For more than half a century, has been part of some of 91原创 residents' most meaningful moments from engagements and to graduations and.
Now, as owner Steve Parker prepares to retire, he reflects on the legacy his family has built.
鈥淢y dad in 1973 in Guildford,鈥� Parker says. 鈥淲e eventually moved to 91原创, and it鈥檚 become a three-generation business. My daughters have both worked here and I鈥檝e had the privilege of teaching them, just like my dad taught me.鈥�
Jewellery-making is a trade that鈥檚 passed down from master to apprentice, Parker explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the kind of craft you can鈥檛 learn from a book. You learn by watching and doing.鈥�
While technology has changed the way some jewellery is made, Parker says the foundation remains the same.
鈥淔or centuries, the techniques didn鈥檛 really change 鈥� it was all about handcrafting,鈥� he says. 鈥淚n the last 20 years, we鈥檝e incorporated tools like CAD/CAM and lasers. It helps, but at the end of the day, it still comes down to the quality of the design and the materials.鈥�
The store specializes in custom pieces to mark special moments in people's lives. 鈥淛ewellery is important to people for a lot of reasons such as love, celebration, remembrance,鈥� Parker says. Sharing those moments with clients is a privilege, he reflects.
鈥淲e鈥檝e survived because we鈥檝e been adaptable, but also because we build things that are meant to be passed down to the next generations,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e create a beautiful product that can be cherished for a lifetime.鈥�
Steve remembers visiting his father鈥檚 workshop as a child and later watching his own children grow up in the same environment.
鈥淭he community has supported us for many years, and we鈥檝e been proud to support them in return,鈥� he says, noting Creative Goldsmiths' support for local initiatives such as the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation and other charities.
As he prepares to step away from the bench, Parker remains motivated by the same reason he started: creating something meaningful.
鈥淧eople come to us because they want what we do, not because they have to have it,鈥� he says 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a pretty special thing.鈥�
Reflecting on five decades of community support,, 鈥渢hank you for trusting us with your milestones and your memories,鈥� Parker says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been an honour.鈥�
Visit Creative Goldsmiths today at or in person at.