Peter Beck founded the Peter W Beck Company in 1976 alongside his wife, Ann Beck. The pair worked tirelessly over four decades, creating a market-leading provider of precious metals products and services.
Today, the Peter W Beck Company lives on as BECKS, and as part of the anniversary celebrations, the company showcased three one-of-a-kind pieces and two new retail ranges at the Sydney Fair. CEO Gavin Baird said it was rewarding to showcase the collection to visitors.
"This year’s Sydney Fair was an extra highlight for BECKS as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary," Baird told Jeweller.
“Fifty years is an incredible milestone; we wanted to mark it in a way that reflected who we are as a company and what we've built together.”
The first was Jamboree, featuring bold, architectural forms of the Acanthus leaf. Jamboree is described as a historic motif brought to life through sculptural, three-dimensional detailing and a South Australian opal.
The second was Bell, designed after the Australian Christmas Bell flower. The ring features 50 Argyle diamonds, as well as Australian sapphires and garnets. The flower can also be detached from the ring and worn separately as a pendant.
Finally, Tide, which represents two generations undertaking one journey. At its centre, a South Australian opal features a ripple effect and is described as reflecting a business that continues to evolve, make its mark and shape the jewellery industry.
These three hero rings inspired two distinctive retail collections, bringing the intricate forms of Jamboree and the natural beauty of Bell together in a collection of signets and bands. The Tide retail collection conveys fluidity, combining flowing lines, contrast, and texture in a variety of modern designs.
The founding of the Peter W Beck Company, now known as BECKS, is a well known-part of Australian jewellery industry folklore. As the story goes, Peter fell in love with the jewellery industry when he started his career in Adelaide.
In the early days, he developed a passion for precious metals. Peter married Ann in 1979 and, one evening, proposed a simple plan: with $5,000 in savings, the pair could either buy a block of land or start a business.
Ann passed away in September 2021, and Peter in December of the same year. Shortly before their passing, Greville Ingham returned to the family business, working with Peter and his daughters, Carol and Jenni. Today, the sisters have moved into a managing director position and work closely with Baird as CEO.
Created to commemorate 50 years of BECKS, the three Jubilee hero pieces are one-of-a-kind creations and are available for purchase.