The History of Lawrence Miller & Co.:

The history of Lawrence Miller & Co. goes all the way back to Hungary in 1956, when a master silversmith named Anthon Rubesch fled to England during the Hungarian uprising. After practicing his trade in the London area for 12 years, Anthon again moved in 1968, this time to the United States. Shortly after arriving in the United States, Anthon and a partner started their own business. Over the course of several decades, Anthon taught his ancient craft to his son, Dezso Rubesch, and together, they built a family business that would be widely acknowledged as the premier place in the Washington, DC metropolitan area for fine silver restoration, as well as customized jewelry design.

In 1991, Rubesch’s had an unexpected visitor, who would ultimately play a major role, to say the least, in the store’s future. After a few years of apprenticing for other gold and silversmiths in the Alexandria area, a 18 year old Alexandrian, named Lawrence Miller walked into Rubesch’s and pointed to an ornate candelabra in the storefront window. Lawrence looked at Anthon and said, “I want to learn how to make that.” Little did he know at the time, but the candelabra to which Lawrence was referring, was an original piece made by Anthon Rubesch.

Ten years later, after Anthon’s passing, Dezso Rubesch decided to retire from full-time silversmithing and jewelry design. In recognition of Lawrence’s artistic skill and dedicated work ethic, Dezso sold the business to their long-time apprentice. Although Lawrence does not share the Rubesch name, he is a direct artistic descendent of the Rubesch legacy.

After four years of keeping the Rubesch name, Lawrence eventually decided in 2006 that it was time to change the store's name to Lawrence Miller & Co. Unchanged, however, is the quality of craftsmanship and a reputation for unmatched expertise.

There is still no better place in the country to get your silver repaired.

Lawrence Miller & Co. Today:

Today, Lawrence Miller & Co. boasts over 70 years of combined experience in jewelry design. Including Lawrence, we have two GIA graduate gemologists who can appraise an existing piece, or select and grade the perfect stone for any occasion.

Originally from Bolivia, (home to some of the worlds greatest goldsmiths), our second-generation, master goldsmith Ricardo Covarrubias is as skilled as any other in the country. Working with gold is in his blood and has defined his life. Whether it is repairing broken jewelry, or designing and handcrafting a new masterpiece, Ricardo's experience, technical ability and artistic creativity make him the obvious choice.

An interview with Lawrence:

After talking to Lawrence, the word "work" seems inadequate when describing what he does. Rather he explains his love for silversmithing in words that seem more suitable for describing a cathartic or meditative experience. It is as if he is only able to really relax and express himself when he is holding a hammer, file or any number of other historical, handmade silversmithing tools passed down to him from his former teachers.

Although working with precious metal, appraising gems and other aspects of his daily routine require a shocking degree of technical expertise (he is a GIA graduate gemologist) and experience, Lawrence is an artist in every sense of the word. Hearing him talk about his work, one immediately senses how lucky he considers himself to be one in a select group of artists. With the number of traditional silversmiths dwindling in the world, it is clear that Lawrence is honored to be a part of this rich and ancient tradition. It truly is a labor of love.

For an artist who has made or repaired items for the United States Department of State, the British Royal family, and individual U.S. Senators, it is quite telling that two of his most memorable and cherished pieces include a silver chalice that was a gift for his local church and an engagement ring for his wife. One really gets the unmistakable impression that he pours himself into every piece of art he touches. Whether it is a baby cup or candelabra he is making from scratch or a repair to a priceless piece of family history, quality is always his primary concern. In addition, being able to play a personal and critical role in the creation or restoration of something sentimental is clearly the most cherished aspect of his chosen art form.

When asked about the most rewarding aspects of his chosen path in life, Lawrence immediately tells of repairing family heirlooms and restoring other sentimental pieces that customers had previously assumed were beyond repair. In fact, the tangible results of Lawrence's talented hands and artistic mind have caused many disbelieving customers to break into tears as they discover that a weathered or "ruined" piece of family history has been elegantly restored.

Rather than working so that he can have time and money for other things in life, it is clear that Lawrence is simply obsessed with his passion for working with precious metals and brilliant gems. In fact, if Lawrence is working for any long-term goal later in life, it is so that he can retire to a workbench and have more time to create at his leisure. Perhaps the only regret Lawrence has about his current position in life, is that he is always backed up with orders from adoring and loyal customers, but, as he admits with a familiar smile, he is used to being busy.

It is unclear whether he chose this traditional art form or it chose him.