BUSINESS INSIDER
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
MICHAEL PARSONS Jewellery designer and goldsmith Michael Parsons is the owner of the independent jewellers Gold & Platinum Studio. Here he talks Hell’s Angels, having a famous uncle and crafting bespoke treasures
What was your first job? After school, which I couldn’t wait to leave, I went away to study jewellery design for four years and then went straight into working as a goldsmith. How did you progress into working with Gold & Platinum Studio? The Gold & Platinum Studio was originally the Gold & Silver Studio, and was opened in 1970. I worked for the previous owners as a goldsmith, and in 1997 I bought the business and changed the name. In 2005 I relocated the business to Northumberland Place to be closer to the centre. Any particular career highlights? Reaching 20 years with the business this year feels fantastic. I enjoyed working in Sydney in my 20s as a goldsmith and getting to design pieces using the opals straight from the local mines. I think one of the top highlights, though, is being awarded the licentiateship of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, which was founded by one of my heroes, William Morris, the English textile designer, poet, novelist, translator and socialist activist. What is your own most treasured piece of jewellery? An 18ct gold pocket watch that was given to my great grandfather by his parents in 1887. It has so much history and still keeps good time. I aspire to make pieces that can be handed down to future generations and treasured in this same way. Tell us about the most memorable piece of bespoke jewellery you’ve crafted It was the cello brooch that I made for my father to give to my mother on their golden wedding anniversary. It was a real labour of love. If you had to recommend one piece of jewellery, what would it be? Jewellery is a very personal thing so I would suggest investing in something that will bring you joy for 116 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
many years. I have recently been making stacking rings in gold or platinum set with diamonds or coloured sapphires. These rings fit together and can be worn differently each time, which keeps them interesting. The collection could also be added to for special birthdays and events.
Michael in his studio and shop in Northumberland Place where he makes pieces that can be enjoyed, treasured and handed down to future generations
Does being based in Bath enhance your business at all? One major advantage of trading in this beautiful city is the amount of in-love visitors that it attracts – we see a lot of proposals in Bath. Theatre Royal Bath is a huge draw to Bath and we’ve seen a fair few celebrity clients. When I first took over the business my uncle Nick came to host an event at the studio. He still chairs Just A Minute on Radio 4 at the age of 93, so I think you can guess who he is! Describe your ideal day in Bath A walk in Rainbow Woods with my beloved daughter and our two rescue lurchers. Then lunch and a great coffee at Rosarios, on Northumberland Place. Is there anything about you that might surprise us? In my first business I made jewellery for Hell’s Angels, which I sold through the biker magazine Back Street Heroes. I made wax models with the biker themes such as grim reapers, skulls and snake rings, and cast these mostly in silver. For more: www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk
IN MY FIRST BUSINESS I MADE JEWELLERY FOR HELL’S ANGELS