Gee - In the Workshop

“I create articles of jewellery for the individual. I specialise in Compass Jewellery.”

Choose Your Direction

Bound in to each of my unique compass creations is the idea that life is an adventure; an opportunity to choose your direction. Whether classically simple, or exquisitely distinctive, each compass has its own unique identity.

Designed and made to the highest quality and incorporating a precision built compass, these timeless treasures are made to last beyond the seasons of fashion.

Created in precious metals and often with an irresistible gemstone, each individual creation is fabulous to look at, tempting to touch and a pleasure to wear. The quality is palpable; the designs, unique.

Before all that, however…

Early Independence

My career story started in Information Technology where I used to design and build databases for clients such as Microsoft and Guinness. I worked hard, successfully navigated my way from Programmer to Project Manager and met some great people. Life was very comfortable but, well, just not the stuff of adventurers. I’d achieved the financial independence I sought, but I felt there was more to life.

Since then I’ve changed my life, become a goldsmith and moved to France.

Becoming a goldsmith, evolved.

Coming from a family of fine art dealers provided me with an opportunity to see many beautiful creations, in a variety of forms. Paintings, glassware, furniture – and, of course, jewellery. It also meant meeting a rich mix of people and gave me a window onto how others appreciate art. For some it’s an inexplicable attraction, for others, purely an investment.

Treasures from the Past

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved jewellery. Visiting antiques fairs with my Mum, through much of my childhood, gave me exposure to a lot of jewellery from various times in history. I remember sifting through boxes of treasures and trinkets that had once been cherished. Signs of their wear and tear sparking my imagination of what those pieces of jewellery had witnessed, what stories they carried within them. Who had owned and worn them? Where had they travelled?

Practical by Nature

I’ve also always been very practical and good with my hands. In addition to jewellery, I make all sorts of creations using fabrics and wood and hoard stashes of these materials that are under the threat of disposal. I chose woodwork over cookery at school. Growing up, I spent hours and hours in workshops helping to rebuild old LandRovers and other farm vehicles. But that’s another story.

The Skills of the Craftsman

Through a friend with whom I shared a weakness for fabrics, I met a Master Craftsman of Goldsmiths’ Hall. A gentleman with a wealth of knowledge and skills and a gift for teaching, he took me under his wing and agreed to one-to-one tuition in his private workshop. A stickler for precision and the correct use of techniques, he provided the perfect setting for the hungry apprentice – me. On the solid foundations from his tuition, I have continued to develop my skills through dedicated practice for several years.

The Adventurer Within

I became a goldsmith by deciding to live a life of adventure; to risk the safely familiar in favour being involved in something that inspired me. With an open mind I looked out for opportunities, tried new things and made mistakes. I applied myself to finding a way of living a life that truly engaged me.

Everyone has a story, and the story about the rest of your life starts today.

I hope my creations inspire you to Choose Your Direction.