Anna Maria Saadat

Anna Maria Saadat is one of the Academy's most inspiring student stories. After working for Christies, she decided to act on her life long passion to become a jewellery designer and maker.

Not only recognising the importance of good design, but also accomplished hand skills Anna Maria enrolled on Begin at the Bench - one of our most popular introduction courses - and fell in love with the making process. After practicing her skills, she then took more short courses including Wonders of Wax, Tricks of the Trade and the Art of Jewellery Design to build her skills to a level where she is now a competent designer maker in her own right.

After her training, the label Annamaria S was established and now has quite a following, featured in many international publications including Russian Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Grazia. Her "funky chic - elegance with a twist" gold and precious gemstone necklaces, rings and bracelets have been seen on the likes of Andy MacDowell, Julie Walters and Twiggy.

Anna Maria has since become a friendly and welcomed face to the Hatton Garden area, based at the Bleeding Heart Yard as part of a studio of designers, makers and setters.

"Holts Academy courses are brilliant! An excellent start for beginners and a great follow on for those who have studied at college or are in the trade."

Left to right: Season, Rayne, So Easy Jnr More information www.annamarias.co.uk