[Jewelry making - Article 00158] - Re: [Orchid] Jeweler's former lives

[James Miller]

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    Like Daniel R Spirer I started in this trade one month after my 15th
    burthday. Although technically I am not a jeweller, I am a goldsmith.
    In my time I have made everything from jewellery to ornate Easter
    Eggs. I started a six year apprenticeship in one of London's premier
    workshops, an apprenticeship as a goldsmith, that was timed to finish
    when I reached the age of 21. I learnt my trade in a small workshop
    with six craftsmen and myself. My fellow workers were silversmiths
    and goldsmiths. When I finished my apprenticeship I became what was
    known as a journeyman, this was for a period of about two years,
    after which I became a master and was alloted my own apprentice to
    train. I was with this same company for 14 years, only leaving when
    the company moved out of the centre of London, when I decided it was
    time to seek out new chalenges. In 1975 I joined a newly formed
    company of high quality goldsmiths, this new company had been formed
    by ex employees of one of Cartier's London workshops that had closed,
    so I was among some top class goldsmiths. I was able to develop my
    skills even further, with the oppertunity of creating modern day
    designs in the style of Carl Faberge', at that time we were making
    unique, high quality gold and enamel pieces for Asprey of Bond
    Street. Within five years this new company became a well respected
    goldsmithing company with a workshop of 12 craftsmen. I was now the
    workshop manager of this company and made many beautiful pieces,
    winning many awards for my skills in the annual London Goldsmith's
    Craft awards. After 10 years with this company, I decided that it was
    time for a change, my home was outside of London and I was travelling
    a round trip of 80 miles by train each day. I had a wife and a young
    daughter who I only saw late evenings and weekends. So in 1985 I
    started my own company, "James Miller Design", I rented a workshop
    within a mile of my home and started creating, at first all of my
    work was purchased by the company I had just left, they resold it as
    their own. After a couple of years I built up enough capital to seek
    out my own customers, although I found it easier to use agents to
    sell my work to some major London shops. It is difficult to gain
    access of the major buyers, it is a case of not what you know but who
    you know, when it comes to selling in London. So I was happy to let
    others sell my work and save me the trouble of making contacts, I
    just spent my time creating. I have worked on my own now for 21
    years, I have made jewelery for members of our royal family, I have
    made palace decorative pieces for the Sultans of Oman and Brunie, a
    gift to Henry Kissinger from our British Museum and many more pieces
    that have disappeared into private homes and collections. I am in the
    twilight of my career now and my body is telling me to slow down, but
    I get a hell of a kick out of creating beautiful objects, so even
    after 46 years at the bench, I will probably never stop. This is one
    of the most satisfying trades there could be and long may it prosper.
    Sorry to go on, but I thought I would add my story before the thread
    ends. 

Peace, good health and good business to all Orchideans.
James Miller in the UK
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/jmdesign.htm
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