Dear friends,
I would like to introduce to you the newest member of our team.. Charlie. She began working with us at the end of 2020 and will be sharing her lockdown story with you, as well as giving you some insite as to what business was like for Liliana and me this year.
It has been just over a year after Britain's first lockdown was announced. Since that day in March 2020, many people across the world have been affected in different ways. It was a year like no other that we have experienced or could have predicted when 2020 began.
We would like to share with you our own experience of what 2020 looked like for us.
My name is Charlie and during the first lockdown, I had not yet joined Tano and Lily in their studio.From 2018, when I moved to London from Australia, I had been working as a jeweller for The Great Frog.
On my final day of work before lockdown on March 19th, the owner come to the studio to talk to us about the looming lockdown and then sending us home for what was suspected to be a just few weeks.
I was extremely fortunate to be put on furlough and, like most of the UK, spent the beginning of my lockdown weeks gardening, DIY-ing, waiting weeks for my Amazon packages and ferociously watching the news for updates.
About 5 months into my furlough, I bit the bullet and after two years at the Great Frog, I handed in my notice and applied for a job with Gaetano.
A lot has changed this past year in the studio for Tano and Lily as well.
For many jewellers, the way in which they work has had to change, as companies periodically close or change their shopping policies due to lockdown rules. This has meant that pieces take longer produce as it is no longer possible to go directly to the supplier.Ordering must be done online or over the phone and often posted out, this is a process that is time consuming and particularly difficult when choosing stones.
The lockdown/s also brought on a struggle all too real for many - homeschooling. No longer being able to work as a complete team brings new challenges. Seeing Liliana and Tano juggle full time work and a 6 year old missing his friends gives me new appreciation for all parents in the same situation.
Despite this, they have managed to continue working hard, creating new beautiful pieces and growing the business.
In December 2020, Gaetano's work was exhibited at Akane Lounge, Japan - https://akanelounge.com/exhibition/gaetano2020
Even with the covid restrictions, Tano has still been at the bench and creating some beautiful pieces.
Much thought has been put into the business and changes in the way the studio works have been taken on.We will no longer be taking on repairs, but instead will concentrate more on one off designs and bespoke pieces. This is a decision that was difficult to come to, but necessary to grow.
Despite the ups and downs from the past year, many positive things have been achieved and even brighter accomplishments are on the horizon.
We would like to thank everybody for joining us, whether it's been through your purchase, your patience or even your instagram interaction. As we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we hope that you will continue to be part of the journey with us.