‘I want to create timeless pieces that will last long after I am gone’ – Jeweller

By Telesha Ramnarine

David Lee Cheong stands out as one of the few professional diamond setters in Guyana. His passion for the craft was ignited at the tender age of seven, and now, at 40, he is determined to establish a classroom to share his expertise with others.

Having spent over 30 years immersed in the world of jewellery—often practically living in a workshop as a child—David took a bold step to forge his own path about a year ago, launching Dreamers Creations.

His mission is to create unique, timeless pieces that will endure beyond his lifetime. Following the completion of meaningful short courses in Dubai recently, he is poised to embark on advanced studies in Russia next year.

Growing up with his uncle, a jeweller, David would take in every detail he could. The guy working with his uncle would allow him to link chains and show him how to master other aspects of the work.

“The reason I named it Dreamers Creations is because I would look at every little detail when he’s making stuff and memorise it in my bed, and I would go in my bed and think about what I learned. I put it together in my head… I basically learned jewellery in my dreams,” David reflected in an interview with News Room on Friday.

When he was about 13 years old, he’d work whenever school was out. “My uncle had a situation where he sent home all of the staff, and he had no one to do the work,” he recalled. By this time, he had already learned how to do most things, so he had an opportunity to create jewellery for the first time.

“I usually create pieces that nobody else would have. I work on one-of-a-kind things. I specialise in diamond setting, and I set for other jewellers, but I want to create timeless pieces, unique pieces that will be here long after I am here,” he expressed.

David had always entertained the thought of studying in the field, but when he looked at the cost of doing so, he figured he’d never be able to. However, he eventually saw an amazing deal in Dubai and went for it. “I wanted to improve my diamond setting and my engraving. I was able to do two courses in two weeks,” he shared.

To his delight, his instructor was someone he had been following on YouTube, someone he described as one of the best in the field.

Asked what makes him stand out from any other jeweller, he said: “I honestly believe I am one of the most passionate jewellers when it comes to my work and creating amazing pieces, the uniqueness; I come up with the craziest ideas, and I am also the first person to make gold shades for my wife.”

When he came back from his training in Dubai, several people reached out to David to inquire if he would be teaching at some point. Having already been inspired at this point to pass down his skills, David is ready to pursue a classroom to help especially young people who are interested in learning the trade.