Why I Work by Appointment Only

If you've visited my website, booked a consultation or searched for my workshop online, you may have noticed that I operate by appointment only.

It's a question I'm asked fairly regularly, and I completely understand why. Traditionally, jewellers have high street shops where you can browse at your leisure or simply pop in for a repair. While I love that approach, my business works a little differently.

I thought I'd take the opportunity to explain why I've chosen an appointment-only model, what it means for you as a customer, and why I genuinely believe it creates a better experience for everyone.

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Every appointment has my full attention

Whether you're visiting to discuss a bespoke commission, remodel a treasured heirloom, have a repair assessed, sell scrap precious metals or simply browse the gallery, your appointment is dedicated entirely to you.

There are no interruptions from walk-in customers, no queues waiting behind you, and no pressure to rush important conversations. Jewellery is incredibly personal, and I believe choosing, designing or restoring it deserves time, privacy and careful consideration.

Working by appointment allows me to give every customer the attention they deserve.

Bonny is sometimes at the studio

Many of you will already know Bonny, my rescue dog. She's made incredible progress since joining our family, but she still finds meeting new people a little overwhelming and has absolutely no concept of personal space once she decides you're a friend!

Booking your appointment gives you the opportunity to let me know your preference. If you'd rather Bonny wasn't at the studio during your visit, that's absolutely fine and I'll make sure she's elsewhere. Equally, if you're happy to meet her and help with her ongoing socialisation, she'd be delighted to say hello.

Bonny is also very reactive around other dogs, so if you'd like to bring your own dog to your appointment, simply let me know beforehand and I'll make sure Bonny isn't at the workshop at the same time.

Teaching is a huge part of my business

Alongside creating jewellery, I regularly teach jewellery-making workshops for a wide range of abilities.

When I'm teaching, my students have my complete attention throughout the session. Likewise, when you book an appointment with me, you receive exactly the same level of focus and care.

Balancing teaching with my workshop means appointments are essential to ensure nobody's experience is interrupted.

Supporting the wider jewellery industry

Running my business involves much more than sitting at the jeweller's bench.

Throughout the year I exhibit my work at exhibitions and events, which requires time to develop new collections, prepare displays and attend the exhibitions themselves.

I also attend trade shows, industry meetings, AGMs, award ceremonies and training sessions to continue developing my knowledge and skills. Alongside this, I'm proud to be the Training Manager for Contemporary British Silversmiths and serve as a committee member, helping support the wider jewellery and silversmithing community. These commitments help me continue learning, sharing knowledge and bringing the very best back to my own customers.

Running a small business means wearing many hats

Behind every finished piece of jewellery is a long list of jobs most people never see.

Some days I'm making trips to the post office, collecting supplies, visiting suppliers or heading to the bank. Other days are filled with bookkeeping, meeting my accountant, answering emails, cleaning and maintaining the workshop, organising equipment servicing, scheduling maintenance and solving unexpected problems, like the recent internet and phone issues that have taken far longer to resolve than I'd hoped!

These tasks are all part of running a healthy business, but they do mean I'm not always physically at the workshop during traditional opening hours.

Protected time to create

Creating jewellery requires concentration. I block out dedicated studio time to design bespoke commissions, remodel sentimental pieces, complete repairs and create new work for both my gallery and website.

That time is also spent sourcing diamonds and gemstones, sketching ideas, refining designs, researching techniques, photographing new work and developing future collections.

Jewellery cannot be rushed. Protecting uninterrupted making time allows me to produce work to the highest possible standard while ensuring every customer receives the care and craftsmanship they expect.

Looking after myself matters too

Running your own business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also become all-consuming.

Like everyone else, I have a home to look after, a car to maintain, medical and dental appointments to attend, errands to run, and time to spend with family and friends. I also take holidays, celebrate weddings, attend funerals and occasionally escape to the sea for a much-needed reset.

Looking after myself isn't separate from my business, it's part of being able to sustain it. Taking time to recharge means I return to the workshop with the focus, creativity and enthusiasm that every customer deserves.

Why appointment only creates a better experience

Ultimately, my appointment-only approach isn't about limiting access, it's about improving your experience. It means you'll always have dedicated time, privacy to discuss your jewellery, honest advice without distractions and a calm, organised environment.

Whether you're investing in a bespoke commission or bringing in a sentimental repair, I want your visit to feel personal, relaxed and enjoyable from beginning to end.

Booking couldn't be easier

Appointments can be booked quickly and easily through my website. If you can't find a suitable day or time, please don't hesitate to get in touch by email or WhatsApp and I'll always do my best to find an alternative.

One thing that can sometimes cause confusion is that Google doesn't currently allow businesses to display appointment only as their opening status. As a result, it may appear that the workshop is open for walk-in visitors when, in reality, visits are by appointment.

Before making a special journey, please take a moment to book online or get in touch first. It helps avoid a wasted trip and means I can ensure I'm available to welcome you properly.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting my small business. Every appointment allows me to continue creating meaningful jewellery while offering the personal service that sits at the heart of everything I do.

I look forward to welcoming you to the workshop soon.

Rebecca

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