Handmade silver and gem-set jewellery. I describe most of my work as suitable for washing up and gardening – in other words, you can wear it all the time, and it will absorb the patina of your life. I want my jewellery to become your new BFF.
Even as a little girl, I loved making jewellery, and now I am thrilled to have my own jewellery business. In my youth, I worked for the famous De Beers Diamonds and fashion houses such as Mulberry; all that experience informs what I create now. Mostly silver and chunky, I design jewellery I want to wear and share with like-minded women. The Quince spirit matches the mood of sustainable fashion – made to last by talented craftspeople.
I was looking for a new outlet for my creativity and my entrepreneurial spirit. An old friend in India reminded me of how much I already knew about jewellery and offered to introduce me to her stone dealer. So, I packed up the kids, and we went to India for half term, leaving the dogs and husband at home. We all had a blast soaking up the color, noise, and culture.
I studied Art History, and that certainly underpins my jewellery design. I love to find the jewels in Renaissance paintings and often mimic their shapes. Historical jewels were so important as a mark of status or personality. I think today, our jewellery is still a strong statement of who we are and what the world should think about our taste and style.
I am in my happy place, choosing gems and planning collections. I only design and make jewellery that I would love to wear myself. Shops, magazines, gardens, and junk shops are all sources of visual inspiration – I love a good rummage. I will often start with beautiful stones and work out a design from there. Shapes have to be fluid and organic; otherwise, they can be uncomfortable. Enhancing natural beauty in the color and shape of stones is very important.
Every hand that picks up a hammer makes a unique mark. I love the fact that each piece carries the marks of the hand that made it. Combined with my eye for history and color, those handmade imprints make each piece unique.
Besides gemstones, I also love textiles. I’m so tempted to do more with textiles, but I do run the risk of getting carried away, so I’ll probably keep it very modest. We’ll see!
I am very proud of my little business – it has come so far in the last 5 years, but two historical achievements I am very proud of.
A showcase for young art students to have their jewellery designs made in diamonds and gold and then auctioned at Harvey Nichols.
And secondly, an exhibition and book I wrote about the History of the Diamond Engagement Ring – another labour of love.
People love my Portia earrings that combine two fabulous gemstones – the options are endless! They are elegant, timeless, and very wearable. This was one of my first designs; I’ve never seen anything quite like it, and it remains a firm favorite.
I love that they bring the pages of the magazine to life; I’m a long-time subscriber. I also used to live in Islington, very close to the old Agricultural Hall that is now home to the London Christmas Fair. And, of course, I love meeting the other traders and returning customers.
Try to assess if there is a market for what you make. Do you want this to be a business rather than a hobby? Both are valid but different.
Stay strong, but be open to advice. Talk to lots of people, then make up your mind. Running your own business can be tough and lonely, but also very rewarding.
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