On the 16th October 2024 Maya and Monica - along with 9 other apprentices and their masters - attended Goldsmith' Hall for an official binding ceremony, where Monica was officially bound to become Maya's first ever apprentice.

The Binding Ceremony marks the official start of the apprenticeship, during which the apprentice will learn and practice their skills under the guidance of a master craftsperson.

Delivered by the Goldsmiths’ Centre on behalf of the Goldsmiths’ Company, the scheme provides training and development opportunities for apprentices and support for employers that is vital in establishing the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths.

In their final year, apprentices spend around 300 hours producing a masterpiece that showcases the skills they have learnt. They will present this to the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company on completion of their apprenticeship and are then awarded their Freedom as members of the Company.

There have been more than 31,400 Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentices since the Company received its first Royal Charter in 1327.

It has been a hope for many years for Maya to pass on her skills and knowledge to an apprentice in order to help preserve the beautiful and important craft of making jewellery by hand. To have been given this opportunity by the Goldsmiths’ Company is invaluable.

We want to thank The Goldsmiths’ Company and Centre, we are both so thrilled and excited for the future.