Today, we honour Diana on what would have been her 83rd birthday.
Below, we share stories from those who worked alongside her, both as a leader and a friend, and celebrate the remarkable and lasting influence she had on so many.
Mim's Story:
I met Di in 1998 when I began working as a junior in her workshop. At the time, the business was based in her house, with the front room serving as the workshop. Fresh out of college, I was in awe of her—she had retrained as a jeweller in her 50s and built a thriving business with huge energy, focus, and a forward-thinking spirit.
She was also great fun, with a big laugh and a love of memorable outings. She once took us to a Horace Andy gig and Banksy’s first solo show, held in a Bristol bar before he became internationally famous, where she bought his £700 self-portrait, which she later sold at auction and brought her house.
There was always a buzz around Di, full of interesting people and stories. Many of the jewellers from those days have since gone on to run their own successful businesses. I’m so grateful to have known Di and to have had the opportunity to work with her. It’s amazing to see how her business has grown over the years, and it means a lot to still be part of that extended creative family today - selling my own designs through her beautiful gallery shop.
Rosalyn's Story:
Working with Di was an unforgettable way to enter the world of jewellery. She was a force of nature—strong, driven, and always clear in her objectives. She wasn’t afraid to tell you what she thought regardless of the subject, and fight for her truth.
Like many, she had her struggles, but she faced them with honesty and relatability. She cherished connection with others, and one of her favourite parts of her work was sitting down with clients, hearing their stories, learning where they came from, and understanding why they had come to see her.
She was always so interested in people and their realness, which I always felt translated into the pieces she designed for them, the raw organic-ness of humans and their relationships with the each-other and the world around them, making her jewellery have such a unique and unforgettable voice.
Catherine's Story:
I first met Diana when I went for an admin job interview in her office. She was amused by my CV and, instead of the role I’d applied for, she offered me a position in her workshop—something I’d never have had the confidence to put myself forward for.
Diana was one of the kindest and most generous employers I’ve ever worked for. She created a warm, supportive workplace filled with like-minded people, and she always seemed upbeat and positive. She certainly had a fierce side too, which is what made her such a successful businesswoman, but it was balanced by genuine kindness.
Her name lives on through her thriving business and the beautiful jewellery that continues to represent her.
Jane's Story:
I started working for Di straight after graduating from university and moved down to Bristol, having never visited before. I loved working in the workshop and straight away loved Bristol. Working for Di gave me such a valuable insight into a successful jewellery business. I will always be grateful to Di for giving me such a positive start in the jewellery industry and for introducing me to Bristol, which I still call home 22 years later.
Jack's Story:
Diana was the pivot that changed my career journey to the jeweller I am today. I was with Diana for eight years at the beginning, starting at her home, from her front living room, and then on to the Montpellier shop. I helped her open the first shop and made the ‘on and on’ board now featured in the gallery. It’s wonderful to see how Diana’s story has evolved and inspired others.
Merrill's Story:
I first met Di as a customer in 2001. She’d made my sister’s beautiful wedding rings, and when my boyfriend’s birthday came around, I decided to get him a ring too. This was back when customers visited the workshop on Wellington Lane—a bright, open space filled with light. You could see everyone working and laughing together, it was such a lovely place to be, surrounded by interesting, artistic people. I ended up buying a set of partnership rings, where the words “AND ON” were etched across two bands, so we could each have a ring.
The truth is, I think I just needed to have something made by this powerful woman whose work was so full of meaning. I gave my partner his ring… and immediately realised I didn’t actually want our relationship to go “on and on” at all—I had just wanted a Diana Porter ring for myself! I dumped him and told this story to Di in my administrator interview soon after. She thought it was hilarious, I got the job and have (mostly) worked for Di since.
It’s such an honour to have been involved in what Di created. She could never make anything that didn’t mean something to her, and her work means so much to other people to, marking moments of love, sadness, and celebration. It’s so human and real and emotional, and that’s exactly why I love it. I still feel proud of her every time I see a Sibyl out and about.
