Christoper Beil
Sales
Growing up in a small country town on the Darling Downs, my first introduction to jewellery was with my parents in the ‘big smoke’ of Toowoomba. They would take us as children into one of the local, family-owned jewellery stores to buy gifts for each other on special occasions. These trips opened my eyes to the wonders of jewellery and watches, creating an interest in how a simple piece of metal or a stone could be transformed into something that would become a treasured and admired item. I was lucky to have been given the opportunity to explore this interest when I was offered my first position in 1980 as a hand engraver and shop assistant in one of these such stores.
In 1991, I was awarded Jewellery Apprentice of the year, which was a great honour and acknowledgement of my passion for jewellery design and the hand manufacturing of custom made items. I have had the privilege to have been commissioned to hand make and assist in iconic items such as the ceremonial mace for the University of Southern Queensland, The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Queens Crown, and the engraving of the Birdsville cup.
40 years on, my career has transformed from those early days, now having had the experience of all facets of the industry, from an ‘on the bench’ tradesman to a store manager.
At the beginning of 2022 I was again given the opportunity to work for a well known and trusted, family-owned business such as Birkbecks. It is a thrill each time I have the pleasure to help Birkbecks customers select or design that new treasured piece. Being part of the journey at Birkbecks makes me proud to show the skills I have developed. I look forward to being part of the great team that we have.