Interview with Bristol’s most renowned jeweller Nicholas Wylde
Posted on: 18 Apr 2018Nicholas Wylde Goldsmith & Jeweller is the most revered of it's sort in Bristol's jewellery scene and is based in the glorious Clifton Village. We spoke to Nicholas Wylde himself about the business, 'Wylde Summer of Love" and his ambitions for the future.
When was Nicholas Wylde opened/what’s the history of the business?
I opened my first store in Bath in 1987 with only 12 rings in my shop window after training as a jewellery designer/ goldsmith at the prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery.
I infused all my passion and skill into designing and creating original jewellery with the aim to provide exquisite pieces not easily available on the market.
I opened my second store in Clifton, Bristol in 2010 and to mark my 25th anniversary in 2012, I created my own registered and patented diamond cut The Wylde Flower Diamond®.
Over the last 30 years, the Wylde brand has blossomed to become an internationally recognised and respected name is bespoke jewellery.
In 2017, we won the ‘Best Retailer’ Award in the Bristol Life Awards and ‘Best Designer/Maker for the whole of the UK in the Professional Jeweller Awards
What level of expertise do staff members have/how qualified are they to advise customers?
All our sales staff undergo JET training through its different stages to become fully-qualified jewellery experts.
What does Nicholas Wylde do that sets you apart from competitors?
Our attention to detail in the creation of our jewellery extends to our client service, where we apply the same careful attention to each and every one, whether the work is a major commission or a small repair job. Each receives what we call ‘The Wylde Effect’ – superb craftsmanship, exclusive jewellery pieces in our distinctive style, delivered by dedicated staff resulting in happy clients – whether they purchase in-store or through our website. Each year we organise promotions through our social media channels (on which we are very active) to ensure brand awareness is kept very high.
Our current competition ‘Wylde Summer of Love’ offers an amazing £1,000 value prize package – a £500 diamond necklace; a luxury stay for two at Bristol’s Hotel Du Vin and a champagne balloon ride for two, courtesy of Bristol Balloons. This is also a good illustration of how we feel that co-promotion between independent companies is very important and the way forward. (Details of the competition can be found here: www.nicholaswylde.com)
How highly do you value relations and interaction between staff and customers?
Very highly. My goal has always been to train staff to answer most questions put to them giving them the confidence necessary to ensure our clients are dealt with professionally and efficiently without the need to consult a manager. The end result is that our clients feel confident with any member of staff. Competence and knowledge delivers a happy work force, happy clients and closed sales.
Why should people choose Nicholas Wylde over other jewellers?
Because you’re sure of a warm welcome in my stores or online as I continue to infuse unique jewellery with my passion for art and beauty, ensuring any pieces bought from me will be as memorable as the occasion it’s intended for.
What sort of bespoke/personal products do you offer?
Along with our exclusive collections, we specialize in unique bespoke commissions, taking into account the clients’ wishes and their own personal stories. This enables us to create beautiful pieces of jewellery that are highly personal to the client.
What’s your personal favourite piece in the store right now?
It must be my very own diamond cut, the Wylde Flower Diamond ® which combines the romance of both diamonds and flowers. If I had to choose one from all the collections I’ve designed incorporating the diamond, I would cite the Leaf Collection, especially in its pave settings.
We see you also have a Bath shop – any plans to expand Nicholas Wylde further afield in the future?
Since opening in 1987, I have ensured the company is always moving forward with fresh ideas and innovations, remaining at the forefront of the jewellery industry. My ultimate ambition is that my Wylde Flower Diamond® becomes the ‘must-have’ diamond both nationally and internationally, eclipsing even the Tiffany brand.
You operate in Clifton Village in Bristol – what’s your favourite aspect of life in the city?
The diversity of the city, it’s forward-thinking approach to investment, growth and its people. Clifton in particular has a very distinct feel and I’m very proud to be part of its retail community.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day, what would be one thing you’d change?
Not only in Bristol but on a national level, I’d like to instruct all politicians from all major parties to start to communicate with each other with real discussions on issues designed to benefit the country and its people rather than the current ‘playground politics’ we’re seeing, where one side argues one thing and the other side disagrees seemingly just for the sake of it.
In the 21st Century there should be a more progressive approach with inter-party cooperation taking precedent over individualistic agendas.
This could be started locally then rolled out on a national level.
You can visit Nicholas Wylde at No 6 The Mall Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DR or call them on 0117 974 3582. Check out their website www.nicholaswylde.com for more details and don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Article by:
Sarah currently resides south of the river. Her second home is the theatre and after graduating from Rose Bruford College she went onto work for a number of multinational clients based in the Asia Pacific region, she has since been working in business development. Sarah no longer has enough walls for the art she collects, subscribes to a monthly gin delivery, and loves anything a little bit quirky. She is a member of the WI and channels her inner adventurer in her spare time.
