......Sushilla!

An incredible passion and enthusiasm for bright colours and beautiful gemstones, Sushilla has produced an incredibly eye-catching, window dazzling collection of rough cut gemstones. Travelling around the world in search of the most vibrant gemstones, Sushilla's work is inspired by a melting pot of cultures and countries and is made to be worn and adored.

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

I have had a passion for jewellery all my life. My grandmother had a wonderful collection of both precious and costume jewellery and as a child I loved dressing up in all the wonderful pieces.

My inspiration came from seeing precious stones in their rough state while travelling through Africa as a child. My parents to this day have a wonderful rock of Amethyst in its uncut glory. We picked this up on a road trip from Lusaka to Livingston in Zambia. Decades later while on a trip to India I discovered other stones in there rough state, and thought it would be exciting to use them in a collection. Tallulah was born!

How would you describe your customers?

That’s a difficult one, I rarely get to meet the end client. But the few I have met are confident, know what they want and are not afraid of colour.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

My mother’s Pink Tourmaline engagement ring.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

Keira Knightley quite simply because she is beautiful and talented. I can just see her wearing one of my statement pieces!!

If you hadnt been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

I have always loved travelling, so maybe a travel writer. Although this could be difficult, I’m dyslexic.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Lots more stones. I know there are plenty more out there that I haven’t used yet. I will continue to focus on the stones. I would like to make more dramatic one off pieces.

To view Sushilla's collection click here

When we saw those dainty little maids with handpainted faces we knew we couldn't resist the charm of Hannah Walkers jewellery collection. A new designer in Nude, Hannah's work is distinctive and unique. An interesting mix of sterling silver rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets and of course these beautifully crafted doll pendants which appeal to a perfect little princess and playful adults alike. Read Hannah's story here....

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

From a very young age, I have always enjoyed making and using my hands.   I guess it was discovering the Covent Garden bead shop, as a child, which really inspired me to make jewellery and improve my skills.   When I left school, I went on to study jewellery at Edinburgh college of Art and the Royal College of Art in London.   Professionally, I have designed for a wide variety of clients from luxury jewellers, Boodles to Marks & Spencer, Acessorize and Next.   My most recent collaboration has been to design a collection of fair trade jewellery for Oxfam.

How would you describe your customers?

My clients like to have jewellery which is easy to wear, beautifully made and a little bit different.   They tend to have a very discerning eye and a love of detail.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

My most recent favorite (it changes all the time) is one of my newest designs.  It is a tiny, solid rose gold disc embossed with a butterfly which has the initial of my daughter engraved on the back.  It is so tactile, I adore it.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

I think Harper Seven Beckham really has to have her very own Pretty Maid pendant.

Why?  Because, I haven’t met a little girl who hasn’t treasured hers.

If you hadn’t been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

I have almost as much enthusiasm for plants and horticulture as I do jewellery, so a garden designer would be just perfect.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I am currently developing more jewellery which is suited to children - christening bangles with charms.   Also, I am very keen to create a collection in rose gold.   And lastly, I am keen to introduce a bit of sparkle into my collection by using diamonds...Plenty to keep me busy.

Click here to view the Hannah Walker collection.

Following on from our new designer feature a few weeks ago we've put Johnny Mirpuri in this weeks designer hot seat. 

What’s your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

I’d already spent 20 years carving out a successful banking career when I discovered that my
childhood interest in things creative had been re-kindled whilst making several works of art for my
home. Choosing to tap into those innate artistic talents I turned my back on the City at the end of
2008 to dive into the fascinating world of jewellery design. I went on to complete a broad
programme of bench & design-based courses at the Holts Academy of Jewellery and Central Saint
Martins College of Art & Design, where I learnt both traditional and computer-aided design and
manufacturing techniques.

MIRPURI launched in early 2011 and very soon after I became one of ten emerging designers
selected, as part of the BJA-supported KickStart initiative, to exhibit my debut collections at
International Jewellery London 2011.

I was born of Indian parentage in West Africa and spent three years living in India before moving
with my family to settle in the UK at the age of nine. This culturally diverse upbringing ignited in
me a passion for travel from an early age, which has so far taken me to over 25 countries across the
world. I feel that each of these journeys, and the exposure that they provided to differing
landscapes, new customs, fresh architectural ideas and cosmopolitan lifestyles, have played a part
in shaping my own sense of personal, as well as design style.

How would you describe your customers?

