Celebrating 50 Years of Service with Master Goldsmith Bruce

April 20, 2026

This year, a member of the Michael Spiers team is celebrating an incredible milestone: five decades working for the company. In a world where career paths shift frequently and the average tenure grows ever shorter, fifty years of service is a rare and impressive feat worth celebrating. To mark this special occasion, we sat down with Bruce Baker, Master Goldsmith and Workshop Manager, to reflect on five decades of craftsmanship, creativity, and connection at Michael Spiers.

Can you describe a little bit about who you are and what you do here at Michael Spiers?

I am Bruce Baker, Master Goldsmith and Workshop Manager. I was born in Plymouth and have lived here all of my life. I have been married to Dawn for over 40 years and have one daughter, Tara. We recently celebrated the birth of our first granddaughter, Louisa May.

I have spent 50 years working for Michael Spiers, starting as an apprentice and progressing to Goldsmith before eventually becoming Workshop Manager.

How has your role evolved over the years?

In my leadership role, I have overseen production, mentored young goldsmiths, and helped maintain exceptionally high standards of craftsmanship.

Over the years, I have developed deep expertise in the design and creation of fine jewellery, including gold and platinum pieces, diamond rings, and gemstone jewellery.

I have created many bespoke pieces for customers, some of whom have become lifelong friends, including high-profile clients such as entertainers and Formula One champions. Among the most meaningful pieces I have made are the rings I designed and created for my wife, Dawn.

What first made you want to join the team at Michael Spiers?

After leaving school, I initially considered joining the Royal Auxiliary to work on tugs in Plymouth, but opportunities were limited at the time. Instead, I applied for an apprenticeship as a trainee Goldsmith and was fortunate to be selected from a large number of applicants, partly due to the basic jewellery and metalwork skills I had developed at school. The first piece I ever made was a simple pendant in the shape of a leaf, created from non-precious material, which my mother still has today.

I began my apprenticeship on 1st April 1976 under the guidance of Master Goldsmith Michael Pennington. My training started with polishing, ring sizing, and basic repairs, all of which had to be completed to the exceptionally high standards expected by Michael Spiers.

The first piece I was allowed to keep was a silver onyx signet ring, which I gave to my father. He wore it every day for the rest of his life.

What began as an opportunity quickly became a passion. I have always enjoyed working with my hands, solving technical challenges, and creating pieces that hold real meaning for people. That combination of craftsmanship and personal connection has kept me in the trade for over five decades.

It takes around five years to learn the fundamentals of the trade and a lifetime to truly master.

How has the company changed from when you first started?

When I first started working for Michael Spiers, there was a strict dress code; even in the workshop, a shirt and tie were expected. Now it is much more casual.

Throughout my career, I have worked through many changes, from traditional workshop settings to modern high-tech facilities, while preserving the core skills and the art of jewellery making.

What has kept me motivated is the creativity and challenge of the work, whether solving complex stone-setting problems or designing something unique. I have always taken pride in getting things right.

I have been fortunate to work alongside some exceptional colleagues. Many of us started as teenagers and have progressed to become heads of department, each with an incredible knowledge of the jewellery business.

I am most proud of the relationships I have built, both with colleagues and customers. Many clients I designed jewellery for over the years became long-term friends, which reflects the level of trust involved in our work.

From a technical perspective, I am particularly proud of the complex bespoke pieces I have created, especially those requiring intricate stone setting or innovative design solutions. Some of these projects gave me sleepless nights, but seeing the finished piece and the customer's reaction always made it worthwhile.

I feel especially privileged to have been able to work on the Lady Astor suite and various Lord Mayor's regalia.

"What began as an opportunity quickly became a passion ... [the] combination of craftsmanship and personal connection has kept me in the trade for over five decades."

How does it feel to achieve 50 years at the company?

It is hard to believe I have reached 50 years with Michael Spiers. It may sound like a long time, but when you enjoy what you do and embrace the challenges, it passes very quickly.

No two days are ever the same, and every piece brings something new. While there have been stressful moments, there have been far more rewarding and often humorous ones.

Working in a family-run business has always made a difference. I have always felt part of something bigger, rather than just an employee.

Do you have any favourite memories from your time here?

Some of my favourite memories come from the staff events, which were always done in grand style and brought everyone together.

Christmas parties were particularly memorable, with champagne receptions, silver service meals, entertainment, dancing, and late-night karaoke sessions that went on into the early hours – sometimes hosted by a well-known television and radio presenter.

On one occasion, the entertainer was David Copperfield, who actually hypnotised me, although he had to bring me out of the trance twice when it did not quite go to plan!

We also enjoyed themed fancy dress parties. One year I was a pantomime dame, winning first prize for my efforts; another year I was Fred Flintstone. We also had the "Michael Awards" one year, similar to the Oscars but much more fun.

In the summer, we had boat cruises around Plymouth Sound or down to Calstock. There was live music, the drinks flowed freely, and even the weather was perfect.

These events created a real sense of camaraderie and are some of my favourite memories from that time.

"Working in a family-run business has always made a difference. I have always felt part of something bigger, rather than just an employee."

What’s next for you? Will you be aiming for 60 years?

Will I make it to 60 years? Possibly, but perhaps not working quite as many days as I do now.

I am very pleased that the workshop will continue under the skilled guidance of Colin Rimmer, which gives me great confidence for the future.

There have certainly been ups and downs along the way, and it has not always been easy, but that is all part of the journey. The challenges – and even the mistakes – are an important part of the learning process and have made it an exciting and rewarding career.