BUSINESS INSIDER
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
NIGEL DANDO Nigel Dando talks about his 55 years’ experience at his eponymous Pulteney Bridge jewellers, which includes being invited to Buckingham Palace, serving Cher, and his belief that jewellery is to be worn for pleasure, and not for value Tell us a bit about your background… I was born in what was the Forbes Fraser Hospital at Bath’s RUH in 1943 during World War II. My father was Cecil Dando, a former Bath Rugby player, RAF airman and jeweller by trade. My mother Edna Dando worked at a bakery. She lived to be over 102 years old so all those cakes did her well. What were your school days like? It didn’t come without its dramas – I was at school at a time when the cane was still in full service. My favourite subjects were history and geography, and I loved sport – I was a keen boxer and trained at Percy Boys’ Club. I was also a chorister as a boy, singing at St Thomas a Beckett in Widcombe. What was your first job? After leaving school at 16, I was a lorry driver’s mate for six months, transporting newsprint from Bristol to London, when my father then suggested I join the family business, where I started a five-year apprenticeship. During this time I went to London’s Hatton Garden to trade, before returning to Bath to work. If you hadn’t become a jeweller, what might you have become? I did apply to join the police, but after passing all entrance and physical exams, it
was discovered I was colour blind, and I was therefore rejected. What achievements are you proud of? I believe that currently I’m the longeststanding retailer and sole trader in Bath, and in that time I’ve served some wonderful people including Cher and Reese Witherspoon. I’ve even been invited to Buckingham Palace on official business. I have, over the years, built up a tremendous contact book, which provides me access to very unique items for clients.
Pulteney Bridge business just as it is. I’ve had a fantastic 55 years in the trade to date, and if anything, I may do a few less hours. What are your proudest personal achievements? I think overcoming a triple heart bypass at a fairly young age would be up there and watching my family grow, which includes the privilege of having grandchildren. My one piece of advice to them has always been ‘be happy’ and it’s great to see them such. This makes me tremendously proud.
What is your own most treasured item of jewellery? A pair of vintage Cartier cufflinks. Their design is innovative and the quality is, as you’d expect, extremely high.
Where would you recommend visitors go to first in Bath? If they were looking for an insider’s secret, I’d point them towards the towpath alongside the weir, where the view is truly stunning.
If you had to recommend one piece of jewellery as an investment, what would it be? I believe jewellery should be bought and worn for the very pleasure of it – should the purchase turn out to be a valuable investment, then all the better.
Describe your ideal day... It would start with a lie in, then maybe Mrs. Dando would bring me breakfast in bed, along with a selection of papers and a fresh coffee. I’d then make my way to the gym or potter in the garden before taking the family for a lovely country lunch, with a few glasses of red, at The Wheatsheaf in Combe Hay.
Do you have any expansion plans for Nigel Dando Jewellery? My three sons all have careers outside of the industry and I’m very happy with my
For more: www.nigeldando.co.uk