Providing Yorkshire's Bespoke Jewellery for 20 Years: How Form Bespoke Jewellers Came to Be

Long, long ago in 2004, two men who probably already had enough on their plate, decided to set up a bespoke jewellery business in north Leeds. 20 years later, it’s time to see how they’re getting on and learn a bit more about their journey… 

How and when did you meet? Do you remember your first impressions of each other?

Tim: We first met in 1990… Which is crazy to think about. Gary was leaving his old job and I was just starting. We got on straight away! I remember thinking he was a class guy, always up for a laugh. We stayed in touch through mutual friends and got to know one another over a few pints.

Gary: We were both working at another jewellers for a while but I was due to leave shortly after Tim started. Tim was always super friendly and fun, and loved his rugby! Thankfully we stayed in touch and shared a few good nights out together… and here we are.

Tim (left) and Gary starting out their careers in jewellery

When and why did you decide making jewellery was for you?

Tim: As soon as I started in the jewellery industry at age 16 I knew it was for me and I feel very lucky to be able to say that. It's not easy finding your passion, let alone straight out of school. It’s also just a great industry to be a part of if you’re looking to do something creative. I wasn’t particularly jewellery-obsessed when I was younger, but always loved working with my hands and fixing things.

Gary: At high school, I always really enjoyed the metal and woodwork lessons and I really appreciated the creative process behind making something that functions! Because I enjoyed it so much, I excelled in it, so that’s what inspired me to look into the jewellery industry. I would always advise people to stick to what they enjoy if you can.

Were there any obstacles you faced which often come with starting a business?

Tim: The beginning of any business venture is always going to be difficult, but all good things come to those that never give up! It was myself and another friend who set Form up in the very beginning, before he moved to Australia. Finding the premises was probably the biggest hurdle as we came across some complications, but it was all worth it in the end.

Gary: I wasn’t at the very beginning, Tim initially set the business up with Michael and then reached out to me a few years later. So luckily for me everything had already been established and when I was asked to join I knew I would fit right in. I guess establishing that initial customer base can be quite challenging though, you really have to put yourself out there.

Michael (left) and Tim and the Yorkshire Brides awards in 2007

What would you say has kept Form going all these years?

Tim: Starting Form with 16 years experience in the jewellery trade was so beneficial, working in the different aspects of manufacturing and also high end retail showed the different ‘facets’ of the trade and what’s needed to meet the different requirements for different customers. Ultimately it comes down to having a passion for ensuring each piece of fine jewellery is made to the highest standards and in turn providing the best customer service possible. You also have to be prepared to put in the work and do the long hours and weekend shifts. I think the special thing about Form is that our clients come to us to create something so sentimental and something that will last a lifetime, therefore it’s important to us that their bespoke experience is memorable and personable. We’re really fortunate that we get lots of recommendations between family members, friends and work colleagues and have a lot of returning clients which means we get to know their story and make connections, that’s what it’s all about.

Gary: As a business owner you have to set your own goals and be the decision maker, which is easier said than done! It takes practice and perseverance. I will say that I do think our craftsmanship is something that has kept Form going. We take a lot of pride in our work and I think that shines through in our jewellery and gives us that unique edge. 

In the 20 years of business, what have been some of your highlights?

Tim: There’s been a few! Moving to Chapel Allerton in 2005 and then to our new current premises in 2018.. Our first commission back in 2004, Gary starting in 2011, celebrating 10 years of business in 2014, and of course our 20 year anniversary this year! We’ve had some pretty great staff do’s and Christmas parties too, it’s been an amazing journey & lot of fun. Also looking to the future is such an exciting prospect, there’s always new challenges and new amazing designs to create.

Gary: Building our very own premises is something I'll always be proud of. We overcame the pandemic which of course wasn’t easy but times were hard for everyone. Winning numerous awards over the years, and being able to start our side business. Just generally watching the business grow and evolve has been my personal highlight!

Tim and Gary celebrating the launch of their side business, Jeweller’s Loupe, in 2020

What advice would you give to other independent traders or entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business?

Tim: There is always an element of risk involved, so you have to be prepared to try and try again. There is no failure except in no longer caring & trying. You have to have a good understanding of all the different aspects of the trade & your business, it’s not really something you can just wing if you want it to work. Care about the product you produce and understand your audience and their needs. Expect to work those crazy hours and remember how fortunate you are to be able to do so!

Gary: I would say find your passion and run with it. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. Networking is key! Saying that, also remember to start small just to get your feet off the ground, don’t borrow anything you don’t think you’ll be able to repay, you could end up in trouble.

In your own words, why have you chosen to do a series of giveaways to celebrate your anniversary?

