About Minster Benchcraft

Minster Benchcraft began as a quiet workbench above Stonegate in York, where two bench jewellers shared a single anvil, a small flame, and the belief that slow, careful work is still worth doing. Over time, what started as a simple repair corner has grown into a trusted studio known for detailed ring resizing, precise chain soldering, and the steady restoration of heirlooms.

Our approach has always been plain. Every customer who steps through our door, or sends a piece by post, is treated as if the item were our own. We don’t overcomplicate, oversell, or promise miracles. Instead, we explain what’s possible, what may be tricky, and how long it should realistically take. The bench, not the brochure, sets the tone of our service.

Tradition and Technique

York has a long craft tradition, and we draw from it daily. Many of our methods would be familiar to goldsmiths centuries ago: open flames, saw frames, and files that have shaped metal for generations. Yet, we mix this with quiet modern precision—laser welding for delicate joints, ultrasonic cleaning, and rhodium plating that brings back a mirror finish without harsh polishing.

Every jeweller on our small team has a specialty. Some focus on stone setting, others on fine solder work or polishing. Together, we balance the heritage of handcraft with an understanding of current materials and alloys. The result is a workshop where modern technique meets an old-fashioned sense of patience.

Why We Stay Small

We could expand, hire more staff, or outsource polishing to speed things up, but that would mean losing what makes us different. A smaller team keeps our work personal and the quality consistent. It lets us keep track of each item’s story—from a snapped gold chain inherited from a parent to a wedding band needing a simple size change before an anniversary trip.

Every piece that enters our studio is logged, photographed, and handled by one jeweller from start to finish. This accountability means there’s no passing work down a line of unknown hands. It also keeps us honest about timeframes, materials, and outcomes.

Materials and Responsibility

We take care with what we use. Our solders, polishing compounds, and plating materials are responsibly sourced from British suppliers with environmental accountability. We recycle offcuts of gold and silver and return metal dust to the refinery rather than letting it go to waste. Small details like these may not seem significant, but over hundreds of repairs each year, they add up.

Customers often ask whether we work on costume or plated jewellery. We do, provided we can achieve a safe, reliable repair. Sometimes that means replacing a worn clasp or strengthening a fragile joint instead of trying to restore something beyond recovery. We prefer practical honesty to false optimism—especially when sentimental value is at stake.

Our Workshop Atmosphere

Visitors to our York studio often comment on the quiet. There’s no showroom music or polished glass counters. The air carries the sound of small hammers, fine saws, and the rhythmic tap of files. Each bench is well lit, every tool has a place, and the scent of polishing compound mixes with coffee from the back room.

This calm rhythm is deliberate. It lets us focus on detail—the steady hand needed to set a diamond, the feel of resistance when solder flows correctly, the visual alignment of a claw under magnification. In an era of fast replacements, our work asks for patience and care. That, more than anything, is what defines us.

Working With You

When someone brings a repair, we start with conversation, not assumption. We’ll ask about the piece’s history, check for hallmarks, test metal, and see where stress lines have formed. Then, we outline the possible repair paths, cost ranges, and timelines. You can decide how to proceed without pressure or obligation. Clear notes follow with each step—sizing, soldering, stone checking, and final polish—so you know exactly what has been done.

We keep communication practical. Updates are given by email or phone, and you can always visit to see progress. Some clients prefer to collect in person; others ask for return postage. Either way, the work stays consistent: clean joints, even finishes, and a mindful approach to restoration.

Training and Mentorship

York has given us not only customers but also apprentices. Each year, we take one trainee through the process of traditional benchcraft. It’s not glamorous—sweeping filings, changing saw blades, learning to polish evenly—but it teaches patience and respect for detail. We believe every workshop should leave behind more than a receipt; it should leave skill and curiosity.

Mentorship also helps keep our own methods fresh. New jewellers bring questions, ideas, and observations that challenge routine. In turn, they gain the quiet discipline required for jewellery repair—knowing when to heat, when to cool, and when to leave a mark alone.

Our Clients

We serve local York residents, small independent jewellers, and visitors who find us by word of mouth. Some bring modern engagement rings; others come with family heirlooms wrapped in tissue. Each carries a story, and we treat it accordingly. It doesn’t matter if the piece is worth fifty pounds or five thousand—the sentiment matters equally.

Many of our returning clients appreciate our transparency: no hidden extras, no automatic upselling, and always clear communication if something can’t be done safely. That honesty builds trust, and trust brings repeat work. We’re proud that much of our schedule is filled through personal recommendations rather than advertising.

Community Connection

York’s craft scene is quietly close-knit. We often collaborate with local silversmiths, watch restorers, and small galleries when a repair crosses into their expertise. The goal is always to preserve and revive—not replace. Our partnerships stay informal and personal, built on mutual respect and shared standards.

We also take part in York Open Studios, inviting visitors to see real work happening at the bench. People are often surprised to see how little glamour there is—just metal, light, focus, and time. Yet many leave with a new respect for the skill behind a simple ring resize or a claw rebuild.

Looking Forward

Minster Benchcraft continues to evolve, but the principle remains unchanged: care first, clarity second, polish last. We’re exploring new sustainable polishing materials, low-heat soldering for delicate settings, and improved documentation for clients who want to follow their repair journey.

We’ll stay in York, close to the Minster that has watched over countless craftspeople before us. Our goal isn’t to become larger, but better—each year refining what we already do well. For those who appreciate craftsmanship that values patience over production, we hope our bench remains your place of trust.

Contact Us

Phone: 441 904 736 518
Email: [email protected]
Address: 28 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS, England