Master Jeweler Brings Old World Craftsmanship to Destin
By Chris Manson October 9, 2003 Issue

When master jeweler Peter Meier opened his Jeweler's Workbench in Destin last month, he got it backwards. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

“What’s different is we have the jewelry bench up front, so people can watch. It’s a new concept,” Meier said. Jewelry stores tend to do all their work in the back—the mysterious “back room,” out of the customer’s view—but Meier eschews the mainstream. And with 25 years of experience creating unique pieces, Meier is not at all intimidated to have people watch him work. “ A lot of stores sell designer jewelry, but here you get to meet the designer.”

Born and educated in Switzerland—where he earned a master’s degree in jewelry from Kuntstgwerbe University in Zurich—Meier specializes in fabrications. The customer brings in raw materials such as gold, and Meier makes something new and precious out of them. He does it the old fashioned way, sketching rough ideas and sculpting models out of wax.

At Jewelers Workbench, mass production is cast aside in favor of what the owner calls “Old World craftsmanship.” The customer is involved throughout the entire process, deciding what metals are to be used and approving Meier’s designs.

Meier has lived in the United States since 1974, and he and his wife have called Destin home for the last three years. His father was a mountain climber and collector of crystals. This, along with a family friend who specialized in cutting stones, helped Meier determine a career path. Meier perfected his craft in Washington, D.C. and Monterey, Calif., designing everything from guitar picks made of solid gold and topped off with diamonds to custom jewelry for celebrities like Joan Collins, Goldie Hawn and Phyllis Hyman

“We love it in Destin,” Meier said. “I lived in St. Thomas for three years and love being near the water. I have a boat and I love to fish.” Meier acknowledged that the demands of owning a business would probably cut into his fishing time now.

Meier and his staff—Parker Stewart and Amber Ward—repair watches, string pearls and take care of just about any jewelry-related needs. The retail side of the house offers colored stones, silver, gold, diamonds and pearls, along with a generous selection of Meier’s handiwork. “We’re constantly changing inventory. It always pays to stop by and see if there’s something new,” Meier said.

Stewart lends an impressive amount of skill to the shop, having studied repair and diamond grading. He plans to take a colored stone course in the near future. Stewart has worked with Meier for three years. “He’s personable with customers. His craftsmanship is unique. He can create anything people want. And he has a way of connecting with customers and figuring out what they want just from talking to them,” Stewart said. Meier credits his good sense of humor as an effective tool for building customer confidence.

“We’re the only place around doing this. I’m the only master jeweler from Pensacola to Panama City. There was a big void in Destin, this kind of service with the knowledge,” Meier said. “We make it possible to create something special at reasonable prices.” Meier stresses that luxurious items do not automatically carry boutique and designer price tags. “We try to make this affordable to the public.”

Jewelers Workbench is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 to 5 p.m. Business is already taking off, thanks to Meier’s reputation, advertising and the store’s attractive layout. “We worked for two months putting this store together. We did all the painting and refinishing. We put a lot of sweat into the place,” Meier said.

A big event is scheduled for early December. Two diamond dealers from Israel will offer their merchandise direct to the public. Colored stone dealers from Brazil will also be on hand. “If you buy the mounting from us, you’ll get the diamond at wholesale price from the dealers,” Stewart said.

Meier invites everybody to stop in early for holiday needs. “It takes time to make the items, give them some thought.” He added that women are especially impressed when guys take that extra step, having a piece of jewelry—an engagement ring, perhaps—made to order.

(Top)