Miguel Teles is one of the four children of the third generation of Ourivesaria Teles, founded by his grandfather António Teles, followed by his father Arlindo and uncle Humberto. Along with Miguel, siblings Lurdes, Duarte, and Arlindo also have links to the group of Ourivesarias that exist today.

Miguel Teles was the first, together with his father Arlindo, to take the first steps in the company’s activity, namely in the technical parts of watchmaking and goldsmithing, in the workshops that already existed at that time, and this year, he is completing 40 years of his initiation into the company. He is currently the managing partner of one of the group’s companies. In addition to commercial management, he is responsible for and coordinates all the activities carried out in the Tecnoteles engraving studio and all the goldsmithing and watchmaking repairs.

His grandfather, António Teles, was part of an amateur theater company. On one of his tours to the Azores, he liked the region and lived in São Miguel for a while. However, he then decided to opt for the island of Terceira, namely Angra do Heroísmo. His mission was probably to fill a gap in the market, offer new services, and make a life choice.

Ourivesaria Teles is a company known for its longevity. It has always based its activity on principles of competence, seriousness, and the quality of its products and services. Over the last few decades, it has dealt with massive innovation, adapting to and leading the new challenges of the markets, particularly the jewelry market, which, like others, is constantly evolving.

It is a company that contributes and bases its management on social responsibility, creating jobs in the area where it operates, thus contributing to the growth of the local economy,” says Miguel Teles.


“In a history of almost 100 years, it is necessary to reference former and current managers, former and current employees. Any company with dedicated, competent, and innovative teams has a greater chance of success and longevity. We must also highlight our clients, for whom we work hard to earn their trust. As you can imagine, it’s not an easy challenge, and there have been ups and downs along the way,” the entrepreneur adds.

“The secret is that, as well as hard work, dedication, competence and seriousness, there’s a great love and enthusiasm for this business that makes us want to keep innovating and constantly monitoring the challenges that arise, to which we have to give the best response, because new difficulties are always arising on the one hand and new opportunities on the other,” he adds.

Teles is currently divided into several companies that are partners in some activities: “This management is done strategically, realizing that this way we are stronger and better prepared for the difficulties that arise in a very small market, where the offer is significant. A market that thrives above all on the summer and Christmas season,” adds the older brother.
Among the many silver and gold products, the motifs linked to the cult of the Holy Spirit stand out, namely crowns of various sizes.
Ourivesaria Teles, led by Miguel Teles, is currently a micro-company with nine employees, including management. It has the main space in its original location since 1928 (at Rua Direita, no. 85), the Tecnoteles engraving studio, and workshops at Travessa de São João, no. 5, also in Angra do Heroísmo.

From Made in the Azores–in Açoriano Oriental, Paula Gouveia, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.