Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

An old ring is re-modelled into a modern attraction

Jim Goulton says he has always loved designing things, and he is astounded by life’s good fortune that has allowed him to go on being creative. While still at school Jim met a Maleny girl called Sandra who became his sweetheart and future wife.  After high school Jim gained an apprenticeship in jewellery design with a Caloundra firm, and the young couple dreamed of one day owning their own jewellery store.
Sandra was reluctant to leave Maleny, and about eight years ago while talking to local jeweller, the late Barry Jacobs, she was astounded to hear him say she was going to buy his shop because he knew she has what it takes. 
Sandra says “In hindsight as a young couple, Barry gave us a great start.  We took the plunge despite our apprehension because Barry believed in us. Being a local person in those first years proved to be invaluable.  The community really supported us and the business flourished.”
Meanwhile Jim had more opportunity to do what he loved best, creating and designing one-off pieces and remodelling older pieces of estate jewellery into something more contemporary. Along the way he won two awards in the Sunshine Coast Art Awards Jewellery and Pressed Metal section.  Jim has also been approached by University of Queensland through the recommendation of a local customer to research and develop jewellery which incorporates titanium. 
Recently Jim and Sandra invested in a jewellery CAD program which enables customers to view  3D images of proposed finished pieces, thereby removing the guesswork.  This system has been a great boon and Jim is now getting contract work from other jewellers who have found the CAD program too expensive to buy or too difficult to use themselves. Jim is also currently designing a range of jewellery for one of the top five jewellery companies in Australia and New Zealand. 
Remodelling and repairs are still the backbone of the jewellery business says Sandra. “We get many newcomers to the region approaching us with estate jewellery they would never wear, or pieces that are broken.  People often comment on our innovative designs and quality, and are pleasantly surprised at what we charge compared to city prices. 
“Leading up to Christmas, we have gifts for everyone.  A popular gift idea is the new bead system by PANDORA known as the modern-day charm bracelet with 15% of Pink Ribbon bead sales donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year they raised $70,000.
Visit Maleny Jewellers Shop 4 Riverside Centre Maleny Ph: 5494 3477 www.malenyjewellers.com and get some gift ideas for the special people in your life.