Master Jeweller Chris Hood

Born in Adelaide in 1976 Chris Hood is the only son and second child of Jenny and Andrew Hood. Both of Chris’ parents were involved in education at different levels and from an early age supported and encouraged Chris’ passion for hands on creative past times. The family home included a large garage-based workshop equipped with a wide range of power and traditional tools—perfect for a growing lad! Early productions included all manner of toys, fishing equipment and things that went bang and wizz! In 1990 the family moved to Tasmania to develop the family wine making business ‘Hood Wines’. Chris grandparents were lifelong Hobartians, so Hobart was already the home away from home and the family settled quickly into the beautiful city! The wine industry was in boom and Hood Wines was a resounding success, giving Chris early insight into what is required for successful small business start up and management.

While attending The Hutchins School, Chris quickly developed his practical abilities in the workshops there. It was in these workshops that Chris first turned his attention to jewellery through a short course offered to senior students interested in stretching their design abilities outside of normal school hours. Jewellery was the perfect culmination of all the separate things Chris was and is still passionate about.

Chris Hood takes great pride in working closely with and listening carefully to each individual client needs and desires. This style of service means every client is closely involved and has the chance to make a great connection with the jewellery items right through the process. The close proximity of design and workshop space at Metal Urges allows easy communication within the business, with clients often able to view exciting stages during the production of their jewellery.

Metal Urges produces all kinds of fine handmade jewellery, but specialises in the manufacture of platinum and 18ct gold diamond engagement rings. Our diamonds are sourced globally from a number of high quality diamond wholesale and diamond cutting connections. Chris goes to great lengths to offer only the most beautiful diamonds and spends much of his time sorting carefully through parcels to select GIA certified diamonds of Excellent Cut, Excellent Polish and Excellent Symmetry. Metal Urges offer the largest range of finely cut white diamonds in Hobart and Tasmania.

Chris travels several times a year in search of the unique, high quality gems for which Metal Urges is renowned.

“Gems are a predominantly visual event you cannot buy gems from a photo, you need to see and handle them. A stone has to communicate with you - you need to fall in love with it. All our gems have that extra something special.”

Chris Hood