Grantham goldsmith who runs MD Jewellers offers insight into the trade
Grantham’s only goldsmith has said he hopes his bespoke jewellery will still be around in 200 years’ time.
James Rudge, 40, runs MD Jewellers in Westgate with his partner Natalie O’Brien.
He has been in the industry for two decades, and says that it feels “incredible” to be part of people’s big moments in life by creating bespoke jewellery to celebrate milestones or to remember loved ones.
James, originally from Birmingham, said he “kind of fell into” making jewellery, having looked at careers in interior design and fashion.
“I’ve always loved making stuff and putting things together,” he said. “I ended up going to night school doing a course on silver smithery. I just fell in love with it and the processes involved.”
From this, James got an apprenticeship in the jewellery quarter of his home city.
He said: “I turned up at this dirty shop in my shirt and tie and was given a trial to see what I could do.
“I got offered the apprenticeship there and then.
“It was a traditional setting, with a retail shop on the street, then a Victorian workshop behind.”
James was due to spend three years there, but left after 18 to take on a new challenge down in Southampton, where he worked as the only goldsmith across three stores.
He ended up in Grantham after Natalie spotted a store that they could move into in Welby Street.
James said: “We’d never heard of Grantham. We thought, let’s have a challenge.”
In that time, James befriended the late John Cussell, who was based in MD Jeweller’s current shop in Westgate.
They moved there in October 2019 when John retired, as he asked if they wanted to take on the shop.
James said: “It’s quite nice for Grantham that there is a goldsmith on site. They’re normally only in city centres.
“It’s one of those things where we get a lot of customers who are fascinated by what happens behind the scenes.
“One of the things we have wanted to do for a long time is offer jewellery-making courses.”
James explained that they were almost in a position to do so, but had to sort the relevant health and safety protocols.
One of the first people to try the jewellery-making experience at the shop will be Amy Cussell, John’s daughter.
James said: “Amy can sit where her father sat and make a piece for herself or her family.
“I think it would be quite a special moment having her in here.“
MD Jewellers offers bespoke pieces for customers, which James said is what he enjoys most about the job.
He said: “I can be at my most creative and they tend to become family heirlooms.
“In 200 years time, I am hopeful that there is going to be something with my hallmark on it.
“When we meet a customer to do a bespoke piece, our creativity can go as far as they would like it to.
“People want to invest in jewellery as part of their life’s big moments. Birthdays, weddings, losing a loved one. It is hugely important.
“People want to have a physical item that they can wear to remember their loved ones. It is incredible to be part of that.”
To find out more, visit: https://mdjewellers.co.uk/
James also discussed how the technology had “come on leaps and bounds” during his 20 years in the industry
He said: “With the design, now you can get a high resolution 3D image of a bespoke product, then print a prototype. Customers can see the product before and it gives them reassurance.”
However, he said that without “on-the-bench experience”, computer aided design can only help so much.
“Technology has made our job a little easier, but you need that knowledge.”
