In The Trade - An Interview with the Hand Engraver, Jeffrey Taylor

Whatever it takes.....

Jeffrey Taylor has been associated with the jewellery trade since leaving school, but didn't take the usual route to becoming an engraver. A prime example of putting yourself at the centre of the action and doing what it takes to get where you want to go, Jeffrey now works freelance and has demonstrated for us in both Hatton Garden and at the Jewellery Show in Olympia.

Who, What, and Where?

I'm a London/Luton based hand engraver and jeweller working with trade and private clients. My speciality is traditional hand carved patterns on wedding and engagement rings and bespoke jewellery. I've written an e-book "Hand Engraving with a Flat Scorper Graver" and offer 1-2-1 engraving tutoring

Jeffrey will be joining us on Friday 16th May in our Hatton Garden branch. Pop in between 12 and 4pm to watch Jeffrey and pick up some tips and advice.

How you started, your route into the trade?

I started working in Hatton Garden after leaving school, in the Industrial Diamond Industry, the manufacturing of natural and synthetic diamond powder and diamond drill bits and diamond sorting. In the evenings I undertook a City and Guilds in Silversmith Hand Engraving at Sir John Cass School of Art (now London Metropolitan University).

I ended up being trained by Steve Knight with flat scorper graver in his workshop in Hatton Garden and from there to Brown and Newirth in Hatfield, hand engraving and diamond setting wedding rings. Now I'm freelance

Favourite task?

Engraving in general, but specifically scrolls.

Least favourite task?

Using the grinding wheel for shaping the graver as it can get dusty.

Dream Client?

To be honest most of my trade clients are dream clients as they give me free will in designing
one of a kind hand carved patterns on their jewellery and pay in advance.