Behind the Bench

From Chemistry to the Goldsmith’s Bench

My path to the workbench wasn't a straight line. Before I was a goldsmith, I earned a PhD in Chemistry—a background that gave me a deep fascination with the Earth’s materials and a meticulous eye for detail. What began as a quiet creative outlet at the bench while my son was small eventually became Kate Seow Jewellery.

A Journey of Resilience

I officially launched my business in 2018, a year after the sudden loss of my mother. That shock forced a shift in my perspective; it made me realise that life is too short to let our dreams slip away. I wanted to build a business that honoured her memory and allowed me to be present for my family.

In recent years, my work has evolved alongside my own focus on personal resilience. I believe that jewellery is more than an ornament; it can be an everyday anchor—a tactile reminder of our inner strength.

Jewellery with Agency

I design for people who are reclaiming their voices and owning their space. Each piece I create is intended to be a physical signifier of your agency—a reminder that you are capable, resilient, and entitled to take up space in the world. It's beauty that goes beyond adornment.

Respect for People and Planet

I believe that true beauty cannot exist at the expense of others. My commitment to responsibly sourced materials - recycled silver, SMO gold, and gemstones with fully traceable provenance - is a natural extension of my values.

This commitment extends beyond my own bench; since November 2024, I have worked with Greg Valerio at PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House as their in-house goldsmith and educational lead. In this role, I organise and lead jewellery-making workshops, sharing the craft and the importance of ethical practice with others. When you wear one of my pieces, you can do so with the confidence that it was created with a deep respect for the miners, the stone cutters, and the Earth itself.