BUSINESS
inside THE BUSINESS: MICALLEF JEWELLERS
MICHEL MICALLEF
MASTER CRAFTSMAN AND OWNER
What inspired you to become a jeweller?
As a young man, I had no idea I would end up as a jeweller! I just knew I wanted to work with my hands and to create a product from start to finish. I had no knowledge of the work until I got a job in a jewellery polishing workshop. I lasted one week in that job- I could see there was so much more I could do with jewellery.
How did you learn the craft?
I got introduced to a jewellery firm near Hatton Garden in London. They took me on as a complete novice, learning on the job and going one day a week to the John Cass College in Clerkenwell for three years. The skill and patience of the craftsman there was my strongest influence – he inspired me to think that jewellery offered a permanent career direction.
Later, I wanted the challenge of running a business alongside making jewellery. My father had his own business – very different; central heating in Tunisia!- but it showed me that as the owner you’ re free to make your own decisions … and mistakes of course, but to learn from them too.
What does your work involve now?
Our workshop does a range of jobs with silver, gold and platinum, from soldering charms onto bracelets to creating individually commissioned rings, pendants and earrings. We remodel old jewellery into modern settings, replace or re-cut stones, and work hard to match the requests of all customers at all budgets. Alongside making special pieces, there are the more regular jobs like rhodium plating, repairing chains, resizing rings and completing probate and insurance valuations.
What work have you most enjoyed?
Any job that touches the heart is special, like the creation of an engagement ring. Jewellery is personal, and a ring reflects hope and joy at a certain point in people’ s lives. I’ ve also loved the chance to restore old jewellery to its former condition – you really appreciate the top quality craftsmanship in pieces that were handmade without power tools, or even electric lighting! Another great job was valuing a church’ s silverware for its 900th anniversary
– that was a long job in the church all day as I couldn’ t take anything off the premises.
What’ s the most satisfying part of your work?
No matter how much work goes into the creation of a piece of jewellery, nothing’ s so satisfying as the final polish when you see the product properly at last. And, of course, it’ s very satisfying to consider the community that the business has created over the years – the loyal customer base, the valued staff and the jewellers I’ ve trained over the years. We were founded in 1982 and now have shops in Rainham, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. A business has to change like a chameleon to fit tastes and overcome hurdles- and we’ re still here 43 years later!
micallefjewellers. com
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