Gabby’s Travels: Craft, Culture, and a Journey Through European Jewellery Traditions

We’re always proud to see our team grow beyond the workshop and bring new skills, perspectives, and inspiration back to our studio. Recently, jeweller and designer Gabby Mulock returned from an extraordinary nine-month journey across Europe, where she combined intensive hands-on training with time spent exploring some of the world’s most iconic jewellery and art institutions.

Her experience wasn’t just about travel. It was also about pushing herself technically, immersing herself in global jewellery traditions, and building confidence in her craft by stepping far outside her comfort zone.

From Bond Street to the Bench: A High-End Workshop Experience in London

Gabby began her journey in London, spending three months working in a jewellery workshop just off Bond Street; an area synonymous with luxury and fine craftsmanship.

Here, she was immersed in a fast-paced environment defined by strict deadlines and exceptionally high standards. Working on high-end pieces required precision at every stage, with a strong focus on finishing techniques and refinement. It was a demanding setting, but one that accelerated her technical development and strengthened her attention to detail.

Living in Stratford during this time, Gabby shared accommodation with a diverse group of roommates, including a teacher and a receptionist working in a law firm while pursuing a career in professional dance. The mix of ambitions and backgrounds added a human layer to her London experience, grounding her intense workshop routine in everyday life and flowing conversation.

Mastering the Craft in Italy: Gerardi Setting School

One of the most defining chapters of Gabby’s journey was a month-long course at the Gerardi Setting School (the innovative school of the Accademia Delle Arti Orafe), dedicated to setting, in Italy. (In jewellery, a setting is the metal framework that holds a gemstone in place. It is both a structural necessity for security and a major design element that influences how much light enters the stone.) The school is considered the leading destination for stone setters in Italy and Europe.  

This immersive program focused on the foundations of stone setting and the precision required to elevate jewellery from simple construction to fine art. Gabby trained in traditional setting techniques while also learning how to use gravers to create intricate metalwork patterns during the setting process; skills that require patience, control, and a deep understanding of material behaviour.

Perhaps just as valuable as the technical learning was the environment itself. The course brought together jewellers from around the world, creating a space filled with shared curiosity, mutual learning, and the constant exchange of ideas. Being surrounded by like-minded creatives and witnessing her own progression over the four-week period was something Gabby described as one of the highlights of her entire European journey.

The extended, immersive nature of the course stood out as a key influence in her decision to attend. It wasn’t just about learning techniques; it was also about proving to herself that she could commit to growth on a deeper level.

Jewellery, History, and Inspiration Across Europe

Outside of structured training, Gabby spent her time travelling extensively through Turkey, Greece, Malta, Southern France, Norway, Italy, and beyond, experiencing both the contrasts and connections between cultures and their artistic traditions.

Across Europe, she visited several major exhibitions that left a lasting impression on her practice.

In Rome, she attended a Cartier exhibition showcasing traditional jewellery, including pieces dating back to the 4th-3rd century BC. Seeing jewellery with such historical depth reinforced the timeless nature of the craft and the way techniques and symbolism evolve across centuries.

In Paris, she visited the exhibition “Joyaux Dynastiques” (Dynastic Jewels), which featured pieces spanning from the 1700s to the 1950s. The collection included crown jewels, tiaras, and brooches, with each piece telling a story of heritage, status, and extraordinary craftsmanship. For Gabby, Paris stood out as a particular highlight: a city where art, jewellery, and design are deeply embedded into everyday culture, and where inspiration feels almost unavoidable.

Moments Between the Work

Not all of Gabby’s memories were formed in galleries or workshops. Some came from the quieter, everyday moments of travel.

One standout was a small, unassuming restaurant in Turkey - 'dingy' by her description - but serving food that was both incredibly affordable and unexpectedly memorable. After periods in expensive cities like London, these simple experiences became grounding reminders of life outside the jewellery world.

Nine Months of Growth, Challenge, and Discovery

Across nine months of travel and study, Gabby moved through different countries and experienced different training, all while developing not only her technical skills but also her sense of identity as a jeweller.

Professionally, from the precision-driven workshops of Bond Street to the intensive learning environment of Italy and the cultural richness of European museums and exhibitions, each experience contributed something distinct to her practice.

Personally, Gabby’s journey reflected a desire to grow - not just as a craftsperson, but as someone willing to challenge herself, seek out new knowledge, and trust in her ability to rise to it.

And now, back at York Jeweller's, she brings all of that experience home, infusing her work with new techniques, fresh perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the global language of jewellery.

Book at appointment with Gabby today.