Our founder

Michele White founded Artisan Alchemy Gallery in 2016 with a clear purpose — to create a place where contemporary craft is celebrated and where the work of Britain’s most talented makers could be showcased.

A jewellery artist who has worked in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter for over 40 years, Michele brings together her own creations with carefully chosen pieces by other artisans, all rooted in a firm commitment to artistry and craftsmanship.

Michele’s path to jewellery was an unusual one. She originally trained as an art teacher in ceramics, returning to her creative pursuits after raising her family. A missed spinning class led her to try an evening course in jewellery, where she quickly discovered a medium she loved. She went on to study at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, where she combined her background in ceramics with her natural eye for design.

Her work has since developed a distinct style. Inspired by the free-flowing forms of René Lalique and Art Nouveau, Michele creates jewellery that is sculptural, expressive and truly unique. She gravitates towards unusual gemstones and often builds a design around the qualities of a single stone. Silver and 18ct gold are combined with contrasting textures, resulting in brooches, necklaces and commissions that balance artistry with meticulous craftsmanship.

Alongside her own art, Michele has been a long-standing supporter of the wider arts community. She served as President of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally. Through Artisan Alchemy Gallery, she continues to share her own work while championing the creativity and talent of fellow makers.