Meet the Maker: A Goldsmith’s Life

Meet the Maker: A Q&A with our Goldsmith, Richard

Life in the Workshop

Where are you right now?

I'm in one of my two workshop (that I made myself) at the bottom of my garden.

Describe your typical working day?

It really varies day-to-day but I try to be up between 6:30 and 7 to feed all the animals: we have Aggers who's a black Labrador crossed with German shepherd (and a bit of Great Dane, we suspect, because of his height); Finlay the spaniel; and our one-eyed cat named Dylan after both Dylan Thomas (for my wife) and Bob Dylan (for me). I aim to be in the workshop by around 8. I work on existing orders first and then tend to work on my own things as I'm also an artist-jeweller. The only thing that absolutely happens every day without fail is at 10:30 when I stop everything for PopMaster on Radio 2. I'm still yet to achieve the perfect score of 39! I take a break for lunch when I'm hungry and tend to finish for the day in time to watch whatever were currently enjoying on telly - it's really handy, working from home!

The Path to Craftsmanship

What made you pursue a career as a goldsmith?

I always wanted to work with my hands – I was always making tools when I was at school – so being a blacksmith and a jeweller came through for me.

Working with Rare Welsh Gold

What are your favourite items of jewellery to make?

Gold wedding rings because I really like to think it's something that somebody is going to wear for the rest of their life.

What's the best part of your job?

Having to make pieces completely from scratch, melting the Welsh gold and then forming into the required profile.

Inspired by Richard’s craftsmanship? Explore our Bespoke Jewellery service to create your own unique piece of Welsh gold history.