Naomi Newton-Sherlock

We are delighted to relaunch the Meet our members series - a collection of short interviews that show the wider world what being a freeman or liveryman of The Goldsmiths' Company is all about.

Last year we put out a request for willing volunteers to share their stories and experiences of being a member of the Company, to find out what motivated them to join us, and to learn interesting facts about their lives, careers and aspirations. After receiving responses from a handful of members, we are excited to publish or first member interview with Naomi Newton-Sherlock, who spoke about her life, journey with the Goldsmiths' Company and how she became a member.

1. Tell us about you and your career

I first studied languages, gaining a first-class degree in Italian and Japanese, before entering the world of jewellery. I’m bench and design trained and worked in both these areas in my early career. My work path, however, has been varied and extensive and my current position as company director is a culmination of experiences gained in roles across independent businesses, major high street multiples and luxury Bond Street brands, as well as further education. I now head up Weston Beamor, one of the UK’s leading casting houses and jewellery manufacturers to the trade, in addition to driving the product and marketing strategy for Domino Jewellery, one of the UK’s largest producers of fine jewellery.

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

The first time I set foot in Goldsmiths’ Hall was attending the incredible Goldsmiths’ Fair but my first taste of a members’ event was being invited to a Freemans’ Dinners by an industry colleague some years later. While events in the incredible surroundings of the hall are impressive, it took a while for me to understand the true holistic value of the Goldsmiths’ Company; my awareness of this has grown gradually over time through meeting and speaking with a wide range of people, both within and outside the trade. 

3. Why did you become a member of the Company?

I’m hugely passionate about our industry and simply want to play a part in ensuring it thrives and evolves in the best way possible. I see the Goldsmiths’ Company as the beating heart of our trade and being a part of this, in a small or big way, through giving my time, energy and thoughts, felt natural.

4. What are you involved in at the Company?

My involvement at the Company has grown gradually over time. I’ve recently joined the Advisory Panel to the Wardens in the role of chair which I’m really enjoying. I’m also master to my incredible apprentice, Sofie, as well as volunteering on the Goldsmiths Centre mentoring scheme. Weston Beamor sponsors the innovation category of the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council awards, which I also help judge, and of course there are the dinners, talks and other events at the Hall and Centre which are all great opportunities to meet new people, learn and build connections. 

5. How would you describe the Company in three words?

Integral, Evolving, Ambitious.