Jacques can be found in his private Studio Monday to Friday either teaching others or working on his commissions. The studio is open 10am – 4pm or by appointment.
‘In 1977 I began my trade in Adelaide, South Australia. After my apprenticeship I went on to do private commissions for a variety of individuals.
Working in precious metals brings a great sense of calm to me. Understanding how far the metal will yield, how can I get the finish for the individual item and the overall design to construction process is fundamentally individual to each item.
Having said that, the diverse yet often repetitive skills that are required provide a fantastic journey for me. Same skills with different outcomes – I think this is what makes Silversmithing such a satisfying activity.
Over the years I have had the honor to make Chalices for the clergy of Adelaide, a pair of Sauce boats for the University of Cambridge United Kingdom, an Ink set for a well known Jewellery tool supplier, Mayoral pendants for Mitcham Council, 144 piece cutlery set for predominant family of Adelaide, Trophies for Whisky and Wine awards to smaller just as satisfying commissions like Engagement rings, Christening spoons and Silver trinket boxes for a variety of clientele who, over time have become like family.
As for Students, I have had the great honor to in some small way motivate and invest in peoples lives. Through teaching each of my students I have held great hopes that they might in some way partake and understand what it is that I hold so dear. Each time my students have reached their goals, be they big or be they small, I gain a great deal of personal pleasure from seeing their growth.
Over my years I have had 7 apprentices, mentored personally 14 individuals that now have their own successful businesses and have ushered into the Manufacturing Jewellery trade over 90 students. It was a great credit to have the opportunity to teach the Northern Territory and South Australian trade Apprentices for many years and to see them to this day within the trade, holding their own with confidence in their own skills and precision.
My Novices have now pretty much all graduated to Freelance students. This means they have been with me for so long that they come to work from my private Studio in the pictures Adelaide Hills of South Australia purely to maintain their creative outlet. It has become all about the journey for them as well.
I would have to say apart from the satisfaction of working in the unique craft, the next inexplicable pleasure comes from the life long relationships I have developed and built up over such a long time within this ancient trade.
I believe that one of my most beloved thoughts comes from the fact that my legacy will live on in each person who continues to practice the skills and techniques I have shared with them. Each day they go to work or design a ring or even set a stone, knowing that I played a role in that persons life is a moment of contemplation and personal gratification to me.
I believe these next few years will be my best yet. I am at this date in 2023 working towards an exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my journey.
And I look forward to sharing this odyssey with all those who, like me, dream in silver and gold.”
Cheers
Jacques