In The Trade - An Interview with the Gold Polishing Guru, Stephen M Goldsmith KCHS FIPG

Interview with a Guru

Stephen M Goldsmith spent 50 years in the trade as a polisher, retiring in 2020 after spending his last 18 years with Theo Fennell. However he is not one to rest on his laurels and has spent the last 5 years continuing to pass on his knowledge as Master of his craft to anyone from major trade companies to individuals just starting out. Alongside the GURU LIST on our website and his instagram accounts @goldpolisher and @goldpolishingguru Steve has authored the book "Polishing and Finishing For Jewellers and Silversmiths" We interview him about his life in the trade and his plans for the future.

Who is the Guru?

Many know me as the "Gold Polishing Guru," a title that seems to have taken on a life of its own. The moment I put on my Guru apron, I become my alter ego—the chatty guy on Instagram (@goldpolisher), always sharing tips and tricks. Of course, I also wrote the bestselling Polishing and Finishing for Jewellers and Silversmiths (The Crowood Press), and I’m still as passionate as ever about teaching the world to shine.

One of the most rewarding moments in my post-retirement life was meeting a young polisher from Brown & Newirth who told me he joined the trade after watching my social media reels. My inbox is always full of questions from jewellers too afraid to ask in public forums, and I love knowing that I’ve inspired a younger generation to see polishing as more than just the dirty end of the job.

I find myself at the other end of life in the trade, discovering answers I wish I’d known decades ago. Funny how that works—when I was younger, I always wanted to meet an expert with 50 years of experience, and somehow, I’ve become the craftsman I once hoped to meet.

Retirement isn’t always as we imagine it. Just like polishing metal, if you don’t prepare properly, you prepare to fail. I quickly learned that relying solely on a company pension isn’t always enough—you need to work hard and plan ahead.

Rather than spending my retirement on cruise ships (though I do have a Mumbai-to-Singapore trip coming up), I’ve found myself still deeply involved in the trade. Companies continue to call, but I now pass work to younger polishers who need to build their careers. Even during the COVID years, I was giving out work without expecting anything in return.

How long have you been in the trade?

I officially retired from Theo Fennell after 18 years—and from the trade after 50 years—just as COVID-19 and Brexit hit. I remember sitting at home on Christmas Eve, turning to my wife Ali and saying, “50 years done!”

Then the phone rang........Retirement? Not quite.

Life had other plans, and I soon found myself polishing again, including work for the Royal Mint—40kg of pure gold so far.

Memorable Moments?

My career has given me incredible opportunities. Some highlights?

Meeting the Admiral of the Fleet for the America’s Cup, who asked for a selfie—not with the Premier League Cup I was holding, but with me!

Being invited to Ronnie Wood’s wedding to Sally.

A meaningful conversation with Andrew Lloyd Webber about preserving heritage in the arts. I was honored to know that my final “swan song” project was for him.

I thought my last polishing job was a set of goblets, but then came the Royal Mint, where I had the surreal experience of polishing a 7kg James Bond coin. That’s a story for another time!

Teaching & Travel

If my post-retirement schedule were a concert tour, it would rival the Rolling Stones’ farewell tour (with all fingers still intact!).

Sweden
Guadalajara, Mexico
's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Wolverhampton, teaching the Timpsons team

The experience has been mind-blowing, proving that the art of polishing has a place worldwide.

Dream Client?

I’ve worked in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, polished in the shadow of Buckingham Palace for the Royal Society, and worked on treasures I never imagined touching. My dreams as a 15-year-old apprentice have far surpassed my expectations.

Will There Be Another Book?

People often ask if I’ll write another book. I believe I have another in me—not for seasoned craftsmen, but for small bench jewellers working from home.