Broome jeweller returns after 47 years

Forty-seven years after opening his first Broome jewellery store, pioneering craftsman John Miller has returned to the town that helped launch his career, reopening a new shop beside his original premises.

In a rare full-circle moment, Mr Miller has also reunited with the same landlord from 1979, when he first brought handcrafted jewellery to the pearling town.

Now operating from Carnarvon Street in Chinatown under the name Dampier’s Chest, the reopening represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal homecoming.

“Broome’s colourful history, recent and ancient, the landscapes, seascapes, marine and terrestrial life, it’s all so vibrant and compelling,” Mr Miller said.

When he first opened in 1979, the concept of a standalone jewellery store in Broome raised eyebrows. However, the timing proved fortuitous.

“People were a bit sceptical when I first opened, but it soon proved to be a winning decision and sales were prolific,” he said.

“It was the roaring 70s and everyone wanted silver jewellery, and I was a rock star! It was long before the big silver jewellery imports from Indonesia and Mexico and there wasn’t a lot of silver jewellery here; everyone wanted rings, bangles and chains, the summer of love stuff was happening.

“That was a big kickstart for me, I was in the right place at the tight time.

“Since then, I’ve gone from strength to strength.”

Today, Broome is known for its abundance of jewellery retailers and world renowned pearling business, a transformation Mr Miller has watched with interest.

“And now look at Broome, every second shop is a jewellery store!” Mr Miller said.

Despite the growth of the industry locally, Mr Miller maintains his work sits in its own category.

“My jewellery is not in competition with the pearl showrooms, mine is very much inspired by my surrounds, by Western Australia and the North West, the marine life, landscapes, flora and fauna.”

His distinctive pieces, etched and stamped with Australian motifs, often unique to the Kimberley region, have built a loyal following over decades.

“We have people coming in saying they’ve been wearing their bracelet for 35 years, and tell us how much joy it brings them every day,” Mr Miller said..

“When you add it all up, the jewellery brings oceans of joy to tens of thousands of people on a daily basis.

“There’s something a bit cult-like about it — people recognise others wearing my work and make social connections, so it brings strangers together, they quickly realise they share similar tastes and values.”

Broome also holds deep personal significance for Mr Miller, who spent part of his childhood there and now divides his time between Broome and Yallingup.

“Broome’s colourful history, recent and ancient, the landscapes, seascapes, marine and terrestrial life, it’s all so vibrant and compelling,” he said.

“My late siblings and dad are buried in Broome, as I will be. It has such a special place in my DNA, my natal dreaming.”

The reopening follows a successful 2024 exhibition and a desire to reconnect creatively with the town.

“To take my work back there, to rediscover that magic in my work, which was the lure,” Mr Miller reflects.