We take a peek in the handbag of jeweller and self-confessed shoe and bag lover Veronica Martin.
Veronica Martin has had a fascinating, varied career but one thing that has never changed has been her love of handbags and shoes.
Originally from London’s East End, she worked for almost a quarter of a century for the Ministry of Defence, firstly in blood analysis and then for the food services department, before a dramatic change of career. “A lot of the MOD office locations in London were just fantastic for shopping,” she laughs. “My favourite was when I worked near Sloane Square, shoe heaven! My career was incredibly interesting. In food services we looked after the military chefs and built great relationships with top restaurants and hotels.”
After Veronica moved to Norfolk she took voluntary redundancy and, three years ago, she and partner James Hawkins opened The Gold Shop in Diss, which buys and sells gold, silver, platinum and jewellery and specialises in sourcing antique jewellery, silverware, militaria and antique curiosities.
“James’ father had worked in the industry, and after a career in the military, James fell back into what he had grown up with. I am always amazed at what people bring in and what they are looking for. Often it is a very personal and emotional thing, and I love the relationship it creates with the customer,” says Veronica, who is currently studying with the British Jewellery Association.
She currently has a tan Mulberry Bayswater. “The older and more battered it gets, the greater my affection for it, and it is always jammed packed with stuff, much to James’ amusement.”
Yellow iPhone 5s, prices vary.
I love to keep in touch with my son Alex, who lives in London, and my family back in Loughton in Essex. I also need it to get the latest daily gold fix prices and the Rapaport Diamond prices.
Estee Lauder skin products, prices from £34.
I love Estee Lauder products, they look and feel great. I always use the Estee Lauder anti-oxidant sheer moisturiser, daywear BB cream and I love their revitalising CC cream as well.
Christian Dior Addict lipstick, Adventurer, £24 from Jarrold’s, Norwich.
I am obsessed with lipsticks, I cannot go anywhere without buying one. I love this Christan Dior one as the quality is fantastic and as I get older I realise that gloss is definitely best.
Crème De La Mer treatment lotion, £85, Jarrold.
This is described as a miraculous source of vitality for your skin. I have used various lotions and potions from Creme De La Mer for many years and I always get great advice to what to use as my skin ages.
Nikon eye loop x30, from £4.99
I always keep a loop handy as I never know what beautiful items people will bring in. Friends also ask my advice on things they own, and it’s always nice to be able to take a look.
And a little something else . . .
Peanut M&Ms
These are my instant chocolate sugar-rush. Having skipped breakfast and more often than not lunch, these shouldn’t be part of my staple diet but are a guilty pleasure.
The Gold Shop, 6a St Nicholas Street, Diss, IP22 4LB; 01379 644441; www.thegoldshopdiss.co.uk
