After finding his start in Sydney’s jewellery industry, Hugh Thyregod is chasing new experiences in the dizzying jewellery heart of London – Written by Reanne Chidiac

Chasing new experiences

London hasn’t defeated Hugh Thyregod’s quintessential Australian laissez-faire demeanour. Hugh tells little about London’s various districts, explaining that Hatton Garden is where jewellers go to buy their gemstones, gold and tools. Jewellers, setters and merchants of the trade are all within walking distance from each other –it’s the place to be for a young Australian jeweller finding his footing in the UK industry.

Early life and career
Hugh’s introduction to jewellery was at his dad’s bench in Australia, working alongside the established Gary Thyregod. Having completed his apprenticeship and receiving his certificate from Enmore’s Design Centre, Hugh continued to prove his skill and eye for detail. In 2017, he took home the Jewellers Association of Australia apprentice of the year award, and his hand-made bangle “Undergrowth” won in the 3rd and 4th year apprenticeship category

Now Hugh occupies a bench at McCaul Goldsmiths in London, where the skills he honed at home are put to good use. McCaul Goldsmiths suits Hugh perfectly, with his preference for wax-carving and the playful, experimental and controlled aspect that comes with hand-making jewellery. He landed his new role just before he moved to London ten months ago, and since then he’s been getting familiar with diverse jewellery techniques and a new city

London’s jewellery scene
London’s consumers are a little different to their Australian counterparts. Hugh explains that they’re “more forward – not just in fashion. In Australia, people are more reserved… I do think that kind of translates to jewellery as well; people want to express themselves more [in London].” London is a mega-city. Any experience on the Underground will prove that.

Amongst all the din stands an established wonderland for English jewellers and metalsmiths: the Goldsmith’s Company. Occupying the Goldsmith’s Hall since 1339, it remains a membership organisation that supports jewellers and silversmiths and protects consumers with quality tests and hallmarking

New opportunities
Hugh’s move to London stemmed from an opportunity he found on Instagram with a Dutch jeweller. Although sponsorship issues prevented him from working in the Netherlands, his details were passed along to McCaul Goldsmiths, leading to his current position. He encourages Australian jewellers to seek out international opportunities, advising, “Speak to people in the industry you already know. People are usually willing to help.”

For now, Hugh is embracing London’s diverse jewellery world and looks forward to the experiences it will bring, though he ultimately plans to return to Australia. “I don’t know how many winters I can put up with here,” he jokes.