John Berry is a traditional English Goldsmith, living and working in the heart of the English countryside. He began his career in the jewellery industry more than 40 years ago when apprenticed to a Birmingham firm of Goldsmiths who specialised in the production of badges and insignia for Livery Companies and Mayoral use. He became the senior goldsmith for this firm and in 1976 started his own company.
In 1984 John opened a retail shop in his home town of Tenbury Wells which specialises in high quality handmade jewellery with many pieces set with precious stones. He is a fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths, one of less than 100 fellows in the U.K. He is also an active member of the National Association of Goldsmiths, and has been an N.A.G. registered valuer since the scheme began in 1987.
Being surrounded by a very productive hop growing agricultural community he was inspired to create the range of hop jewellery seen on these pages, which are only sold via this website or through his retail shop.
The Shop:
The Grade II listed shop in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells has a Georgian façade dated 1746 which pre-dates the remainder of the building by about 200 years. It would appear that the frontage was built when Teme Street and the new bridge became the most important street in Tenbury. The building was originally orientated the opposite way towards St. Mary’s church.
John opened the shop in 1984 as an extension to his existing manufacturing and retail consultancy business. The conversion from a near derelict lawyer’s office to the shop with its modern security requirements took a lot of careful planning with the help of the local Councils Conservation Officer. Now, the shop offers for sale all own made products listed on this site, plus many other items made by John and other craftsmen, including John’s unique rang of silver and gold cufflinks.