Little did master jeweler Derek Simpson know 50 years ago when he opened his store in downtown New Haven that he’d be asked to design something for Queen Elizabeth II. Just four years into opening Derek Simpson Goldsmith — a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces — Simpson was commissioned by the former, late mayor […]
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Little did master jeweler Derek Simpson know 50 years ago when he opened his store in downtown New Haven that he’d be asked to design something for Queen Elizabeth II.
Just four years into opening Derek Simpson Goldsmith — a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces — Simpson was commissioned by the former, late mayor of New Haven, Frank Logue, to create a special gift for her majesty. The mayor’s request came in 1976 to commemorate the country’s bicentennial, and the Queen’s brief visit to the Elm City.
Simpson himself was born and raised across the pond in Sheffield, a city in South Yorkshire, England. He honed his love of art at the Sheffield College of Arts & Crafts and earned a national design diploma from the School of Silversmithing.
He received a postgraduate degree at The Royal College of Art in the School of Silversmithing and Jewelry in London. After graduation, Simpson moved to Paris, where he worked in the studio of American jeweler, Bert C. Gore.
Simpson moved to the United States in the fall of 1970 to be closer to family.
A year later, Simpson’s dream of opening his own store came true. He found a small retail space in downtown New Haven at 155 Park St. On Jan. 1, 1971, Derek Simpson Goldsmith officially opened for business.
Today, 50 years later, the three-employee business is still booming and marking its milestone anniversary.
Simpson, who declined to disclose his company’s annual revenue, is known for his handcrafted pieces ranging from custom engagement rings to precious gemstone rings. When the call came to make something for the Queen, Simpson was honored to oblige.
“I created a pill box with the nine squares of New Haven with a green malachite center,” Simpson said. “It was an honor to be selected to create the prestigious commission presented to Queen Elizabeth II so early in my career.”
The nine squares on the pill box depict a map of New Haven created by early settlers, with the center square representing the New Haven Green.
Famous clients
Over the last half-century, Simpson has created significant pieces for a who’s who list of other famous clients. That includes making pieces for composer Leonard Bernstein and cuff links for architect Philip Johnson. Simpson also designed a pin for tennis player Chris Evert, a necklace for actress Olivia Newton-John and an earring for tennis star Andre Agassi.
Simpson remains modest about being sought out by famous people, and attributes his longevity in the business to many facets.
“The secrets are … having a good staff and being able to accommodate specific needs of our diverse clientele, and offering unique and interesting jewelry created with style and longevity,” Simpson said. “It also helps to always be honest and perform with integrity.”
Being situated in downtown New Haven for the past 50 years has also helped.
Simpson moved from his original Park Street location to a larger storefront with more foot traffic in 1974 at The Yale Center for British Art. Simpson relocated to his current space at 1094 Chapel St. in 1994, where he along with his wife, Pamela and longtime manager Gene Dostie, continue to wow customers with dazzling designs.
“We have survived the test of time by focusing on our goal of providing the utmost quality and service to our clients,” Simpson said. “We have become our client's source for celebrating the most special moments of their lives. I feel very fortunate to have served the Greater New Haven community for five decades.”
And New Haven is glad to have him.
“Like Derek’s jewelry, his business continues to withstand the test of time,” said Lauren Zucker, Yale University associate vice president for New Haven affairs and university properties. “We are honored to have served as his landlord for most of his 50 years in New Haven and celebrate this wonderful anniversary with him and his entire team.”
Some of the biggest changes Simpson has borne witness to since first opening shop is the shift to online shopping and social media creating international competition.
He’s also had to adjust his business amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The store is following CDC guidelines to ensure a safe visit, and is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment for a private shopping experience.
