Michele White
Based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter – now a recognised World Craft City – Michele White has worked for over forty years as a jewellery artist, educator and advocate for British craft. Formerly a lecturer in gemmology and a past president of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, Michele founded Artisan Alchemy Gallery in 2016 to support British designer-makers and promote contemporary craftsmanship.
Early Career
“My career as a designer-jeweller happened purely by chance – and I can totally blame our Persian cat, Crystal!”
Michele’s first professional path was as an art teacher, specialising in ceramics. After a career break to raise her three children, she sought a new direction... and was unexpectedly guided by a bag full of her cat's fur!
“I combed Crystal’s long white hair every day and had bags full of it. As a lifelong knitter, I thought: why not spin and weave it?”
When her attempt to join a spinning class fell through, fate stepped in. Browsing a course list, she spotted an evening jewellery class. She enrolled and never looked back.
Inspiration and Style
“Born and bred in London, I was completely unaware of Birmingham’s rich jewellery heritage. Enrolling at the School of Jewellery felt like a discovery and a newly found serendipity.”
Michele continued her studies at the renowned School of Jewellery in Birmingham, where she honed her technical and artistic skills. She quickly found that the principles of design she had used in ceramics translated beautifully into jewellery-making.
“Design works the same whether it’s ceramics or jewellery: the material defines how the design evolves.”
A pivotal moment came when Michele attended an exhibition of René Lalique, the legendary Art Nouveau jeweller.
“I loved his work - no matter what materials or gemstones he used, they always enhanced the beauty of his art. That really inspired me.”
This inspiration remains visible in her work today, often marked by fluid lines, organic shapes, and an Art Nouveau sensibility. She gravitates toward gemstones with unique inclusions, unusual cuts, or rare colours - often building a piece entirely around one standout stone.
Meeting the King
Michele quickly became an integral part of Birmingham’s vibrant arts community. She has been a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) since 2000 and served as its elected president from 2005 to 2008.
During this time, a remarkable moment took place:
“When the RBSA Gallery moved to St Paul’s Square, HRH Prince Charles (now King Charles III) came to officially open it. I was asked to create a stock pin as a presentation piece for him and was honoured to be one of the members chosen to meet him.”
Artisan Alchemy Gallery
Michele’s career is a testament to curiosity, reinvention and the power of chance encounters. Through Artisan Alchemy Gallery, she continues to champion British craft and inspire new generations of designer-makers.
“Thanks to our Persian cat and the genius of Lalique, I became a jeweller, and I absolutely adore what I do!”
Artisan Alchemy Gallery, founded in 2016, is the latest chapter in Michele’s long and dedicated career.
She continues to create every day in her workshop beneath the gallery, and takes great joy in collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life.
Michele’s ongoing creativity is the heart of the gallery, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this vibrant scene, right here in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
You can find Michele on: