Chris Hood, FGAA
Chris Hood is the driving force behind Metal Urges Fine Jewellery and Diamonds. With over two decades of dedicated experience in the jewellery and diamond industry, Chris brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our team.
As the Owner of Metal Urges, Chris not only embodies the artistry and craftsmanship synonymous with our brand but also sets the standard for excellence in the field. His journey began with a profound commitment to honing his skills, leading him to become a fully qualified jeweller, certified gemmologist, diamond setter, diamond grader, and jewellery appraiser.
Chris’s dedication to his craft is further underscored by his recognition as a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia (FGAA). This is a testament to his exceptional knowledge and proficiency in gemmology.
Throughout his career, Chris has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. His vision for Metal Urges is rooted in a deep appreciation for the intricacies of jewellery design. This genuine desire creates timeless pieces that resonate with our clientele.
“I travel across Australia and overseas several times a year sourcing stones directly from source areas and mines,” Chris says.
“We do this so we put the money directly in the hands that did the hard work. It also allows us to witness the working conditions first hand and make sure they match up with our own values and ethical standards as far as fair trade is concerned.”
Jeff Nichols
Jeff Nichols is our talented Computer Assisted Design (CAD) specialist, go-to puzzle solver and IT extraordinaire. With a career spanning over two decades, Jeff brings a unique blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and problem-solving prowess to Metal Urges.
Since becoming a qualified jeweller in 2001, Jeff continually demonstrates his dedication to excellence in every facet of his work. His journey with Metal Urges has been marked by a commitment to innovation, particularly in the realm of CAD design. It’s here Jeff employs cutting-edge technology to bring our clients’ visions to life.
Jeff’s role extends beyond traditional jewellery design; he serves as our resident puzzle solver, tackling challenges with a methodical approach. Whether it’s finding solutions to design problems or troubleshooting IT issues, Jeff’s keen intellect and resourcefulness is abundantly evident.
In addition to technical prowess, Jeff possesses a passion for jewellery craftsmanship and a keen understanding of our clients’ needs. His ability to seamlessly integrate technology with traditional techniques allows us to deliver bespoke creations of the highest quality, tailored to exceed our clients’ expectations.
Sandi Dishington, DipAppGemVal FGAA
Sandi Dishington is a cornerstone of our team at Metal Urges Fine Jewellery and Diamonds. With a wealth of expertise spanning gemmology, jewellery valuation, and design, Sandi brings a unique blend of skills. This vision greatly enriches our creative process.
As a fully qualified gemmologist and jewellery valuer, Sandi is committed to precision and accuracy. Her keen eye for detail and comprehensive understanding of gemstones and jewellery appraisal ensure that every custom piece is meticulously assessed and valued with the utmost care and professionalism.
Beyond her role as a gemmologist and valuer, Sandi’s talent as a designer shines brightly. Her artistic flair infuses each design with elegance, sophistication, and a touch of individuality. Whether creating bespoke pieces or designing imaginative collections, Sandi’s creative vision is at the heart of our success.
Matt Carr
Matt Carr is a valued member of our team at Metal Urges Fine Jewellery and Diamonds. Matt’s calm demeanour and exceptional skills make him an invaluable asset to our workshop. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for repair work, particularly in the realm of necklaces, chains and resizes, Matt embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication to excellence that defines our brand.
Matt’s journey in the jewellery industry has been characterised by a steadfast commitment to his craft. This is underpinned by a passion for preserving the beauty and integrity of each piece he touches. Matt’s innate knack for repair work is matched only by his ability to face the most intricate challenges.
In our workshop, Matt’s patience resonates, as he meticulously tends to each custom piece and repair with precision and care.
Nigel Harris
Nigel Harris is a seasoned veteran in the jewellery world, bringing over 30 years of unparalleled experience to Metal Urges. Nigel’s wealth of knowledge and dedication to his craft make him a valuable addition to our workshop.
Throughout his illustrious career as a manufacturing jeweller, Nigel has honed his skills with precision. This has earning a reputation for excellence in every piece he creates. His commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none.
Now, as he joins Metal Urges, Nigel brings with him a vast skill set and a wealth of experience. His presence is not only a testament to our commitment to attracting top talent but also a testament to Nigel’s desire to share his knowledge and mentor the next generation of jewellers.
