Pros
Staff occasionally given gifts of jewellery for birthdays, leaving or special achievements. Staff are also offered to purchase newer season jewels at wholesale price. Whatever role you are in, you will be pushed and learn a lot, which in the current job market is valuable.
When I was employed here, the biggest pro by far were my colleagues. Every department stuck together and helped each other through, even when under considerable pressure and against all odds. Friends for life. Now, the company has shrunk, so I am unsure if this is still the case.
Cons
On the surface, the company seems slick, professional and successful. Do not be fooled. Despite all efforts and advice from the staff, Management (or lack thereof) continuously make the same mistakes.
Wages are the lowest they can possibly be. Interns taken on for a minimum of 3 months but given no money for travel or food. There are occasions where full wage not paid each month. No sick pay and holiday allocation a battle. No over-time paid or time in lieu given for evenings or weekends worked.
Each staff member does the work of three, with most juggling 3 roles at a time with no support. High expectation from management, who barely works 4 hours a day, and uses intimidation and bullying, including borderline racist remarks, to back staff into a corner to get his way. If you refuse demands - you are named the "rotten apple". If you leave - you are named the "rotten apple". Essentially, 'the fault never lies with management'. If you read down through all the comments on this page everyone says the same, bar one.