Tim: Obviously we’re incredibly excited to be able to celebrate such a milestone, so we thought we’d like to get everyone involved in our excitement. It’s a great way to bring people together and give back to our clients & community that has supported us for so long! 

Gary: We’re really proud of how far we have come and what we have achieved over the last 20  years. We feel like this needs to be shared and shouted about with those that support us. It’s also a chance to say we don’t take any of it for granted, every bit of support is appreciated whether it’s a Google review or recommending us to a friend - it means the world.

Keep an eye on their giveaways via their Instagram.

Anything else you would like to mention?

Tim: We’ve been lucky enough to create jewellery for people all over the world, even as far as Australia & Singapore! Of course our main clientele are Leeds based, so we owe it to this city full of wonderful people for keeping us going. We couldn’t be more grateful. Also a huge thank you to my wife Jo, I couldn’t have done this without her!!

Gary: Nope…. Just kidding. We look forward to making amazing fine jewellery for many more years to come and I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in our 20 year anniversary celebrations so far!

If you would like to wish Form a happy birthday then please do! You can contact us via the social media links below or email us directly here.

The Creative Process Behind Your Beautiful Bespoke Jewellery

Here at Form Bespoke Jewellers, our highly skilled team bring your ideas to life through a carefully constructed 4 step process. Whether it be an engagement, wedding, anniversary, or any other special occasion, we make sure every detail of your jewellery should be exactly how you imagined. That’s why our customers recognise and appreciate the personal and unique service you get with us.

STEP 1: Initial Design Brief

We start by having an in-depth discussion with you about your ideas so that our jewellers can accurately design your bespoke piece. Alternatively, if you need some inspiration, we have plenty of past commissions and samples at our showroom which you’re always invited to take a look at. Once all the details are finalised, it’s time for us to start crafting!

STEP 2: Making A Visual Design

Using Computer Aided Design (CAD), we create a digital 3D model of the jewellery which helps us perfect the more precise details. This is an invaluable part of the design process and can take about a week to finalise depending on the complexity. Once you’re 100% happy we then convert your CAD to a wax model with the use of 3D printing. The precious metal of your choice is then made into a cast by pouring the liquid metal into a mould.

STEP 3: Stone Setting and Finish

Once your rough metal cast is solidified and ready, we get straight on with preparing it for stone setting. Using various tools and machinery, the metal is filed and polished to the highest standard giving it that eye-catching shine. When our jeweller decides it’s ready, all your stones and diamonds are set and secured in place by hand - this takes a lot of time and precision!

STEP 4: Collection

By now, your jewellery will be sparkling and just waiting to be worn! After we have carefully packaged your jewellery it’s time to come to the shop for collection.

We also recommend bringing your jewellery back in every 6 months for a check up to validate your complimentary lifetime maintenance. Feel free to browse our website for more information and inspiration!

Famous Diamonds - Koi

From the diamond fields of the Congo, nearly 20 years ago, a 60 plus carat raw diamond was discovered and very nearly consigned to low grade gemstone scrapheap until a creative diamond cutter saw the potential the raw stone had and created the now world renowned, one-of-a-kind Koi Diamond.

With graduations of colour from white, orange, light yellow, dark blue to black this diamond evokes the koi fish — a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Japan.

To certify this priceless, pear shaped 32+ carat diamond, the GIA (Gemological Society of America) had to bring in The King of Coloured Diamonds — Eddy Ezlas, to help with the certification of such a unique stone. Now certified by the GIA, the Koi is owned by Rawstone Business Holding and kept under lock and key in a vault in Antwerp.

Our New Business Venture!

This week was an exciting one at Form Bespoke Jewellers, after years of development we finally launched our new business venture: Jeweller’s Loupe – an online jewellery store specialising in handmade British engagement rings and weddings rings using ethical and fairtrade precious metals and gemstones.

Not too dissimilar to what we offer at Form, I hear you say? There’s certainly some truth to that, Jeweller’s Loupe will offer the same high standards that Form Bespoke Jewellers has become known for, using the same high-quality materials sourced from British companies to create handmade, stylish jewellery, with the same friendly and personable customer service. The main difference is that rather than receiving the bespoke service Form customers enjoy, Jeweller’s Loupe customers will choose a jewellery design from the online store that is then handmade to order by our expert, award winning British jewellers. Jeweller’s Loupe is also able to easily offer a worldwide customer base quality British jewellery from an independent British Jewellers, whereas only a small proportion of Form’s customers are based outside of the UK.

What is a Jeweller’s Loupe?

