Having started out as a one-off jewellery maker in Leeds in 1973, Mike Hurst, with his wife Trish, moved to the little fishing village of Carradale in Argyll, and developed a very successful jewellery production unit. It was soon clear that they should do their own casting and, as production grew, so the members of the workshop became extremely skilful in this field. So much so that they soon st
arted casting for other people as well, and thus Jewellery Casting Scotland evolved. Now, as well as producing their own ranges of jewellery and kilt pins, much of the workshop effort is concentrated on casting for others. Because of his small beginnings, Mike thoroughly understands the problems of small jewellery makers – many of whom are new to the casting process - and everyone works hard to offer a thoroughly professional, but very helpful, service. There are now
7 people in the team, all local, and some related, and they work closely together on every order. The remoteness of the workshop makes no difference as most things - from bullion to scalpel blades - come in by post. Although we all dread the occasions when a truck load of plaster arrives! The workshop, next to Mike’s house, is a converted barn and is surrounded by a lovely garden, wandering hens, and of course the workshop mascot, McUgly. We’re a cheery bunch; we love our work, we love Friday afternoons when it’s cakes for tea, we love being rude to our eccentric postman, and we love when a really tricky casting comes out perfectly. What more could you want?
