Meet Teeps, the Adelaide Jeweller

Name: Tim Parker

Nickname: Teeps

Years as a jeweller: Started my apprenticeship at the beginning of 2010, fully qualified in 2013.

Operating own business: Since January 2016.

Trained by: My dad, John. I'm incredibly lucky to have learnt the old-school tricks of the trade from him!

Biggest lessons gained: Dad was always big on doing the fundamentals well and paying meticulous attention to detail. I'm always amazed at the way dad works. He sees things differently and approaches manufacturing in a very creative and imaginative way. Hopefully some of that has rubbed off on me!

Life before jewellery: After high school I studied architecture at uni for a couple of years and I learnt a lot about different design philosophies and principles in that short time. I also worked odd jobs and did a bit of backpacking.

Design philosophy: Keep it simple - "less is more". I am a massive believer in letting the materials and gemstones speak for themselves. I'm not into ornamentation just for the sake of it or trying to reinvent the wheel. I'm interested in the relationship between different materials and finishes, geometries, clean lines and attention to detail. 

Influences and inspiration: Architecture, furniture design, the Art Deco period, mid-century modernism, geometry.

Awards: In 2012 I won a JAA Australasian Jewellery Design Award as an apprentice for a piece I designed and made - a sterling silver hinged mirror compact featuring specially cut onyx, mother of pearl, turquoise and diamonds. 

Goals: To keep growing my business steadily and meet new clients, to broaden my knowledge and keep learning new skills to help me develop further as a designer, jeweller and business owner and to incorporate more travel into my business. I would also like to design and retail my own signature range of engagement and wedding rings.

Away from the workbench: Golf, fishing, cooking, going to the footy, going away on road trips.