Helen Dimmick is a leading jewellery specialist and historian with over 20 years’ industry experience, she provides industry training, consultation and industry speaker services to corporate clients.
For instore support on jewellery selection, bespoke commissions and expert advice to customer please go to
https://www.ainsworthjewellers.com/meet-helen/
Helen is a specialist in jewellery both modern and historical. A qualified gemmologist and diamond grader, Helen has nurtured her passion for both people and the pieces they wear through a 20-year-strong career that has taken her from the busy delights of the auction house to senior roles in respected jewellery retailers Tiffany & Co. and Green + Benz, to running her own consultancy as a leading industry expert.
Helen loves the stories and sentiments that lay behind what draws us to a piece of jewellery, or even to a particular gemstone. Her innate warmth, insight and enthusiasm for the subject not only guides her clients to understand their own jewellery preferences but also shines through in her exuberant talks and training sessions.
Helen became captivated by jewellery at a young age, dressing up in her grandmother Annie’s costume jewellery. Her future career fell into place at the age of 16, when she saw an image of Tutankhamun’s intricate gold chestplate; her fascination with the beauty of jewellery – and its personal and cultural significance – blossomed.
Helen went on to study an Art History degree at Manchester University, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Museum and Art Gallery studies, both of which underpin her understanding of paintings, sculpture and architecture alongside the historical and cultural context of all decorative arts, including jewellery.
Helen also has a deep love for ballet, having trained since the age of 3.
Academic theory is undeniably invaluable, but Helen wasted no time in eagerly establishing a richly-rewarding career. Starting out at an auction house, then moving on to royal warrant holders Bentley & Skinner, followed by the infamous Tiffany & Co. in London’s Bond Street, to owning her very own award-winning independent retail jeweller Green + Benz. Phew!
After selling the Green + Benz business with a proud and tearful farewell, Helen now excels as an independent consultant. She guides private individuals through the often bewildering process of choosing the right gemstones, precious metals, settings and design to arrive at the perfect jewellery gift, and assists corporate clients with identifying new sales opportunities, building strong business relationships and developing experiential brands.
Helen has also teamed up with a number of independent designer-makers and industry friends for bespoke collaborations and featured collections, including London-based luxury jewellers PureJewels and online retailer Chelsea Rocks.
Helen is now consulting and speaking globally at conferences, events and for TV. With exciting future plans in the pipeline, keep watching this space!
Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA)
Qualified Diamond Grader (DGA)
Assay Office Guardian, Sheffield Assay Office
Retail Ambassador at the National Association of Jewellers
Former retailer and interim business leader of the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) buying group
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year award at the Chesterfield Retail Awards, 2017*
Independent Retailer of the Year for the UK Jewellery Awards, 2016*
Featured as one of Professional Jeweller’s HOT 100 RETAIL STARS, 2016*
Winner of the CMJ Retailer of the Year award and Supplier of the Year award, 2013*
Winner of The Anderson Medal and Trade Prize for one of the highest grades worldwide, from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, 2000
Winner of The Christie’s Prize for Gemmology (then known as the Diploma Trade Prize), 2000
(*for Green + Benz)
