This month we visit the bench of Alister Yiap, who has provided two ingenious tips for jewellery makers that are an absolute life hack.
Alister is a Perth-based design artist who works in numerous creative fields, but most notably, the jewellery industry. Alister graduated with a Bachelor of Art (Jewellery Design) from Curtin University in 2007 and has since been gaining his knowledge in multiple artistic industries. His wide
range of experience and knowledge aids him in showcasing his creative ability and processes where he continually strives for opportunities where he can further expand his knowledge.
Alister’s ingenious tip for this month is when you are setting diamonds and gemstones, try using chalk markers to mark the metal. The markings give good contrast due to the fluorescent colours, and the dry powder instead of a permanent marker or occlusion spray proves to have easier removal. The chalk comes o in water or the ultrasonic, so there is no need for alcohol to remove the chalk. One use of this method is by applying the chalk on the inside of the setting, then sit the stone in the setting, and the chalk will be removed. This shows where you will need to burr more out of the seating after the stones rub it off.
Alister also prefers to have shorter nails, in order to combat difficulties because of this, he suggests repurposing a guitar pick shape styled ring to help hold the stones down when doing a rubover setting. For a more cost-effective option, you could also use actual guitar picks with some alterations.
Alister Yiap manufactures the majority of his jewellery designs and has a high attention to detail. Alister is also a lecturer to the Jewellery Design courses in both North Metropolitan TAFE and Curtin University where he teaches the next generation of jewellery designers. Yiap has won the Mercedes-Benz Western Australia Fashion Award in the category of Fine Details, designed the Key to the City of Perth in 2014, and continues to engage in touring exhibitions of his work.
Search: alisteryiap.com.au
Facebook: /designeralisteryiap
Instagram: @alisteryiap
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