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As Weston Beamor and Domino Jewellery prepare to come together as one integrated business this summer, we sat down with Ed Hole, Casting & Technical Manager, to discuss the role of technical expertise, manufacturing innovation and continuous improvement in shaping the future of the company.
With decades of combined manufacturing knowledge across both businesses, the integration represents an exciting opportunity to bring together specialist skills, advanced technologies and deep technical understanding under one connected operation.
Manufacturing sits at the heart of the business. What makes British jewellery manufacturing so special?
For me, it comes down to expertise and adaptability. British jewellery manufacturing has always been built on highly skilled people who understand both the technical and creative sides of the process. There’s a real depth of knowledge within this industry, particularly here in the Jewellery Quarter, and that experience allows us to solve problems, innovate and consistently deliver high-quality work.
What makes it exciting is that manufacturing is constantly evolving. New technologies, new customer expectations and new techniques mean we’re always looking at how we can improve processes and work more efficiently, without compromising on craftsmanship or quality.
How important is technical capability in today’s jewellery industry?
It’s absolutely critical. Customers increasingly want flexibility, speed and confidence. They need partners who can support everything from one-off bespoke projects through to scalable production, often within very tight timeframes.
That requires strong technical infrastructure, connected processes and experienced teams who understand how every stage of manufacturing links together, from CAD and 3D Printing through to casting, finishing and hallmarking.
One of the biggest strengths of bringing our businesses together is the ability to make those connections even stronger and more streamlined for customers.
What opportunities does the integration create from a manufacturing perspective?
The biggest opportunity is connectivity. Both businesses already have incredibly strong specialist capabilities, and over recent years we've naturally become more integrated behind the scenes. Teams have been collaborating closely across manufacturing, operations, product development and customer support for quite some time.
Bringing everything together formally allows us to simplify workflows, improve efficiencies and create a much more connected experience internally and externally. It also gives us greater ability to invest in systems, technology and future capabilities as one unified business.
How do you balance efficiency with craftsmanship?
Efficiency should support craftsmanship, not replace it. The goal of good manufacturing is to remove unnecessary complexity and create processes that allow skilled people to do their best work. Whether that’s improving workflows, reducing lead times or introducing new technology, it should ultimately enhance consistency, quality and customer experience.
The hands-on, human skill behind jewellery manufacturing remains vital. Technology can improve precision and speed, but experience and attention to detail are still what make exceptional products possible.
What role does innovation play within manufacturing today?
Innovation touches every part of our business. That can mean investing in new manufacturing equipment, improving digital workflows, enhancing communication between departments or finding better ways to support customers throughout the production journey.
Some of the most valuable innovation is often operational - creating systems and processes that make things easier, clearer and more efficient for both customers and teams. That’s a major focus as we continue bringing the businesses together.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?
The opportunity to continue building something stronger together. Over recent years, the businesses have already become increasingly connected operationally, so this integration feels like a natural evolution of that journey. It gives us the ability to invest further in our systems, technology, sustainability and customer support while continuing to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities here in Birmingham. That includes significant investment in the latest CNC machining and stone-setting technology, ensuring we continue to balance generations of craftsmanship with the very best modern manufacturing techniques. By combining highly skilled craftspeople with cutting-edge equipment, we're able to improve precision, efficiency and consistency while preserving the quality and attention to detail that define British jewellery manufacturing.
Most importantly, it allows us to create a business that is better positioned for the future while staying true to the craftsmanship, service and relationships that have always defined both companies.
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