Personal Creations in Silver & Gold COMBINED with Enamel
Crafting unique, elegant precious
jewellery for every occasion
About Precious Ironbridge
My Craftsmanship
At Precious Ironbridge, I’m Peter Bird. After 45 years designing and making Bicycles and Tandems, I’ve returned to my roots in Goldsmithing. I now create distinctive silver and gold jewellery that captures personal stories and celebrates each wearer’s unique connection to Ironbridge, Shropshire.
Precious Ironbridge - Where it all began
My Background
My life as a Goldsmith began at Sir John Cass School of Art in London, where I completed a pre-apprenticeship goldsmithing course in 1976–77. At the time, there was widespread publicity surrounding Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, which inspired us to create
an exhibition showcasing our work.
I appear third from the left on the top row—
at the ripe old age of seventeen.
The Indenture
I was fortunate to secure an apprenticeship with Edward Barnard & Sons, the oldest Silversmithing business in London (if not the world?), whose origins date back to around 1680.
The terms of the apprenticeship were very much of their time—right down to the pay, which is worth a second look. I was required to keep the secrets of my master, obey his lawful commands, and, notably, refrain from all fornications…
Admission into the Mystery of Goldsmiths
I received this large certificate after completing my apprenticeship. However, the rise of the Silver Bears (the Hunt Brothers, American investors who acquired nearly a third of the world’s silver) led to a downturn in the trade and ended my time in the industry.
Freeman of the City of London
One of the great benefits of serving my time in the City’s Square Mile was being awarded the Freedom of the City of London as a Citizen and Goldsmith — very cool!
My Masterpiece
One of the historic requirements of a Goldsmith’s apprenticeship is to design and produce a piece from start to finish. I was proud to complete this work at the end of my time with Edward Barnard & Sons. The Fluted Rose Bowl was, without doubt, the most challenging piece I had ever made. Each flute was intended to bear a hallmark representing its respective period of Edward Barnard & Sons, but unfortunately I was unable to afford completing that final stage.
Hallmarks
For those that are interested your Hallmark is a important part of your history and can be tracked back over the years.
My Hallmark Today
As you can see only 4mm long and 1.25mm high, tiny for items produced by Precious Ironbridge.
Explore the artistry of Precious Ironbridge custom enamel's
I plan to add colour to all of my future work so this image will give you an idea on what we have in mind for our creations.
Offering rings, bracelet's, necklace's, brooch's, ear rings and cuff links all to custom colours and also without in both silver and gold.
Contact DETAILS
Better yet, see me in person and my small workshop!
By Appointment
Today | By Appointment |
