Over more than three decades in the jewellery industry, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how a commitment to quality, strong mentorship, and lasting relationships can shape both a business and a career.
I joined Peter W Beck in 1993 as a casual wedding ring fabricator in my early twenties.
At the time, the business was based in Stepney, South Australia, operating from a modest bluestone house that contained both the refining department and administrative offices, with a
separate Besser brick building at the rear for manufacturing.
There were fewer than 20 staff employed across the business. For independent jewellers, it’s a reminder that a clear and shared standard, no matter the staff size, can shape long-term success.
From the beginning, we were a small team of like-minded individuals working towards a common goal: to produce a quality product as efficiently as possible.
That goal demanded a high level of skill, craftsmanship, knowledge, and a little bit of magic.
Quality was embedded in the culture and was an unspoken expectation within the staff and the business. With that came a strong sense of pride in every piece we made.
The product was just as important as the purpose behind it, which was to celebrate a special occasion, be it an engagement, wedding, or a milestone moment that would last for generations.
Peter and Ann Beck, our founders, were larger than life. Whenever Peter would walk through the workshop, his laughter would precede him. His leadership, discipline and drive inspired us all
to strive for excellence.
He was methodical in his decision-making and a true innovator, travelling the world to explore new technologies, techniques, equipment and ideas, and was never afraid to throw his tie over his shoulder and get his hands dirty.
I’ve been with the business for nearly 33 years, and for 28 of those, I was fortunate to be mentored by Peter.
Our daily meetings, often running well over an hour, instilled in me the work ethic and values that defined the PWB brand and organisation. Those principles remain deeply ingrained in how I approach my work today.
From the outset, it was clear that no matter the task, it was to be done to the highest level of excellence possible. Whether it was making a ring, casting bullion, refining precious metals, installing machinery, or even painting a wall, everything was done once and done right. That was the expectation, and that was the norm. And it was something I was proud to be part of.
Our commitment to quality has never wavered, nor has our commitment to our customers, whether retailers or bench jewellers, large or small. Our business has always been built on relationships and a can-do attitude.
As Peter once told me, “It’s never about the hard sell, it’s about the relationship, and everything else will follow.”
Customers have often relied on us to deliver the impossible, whether it was a forgotten order or a last-minute request with an extremely tight deadline.
On more than one occasion, we produced a ring within a day and personally delivered it to an airport or to the hotel where the consumer was staying.
We have always worked collaboratively to bring the customer’s artistic ideas to life. Over the years, I’ve been involved in some remarkable projects, from working with a jeweller to create a true-to-size cast of a body part, set with diamonds for a well-known American celebrity (under strict confidentiality), to producing what was, at the time, the most expensive set of champagne glasses in the world for a prestigious London jeweller.
These experiences reinforced the fact that our staff’s quality and technical capabilities were truly world-class.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed significant change and challenge. From the difficult times of COVID to record-high gold prices, the increasing shift towards offshore manufacturing and most recently, a cyber-attack that challenged us in entirely new ways.
These challenges will be familiar to many in the industry, underscoring the importance of adaptability and forward planning.
We’ve also experienced major leadership transitions, from the passing of Peter and Ann, to working alongside Greville, who left a lasting mark on the business before his sudden passing, and now to the leadership of managing directors Jenni and Carol Beck, alongside CEO Gavin Baird, who continue to carry Peter’s legacy forward.
Navigating change in leadership is something many family and independent businesses must prepare for.
Through it all, it has been the resilience and tenacity of the BECKS employees and management staff, combined with the loyalty and support of our customers, that have seen us through.
As we celebrate 50 years in 2026, we continue to manufacture from our premises in Ottoway, South Australia, remaining proudly 100 per cent Australian-owned.
We continue to support our people, their families, and the wider jewellery industry, while consistently delivering the high-quality products and service we have always been known for - something I take great pride in.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a job that became a career, to work alongside highly talented people, and to be mentored by one of the jewellery industry’s true leaders.
The future looks bright. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and many projects already underway, we are well-positioned for what lies ahead. Backed by 50 years of experience, dedication, and a legacy to be proud of, I look forward with confidence to the successes still to come.
Name: Desmond Ambagtsheer
Business: BECKS
Position: Production Manager
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Years in the industry: 33
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