Harry Rose has followed his passion for jewellery and has recently opened the doors on his new venture, Harry Rose Jewellery in the heart of Canberra.

Harry, a fifth generation farmer's son from the Kybeyan Valley, knew from an early age that while farming was in the blood that it just wasn't for him and it was a love for all things creative and a careers test in year 10 that lead him down the path to become a jeweller.

After finishing school, where he excelled in metal work, Harry travelled extensively, did a stint on the family farm and tried his hand at various other jobs, before taking on a four-year apprenticeship with a Canberra jeweller. "I knew that jewellery was for me from the first day, maybe even the first hour, that I was on the job - I loved it", says Harry.

After completing his apprenticeship, Harry headed overseas in pursuit of more experience and ended up in London working as Production Manager at the internationally renowned firm, David Marshall London, where he gained extensive experience making high-end luxury jewellery for firms including Boodles and De Beers. While Harry was at David Marshall London, the firm was awarded the prestigious UK Luxury Jeweller of the Year Award.

The UK experience was fantastic and cemented my direction, says Harry. "I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work at the highest end of the market and to work with some of the most amazing gems and diamonds in the world. It isn't always about the size of the stone, I get so much satisfaction and a sense of pride in designing and creating a new piece of jewellery, and seeing the customer's reaction - it definitely is a feel-good industry and that is another part of this work that appeals to me."

Today, Harry is back in Australia and delighted to be running his own firm. Harry offers a range of services from the simplest repairs to the creation of stunning engagement rings. One of his specialties is in the designing and remaking of new pieces from old jewellery, Harry is also a supplier of high quality diamonds and gemstones. All work is handmade by Harry on premises at his store in the Garema Centre, Canberra City.

To watch an interview with Harry in April 2010 discussing his business and passion for jewellery, .