Business profile – Stedman's Fine Jewellery

Michael Stedman

STEDMAN’S FINE JEWELLERY

FROM HIS SMALL SHOP IN THE HEART OF LANE COVE, MICHAEL STEDMAN HAS BEEN CREATING BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE JEWELLERY FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS.

In this time, Michael has established a loyal clientele not only locally, but across Sydney. He is now serving up to three generations of the same family including mothers, daughters and granddaughters.

What makes Stedman’s Fine Jewellery different? From design through to completion, all our jewellery is handmade on the premises. Working together with Janine Matthei (who has worked with me for the past 25 years), we liaise closely with our customers, ensuring we have correctly created the vision they have in their dreams. Although compact, the number of high quality pieces of jewellery which we make or repair in our small workshop space is amazing. We are still using the same tools and soldering techniques from the 20th Century and earlier, which I feel are the best methods to produce a superior piece of jewellery. It may take longer, but it definitely produces the best job. We really pride ourselves on the quality of our work. We ask customers to come in during the making of a piece, so any modifications can be attended to prior to final pick-up. This service can only be offered when it’s actually being made on site. What attracted you to Lane Cove? After completing my apprenticeship almost 40 years ago, I did additional study in gemmology, diamond technology and valuations. I established a manufacturing business in the city, initially making jewellery for other retailers. As I started to get more private work, I decided it was time to start my own business. Whenever I used to drive through Lane Cove, it always seemed busy. The shop where I’m located used to be owned by a jeweller – when it came up for sale in 1993 I decided to buy it. What do you love about your work? I’m the perfect example of the saying “Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life.” For me, the line between work and relaxation is somewhat blurred. Sometimes to ‘chill out’, I select a beautiful coloured gemstone, and make an exquisite piece of jewellery. I personally love working with fine quality, coloured stones surrounding them with diamonds to enhance them. I’ve worked on some really interesting pieces, including earrings owned by Elizabeth Taylor that a client bought at auction, and a Cartier necklace which I remade. How would you describe the style of jewellery you create? I specialise in creating classic, timeless jewellery. We have a discerning clientele and we don’t tend to focus on trends. We do a lot of remodelling and remaking, and clients often bring in pieces that they would like to add to or contemporise. Rings and earrings continue to be the most popular items of jewellery. How would you describe the current business environment? Rather than relying on passing traffic, we are more of a destination business, so the impact of the Rosenthal building works has been manageable for us, particularly considering its longer-term benefits. It’s going to be wonderful addition to the area and I think Lane Cove has a really bright future ahead.

What 4 words would you use to describe Lane Cove? 1. Safe 2. Welcoming 3. Vibrant