A jeweller’s loupe is a specialised magnifying glass used to look closely at diamonds, settings, metal work and any other small details on a piece of jewellery. It’s an essential part of a jeweller’s toolkit, can come in varying strengths: 10x, 30x zoom etc. and it can also be fold-able – which is known as a triplet loupe.

The reason we chose to call our new company Jeweller’s Loupe is because we feel this humble tool represents many of the values that are important to us as a company:

• transparency — to our customers

• precision & attention to detail — flawless quality and nothing less

• traditional craftsmanship — flying the flag for an important British trade

We’d love our customers here at Form to browse the Jeweller’s Loupe website, and perhaps even make a purchase! Although our two brands have similarities, we believe that there are enough differences to allow customers of Form to also be customers of Jeweller’s Loupe. So have a look and see what you think. We’re always happy to hear any feedback you may have, so please feel free to contact us here.

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Unusual Stones and Recycling: 2020 Jewellery Trends

It’s a new year and a new decade, and although trends in the jewellery business aren’t quick to change, at least not at the pace of other fashion industries, there are a couple that have caught our eye at the start of 2020.

Recycling

The first is the trend towards recycling. And no we don’t mean jewellery made from plastic bottles, but we can see how our choice of headline image may have confused you! Recycling isn’t something new to the jewellery industry, we, and many other jewellers, have been recycling in one form or another for decades—using gemstones or precious metals from older or antique jewellery to create new pieces is the most common way we recycle here at Form. But with sustainability and recycling now common place in all of our day-to-day lives, as well as being on the agenda of our favourite brands and in the news most days, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more customers choose to recycle (or upcycle) jewellery they may no longer wear or family heirlooms that need a new lease of life, particularly when there’s little of the environmental impact a new piece of jewellery has.

We’re always happy to do our bit for the environment and love creating new pieces of jewellery from old. We were recently commissioned to make this beautiful, bespoke engagement ring using the customers antique oval cut diamond:

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Antique oval diamond engagement ring.

Unusual Stones

We’ve also seen a rise in clients asking for unusual stones in their jewellery, and this seems to be a trend that’s set to continue in 2020. Our customers have an appetite for unique pieces of bespoke jewellery, and unusual stones can really set a piece of jewellery apart from the crowd. Recent commissions have seen us create pendants using Amethysts, Citrine and Tsavorite Garnets gemstones, as well as rings using Peridots and Spessartite Garnets.

So if you have a piece of jewellery that isn’t being worn or needs a new lease of life why not contact us, and if you really want to create a unique piece of jewellery why not think about adding unusual gemstones to it.

The Journey of Your Bespoke Jewellery

As bespoke jewellers the heritage of our craft is extremely important to us, but we don’t let that stop us from embracing the latest innovations—as long as they allow us to offer our customers a better service. As we wrote in a previous blog post, jewellery making dates back millennia, with many age old manufacturing techniques still being used today.

There have been two significant changes to the way jewellers work in the 21st Century. The first is the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and the second is 3D printing. Both of these innovations allow our jewellers to offer more creative designs without increasing cost, as well as making it easier for our customers to have more input during the design process. So incorporating them into the journey your jewellery takes with us was a no-brainer.

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Step One: Consultation and design brief

The first step in the design process is a consultation between you, the customer, and one of our jewellers. This may be over the phone or by email, but more often than not we hold one-to-one consultations in our Leeds showroom. This gives you the chance to chat through exactly what you want, it also allows our jewellers to show you examples of rings or jewellery we hold in our showroom, whilst giving expert advise on settings, gemstones, stone size and clarity, precious metals and a plethora of other options. Our jewellers may also make sketches of your jewellery at this stage, before passing everything on to our CAD designer.

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Step Two: CAD Design

CAD 3D Render

During this stage of your jewellery’s journey our CAD designer creates a 3D render of your jewellery in a piece of computer software called Matrix. This render allows both you and our jewellers to view the jewellery and make any amendments to the design. This is a great time for you to give feedback and ask any questions you may have about your jewellery, after all, this is a bespoke service so your input is as important as our jeweller’s. Once everyone is happy, the CAD render is sent over to our 3D printer to be printed in wax resin.

CAD Design

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Step Three: 3D Print

A wax resin model of your jewellery is now 3D printed in our Leeds workshop using our Formlabs 3D printer. This model is then sent off to one of the casting companies we use to be cast in the precious metal of your choice. A few days later our Leeds based workshop receive the precious metal cast of your jewellery and it’s then time to set and finish it.

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Step Four: Set, Finish and Collection

During this stage, gemstones are set into your jewellery, the metal is polished and any finishing touches are completed. Finally, we quality check your ring, photograph it for our archive and package it for you to collect. It is then ready to be collected in our Leeds showroom or posted to anywhere in the world for you.

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