Julian has has a well-earned reputation as a skilled craftsman - both as an innovative designer and as a creator, and repairer, of fine jewellery.
Julian Harding has been involved in the Christchurch jewellery industry for over 35 years and has a well-earned reputation as a skilled craftsman - both as an innovative designer and as a creator, and repairer, of fine jewellery.
At the age of eight in 1964, Julian and his family immigrated to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, and within a year, Julian’s father was working in the trade he loved the most – the repair of antique jewellery and the creation of new jewellery components.
Outside of school, Julian spent the majority of his childhood fossicking in his father’s studio – sometimes getting to help with small soldering jobs.
After finishing high school, it was a career in cooking that enticed Julian the most. Unfortunately at that time, the only way to get a suitable Chef’s training certificate was to join the Army. His father’s business was a viable ‘fall back’ and he soon became an apprentice alongside his brother who is an identical twin.
Julian has been in his present studio on Papanui Road in Christchurch for seven years now. “Not many people can say they love going to work every day, but I truly can. Not only do I get to meet lovely people on a regular basis, but I get the opportunity to know my clients, and know them well.” says Julian. “Every job is a different creative challenge and I love seeing the delight on people’s faces when I show them their finished product.”
Julian is married to his wife Glenda who is the owner of Harding Consultants, a conference and event management company, and has four grown-up children of which he is exceptionally proud – Abby, Tyler, Rosie and Stephen.
To this day, Julian is still enthralled with cooking and is an expert at creating something from nothing (similar to his mantra in the jewellery industry!). In 2012, Julian committed to making a new dish for dinner every night for the year ahead. He got to day 280!!
Julian also loves squash, tennis, snow and water skiing and just boating in general with family and friends. Later in life, he developed a passion for travel as well with his most memorable trip being Carnival in Trinidad.
Some would describe Julian Harding as flamboyant, quirky, full of humour, confident and most definitely an extravert – and this is part of the reason why he is so good at his trade as each piece he designs or repairs is a reflection of his love of life and connection with the people in his life.
“Although I enjoy making new pieces like engagement rings, I think I get the biggest kick out of remodelling, alterations and repair work. It keeps my skill level current and I get immense satisfaction from returning a piece to its former glory.” says Julian.
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