.co.uk . I have taken a break from exhibiting and making since 2017 due to moving home and all that entails renovating a house, aloong with studying to become an Independent Registered Valuer. Just prior to the Corona Lockdown I completed building a garden studio and look forward to picking up making things again now that I have completed my valuation qualifications.

I worked on a freelance basis for Natasha Dahlberg and have made a wide variety of necklaces, bracelets and earrings in her signature wire work designs which use diamonds, Tahitian pearls and gold. I am confident in wire working and achieve consistently high finishes on these pieces. The retail value of the work ranges from approximately £500 to £5,000 per piece and is sold worldwide, including in prestigious outlets including the Talisman Gallery in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

BREEAM Accredited Professional, specialising in BREEAM assessments of all different types.

BREEAM Accredited Professional and experienced Assessor in numerous schemes including Industrial, Healthcare, Bespoke, Retail.... sustainability specialist. Accredited by RIBA to provide BREEAM CPD sessions.

Experienced BREEAM Assessor in numerous schemes, Sustainability, Carbon Footprinting.

Research Officer in Centre for Sustainability of the Built Environment