Adam Jacobs

With more than 1,600 active members of The Goldsmiths’ Company, we asked them to introduce themselves through a collection of short interviews, showing the wider world what being a freeman or liveryman of the Company is all about. Our most recent interview is with Liveryman Adam Jacobs.

Tell us about you and your career

My name’s Adam Jacobs, and I look after Jacobs, a family-owned 3rd generation independent jewellery retailer in Reading, Berkshire. I wasn’t always in the industry, nor was it predetermined I’d work in the family business. After graduating with a degree in Business, I worked at Marks & Spencer’s Head Office on their graduate training scheme. After 3 years I moved to work at a Clerkenwell based marketing agency, where I produced corporate films and media. I joined Jacobs 4 years later. Since then as well as running the business, I’ve overseen putting in our onsite workshop and goldsmith, initiated a full-time retail jewellery designer position, run an Emerging Designers Competition with the Bishopsland Trust (with help from the Goldsmiths’ Centre) for 10 successful years. I’m proud to say we’re nationally recognised for our work and have won a series of awards over the last 15 years. In 2024 after many years of volunteering and committee work, I became Chair of the National Association of Jewellers.

How did you first come to hear about the Goldsmiths’ Company?

I’d always been aware of the London livery companies, though I don’t recall exactly when or how I became aware of the Goldsmiths. Once I joined the jewellery industry, it became evident that the Company was an important and integral part of the industry. Mine and the Goldsmiths’ paths seemed to start crossing…

Why did you become a member of the Company?

It’s an unusual way – I made enquiries on behalf of my Father to join. He had a milestone birthday approaching and I thought as he was doing less at work, it would be a nice idea to have him apply – he was frequently going to other livery companies’ dinners as guests of other liverymen, and it seemed appropriate to me that he find a ‘home’ company to be a member of. At that time, once you were over a certain age membership wasn’t possible which was a shame, though the liveryman who I had asked then nimbly suggested that I should put my own name forward. After applying by redemption the rest, as they say, is history.

What are you involved in at the Company?

Currently I sit on the Warden’s Advisory Panel. It’s a really good, broad bunch of members in an agile new initiative to allow the Wardens to run a few decisions/ ideas past a shadow board. The group are invested, forthright and I think genuinely produce some diverse insights to serve the Company. I’d previously sat on the Marketing and Promotions committee which was a terrific experience too. At that point I was new into the membership and the established members were welcoming, inclusive and good company. I’m also a regular dinner with guests at formal events, and because I’m industry-side, I’m lucky enough to attend the Trade dinner too.

How would you describe the Company in three words?

Innovative, friendly and purposeful. 

For a 700± year old organisation and my very short time within, I’ve noticed a real appetite for evolution and innovation in charitable as well as craft spheres. It treads the line between tradition and reform very cleverly!

All the members I’ve come across have been extremely friendly and welcoming – I’m lucky to have made some good friends. Every meeting and every meal seems to throw someone new into the mix in a positive way!

For me, the company’s clear purpose and association with our industry means its contribution to local, national and international life is tangible. 

I’m really proud to be a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company and what it continues to achieve, thoroughly enjoying contributing to its present and hopefully future success.