We sat down with Master Goldsmith and owner of our Chislehurst boutique, Robert Bicknell, to find out more about career – from how he got into the industry to making jewellery for The Queen.

What first sparked your interest in making jewellery?
I found school difficult because I was more creative than academic. In fact, I was probably on the wrong trajectory, until a Head of Year saw potential in me and suggested I enroll in evening classes in Silversmithing. I was only 13 at the time and had to go for an interview to make sure I was serious about attending and wouldn’t disturb the other students, who were all adults! I went to the classes after school for a few hours a week for two years and quickly discovered a passion for making and designing jewellery, so that’s what I’ve been doing ever since…

How did you get started in the industry?
When I was fifteen, I secured a five-year apprenticeship in diamond-mounting. By 20, I’d completed my training and was working in London’s famous jewellery district, Hatton Garden, where I gained skills and experience from working alongside some of the most prestigious jewellers in the country. I later worked in Bond Street, the home of luxury jewellery, where I learnt the art of antique jewellery restoration, working on pieces for high-profile clients, including the Queen Mother.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
I’m really interested in people. Most jewellers keep their workshop hidden away from public view but I wanted my workshop visible in our shop. It’s an unusual set up, but it means when customers come in, they can see me working and I’m always available to speak to them. I like talking to people and getting to know their stories, including why they’ve chosen to have something made or remodelled and the meaning behind it.

I also enjoy the creative aspects of my job – coming up with new designs and crafting the jewellery. I’m always thinking about what I’m going to make next.

What’s your favourite piece you’ve ever made?
I’ve made lots of special pieces over the years so it’s difficult to pick a definitive one, but I will say, one of my favourites is the engagement ring I made for my fiancée Anastasia. It is always special to design a piece for a specific person, that you know they’re going to love.

Why did you decide to open your own boutique?
I had run a few workshops prior to opening Robert Bicknell Fine Jewellery, but I always wanted to have my own boutique to showcase all my creations. When I first opened the shop 15 years ago, there were very few places selling handcrafted jewellery that was actually affordable, so I wanted to fill that gap in the market. I’m proud to say, we’re also still one of a handful of jewellery companies in the country to stock only our own jewellery, all of which is designed and made in our on-site workshop.

What’s the most memorable request for a piece of jewellery you’ve had?
In 2012, I was honoured to be chosen from over 20 independent jewellers in Bromley to create a collection for Her Majesty The Queen in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. The collection included six pieces – one for each decade of her reign. Each one was designed in the style of the era and used gemstones from a notable country she visited during that decade. As a result, I was also lucky enough to meet her personally and receive her compliments about my work. It was definitely one of the highlights of my career so far and an amazing achievement for me, to go from growing up on a council estate to meeting The Queen.

What’s the best story behind a purchase?
We get a lot of requests for bespoke jewellery from people who want a piece designed to remember someone who has passed away. Or, sometimes, people ask us to remodel jewellery that belonged to someone special so they can wear it themselves. These are some of the most important and special pieces to make, as I get to help people feel closer to their loved ones.

While most jewellery purchases are carefully considered, we do sometimes have more unusual ones. For example, one day, we had a man run in from the local pub who wanted to buy a ring because he’d decided to propose to his girlfriend on the spur of the moment. It was like a moment in Eastenders! Lucky for him, we were just across the road – and she said yes.

What's your proudest achievement?
Making the collection for The Queen’s jubilee is undoubtedly one of my proudest achievements, but I’m equally proud of how I’ve been able to keep my business running for 15 years, and through some turbulent times, including a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.

If you didn't have your current job, what would you be doing?
I’ve been designing and making jewellery for so long, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else, but I really enjoy music and so I’d probably be a DJ.

When you’re not working, how do you like to relax?
When I’m not in the workshop, I like to relax by cooking, gardening, drawing, listening to music and walking the dog.

Find out more about Robert here.
View Robert’s handcrafted jewellery here.
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