Alex Monroe’s lessons from four decades in jewellery

Join Rachael Taylor at Goldsmiths’ Fair for a conversation with the celebrated jeweller as he marks 40 years in the industry

By Amy Wakeham

Since 1986, jeweller Alex Monroe has created handmade jewellery inspired by nature that uses a mixture of a mix of traditional and specifically developed techniques.

To celebrate his 40th anniversary, he will be joining journalist Rachael Taylor in conversation at Goldsmiths’ Fair in London on 24th September, 2026. The talk will reflect on Monroe’s time in the jewellery industry and will share some of the hard-won lessons that have shaped his career.

From the fundamentals that remain as relevant today as when Monroe first started out, to the shifts in mindset that have helped his practice and fine jewellery brand thrive through a changing industry, the jeweller will reveal the mantras that have stood him in good stead throughout 40 years in business.

Alex Monroe Floral Engraved Wild Rose, Bee & Heart drop earrings.

The morning talk – titled Forty Years of Making: Alex Monroe in Conversation – is aimed at jewellers, makers, creative entrepreneurs and fans of Monroe’s designs.

The conversation between Monroe and Taylor will explore the value of doing good work, finding a genuine point of difference, building meaningful connections and understanding profit as a force for sustainable growth. Monroe will also discuss the importance of protecting your own creative voice rather than chasing trends, and of championing jewellers as artists and craftspeople in an increasingly commercial world.

“I have known Alex since the very beginning of my own career, and I have always thought he was brilliant – not only as a designer, but as a creative thinker and a passionate advocate for craft,” says Taylor. “What makes Alex so special is his rare ability to combine a completely distinctive artistic voice with the practical intelligence needed to build and sustain a successful business. I’m really looking forward to drawing out the lessons he has learned over 40 years, and I hope our audience will leave feeling inspired and hopeful, with helpful insights into finding their own point of difference, protecting their creativity and building a business that remains true to who they are. Just as Alex has done.”

Floral Engraved Oak Leaf necklace by Alex Monroe.

Forty Years of Making: Alex Monroe in Conversation will take place during Goldsmiths’ Fair in London at 9.30am on 24th September, 2026. Get tickets here

Main image: Jewellery designer Alex Monroe.