Since the age of 13, Filipe has nurtured a deep passion for goldsmithing. His journey began in his uncle’s workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he discovered the intricate artistry of the craft. After completing his training in 2008, Filipe opened his own workshop in Johannesburg, marking the start of his professional career. In 2019, driven by his boundless creativity, he ventured to Scotland, where he found a new creative home at Laings workshops.
TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A GOLDSMITH? HOW DID YOU COME TO THIS UNIQUE JOB AND WHAT WAS YOUR STORY LIKE BEFORE LAINGS?
FG: I always liked more physical tasks and knew that working with my hands is something I’d like to explore. When I was younger, I worked part time for my uncle in South Africa, he owned his own jewellers in the area. From there I realised I had a true interest and skill for goldsmithing. I liked working with the stones and metals. It was important to me to contribute to a dying trade, keeping the artistry alive. I trained with him for years before eventually taking over the business and, in the end, owning my own jewellers for 11 years before emigrating to Scotland.
Image caption: Hero Of Bespoke Goldsmith Process
WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR SPECIALITY IN THE WORLD OF GOLDSMITHING? IS THERE A DISCIPLINE YOU ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN OR KNOWN FOR IN LAINGS?
FG: I enjoy most manufacturing a piece by hand from start to finish. There are many forms of new technology which we incorporate into manufacturing jewellery such as CAD design which benefits our work in many ways. But to be able to make a full piece of jewellery from start to finish and see this piece become a treasured item that brings people joy for years to come is what I enjoy most.
WHICH AREA OF GOLDSMITHING DID YOU WORK ON IN REFERENCE TO THE HERO OF BESPOKE COLLECTION SPECIFICALLY?
FG: I worked on the manufacturing of each piece. Building the jewellery from separate components and adding handmade sections where required.
Image caption: Craftsmanship
WHAT TRAINING AND SUPPORT HAVE THE TEAM AT LAINGS BEEN ABLE TO OFFER IN YOUR TIME WITH THE COMPANY? HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SKILLSET HAS ADVANCED IN THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE WORKED HERE?
FG: Having worked for myself for many years joining the team at Laings has helped push me to expand my abilities when it comes to manufacture and finishing. I have always been passionate about providing the very best quality of works for our clients and having a team around you that shares in this ideal only helps to push you to achieve the best, from a standard Jewellery Care Service to a full bespoke handmade 3ct ring.
IS THERE ANY UNIQUE FACTS OR ANTIDOTES ABOUT GOLDSMITHING OR THE CREATION OF THIS COLLECTION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
FG:I enjoyed the challenge of creating something different. It’s rare to be able to create such a unique collection of jewellery that’s solely based on celebrating our goldsmithing skills in combination with the skills of our in-house designers.