MIRPURI’s customer’s are style-conscious individuals who place equal importance on quality and
value. When adding to their jewellery collections, they seek out classic pieces which are sleek and
elegant in their design and which offer versatility in wear because they strike that fine balance
between a.m. subtlety and p.m. glamour. I feel that they’re attracted to my jewellery because
MIRPURI’s collections tick all those boxes.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery?

A wheat-link 22k white-gold chain necklace, given to me by my mother. I wear it 24-7, and it’s a
constant reminder to me of her unconditional love.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

I’d choose Julia Roberts - hands down! The epitome of a natural beauty with an understated, classy
sense of style, she’d provide the perfect backdrop to show off MIRPURI jewellery .... well, provided
you‘d ever see past that infamously infectious smile of hers, that is!

If you hadn’t been successful as a designer, what would your plan B have been?

I feel that I gave my plan B a pretty good shot, having spent 20 years as a City banker. I may have
have done things back to front somewhat, but now that I’m finally on course living my plan A,
there’s no looking back.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

With three silver collections already under my belt, I’m super excited at the prospect of broadening
the appeal of my jewellery with the introduction of a gold vermeil range, and the use more precious
coloured gemstones, in MIRPURI’s next collection. Look out for it in the new year.

The Ripple Collection is available in store and online now.

Touran Reddaway is the designer and creator of the Firouzeh collection; an enchanting body of work steeped in ancient tradition and history. All work is 18 carat gold and uses stones such as turqouise and red agate to help tell the story of each piece. Touran takes her inspiration from Iranian and Byzantine culture which has created an incredibly moving collection of beauty and aspiration. Here Touran tells us more about her work as a designer.....

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

My father is a British diplomat and my mother is from Iran. I have moved around the world with my parents on their different posts my entire life, making languages and different cultures my key interests. From a very early age I have always wanted to be involved in jewellery, I made my first necklace when I was 8 for my mother while traveling in Brazil. When I saw all the beautiful stones there I apparently told my mother that I wanted to have my own jewellery shop when I grew up. A great family friend of my mother’s in Iran is an incredible goldsmith, and he encouraged me to design my own jewellery from very early on. I have been working with him for over 15 years; I work on the designs and he would then make them for me. I love history and the idea of pieces of jewellery having a story behind them, specially from the ancient world. Ancient Persia and Byzantium proved to be limitless in terms of inspiration and wonderful stories to base my pieces around. My goldsmith’s son (they run a family business) then moved to Turkey, making it much easier for me to work with him and set up Firouzeh as the political and economic links between Britain and Iran are so tense at the moment. I travel to Turkey regularly (my parents also live there) and work on my designs with my goldsmith.

How would you describe your customers?

My customers are people who like the idea of wearing something unique and timeless. Because of the 18 carat gold I use, generally they are more settled in life and are able to invest in these pieces (a great investment as the price of gold never seems to go down!). I have had customers of all ages, I do not want my pieces to be limited to any age group in terms of design.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

 My favourite piece of jewellery is a small ring I wear on my little finger. I am terrible at telling my left from my right, so my mother suggested I get a ring as a reminder. It has little granulated lotus flowers around the band, inspired from Persepolis.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

I would love for Rachel Weisz to wear my jewellery some day. I think she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever come across, a real English Rose.

 If you hadnt been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

If I could not have been a jewellery designer I think my plan B would have been to become a travel writer. Travel is something I want to incorporate in any career I might have, and the idea of discovering new places and sharing them with others is incredibly appealing.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

In the near future I am finishing up work on my latest line, my Mediterranean Collection. On a recent trip to Olympos, on the mediterranean coast of Turkey, I was so completely awed by the beauty and unspoiled nature of the area that I have based a new collection of jewellery on its magic.  

The shimmering blues, turquoise and greens  of the sea; the abundance in the citrus orchards full of fruit and blossom; the thickly forested mountains rising huge from misted valleys and then plunging straight down into the sea, were a sight to behold. The ruins of ancient temples and palaces were testament to the fantastic culture that had once dominated the area. Column heads littered the beach and mountainsides, carved beautifully with leaves, flowers and animals. Myth and reality seemed to mix.

This inspired me to include in necklaces, earrings and charm bracelets the graceful laurel leaves that are symbols of the god Apollo; and the butterflies, fish and oak acorns of the great Olympian goddess Artemis, who was particularly venerated in western Anatolia.  Some of the stones I have chosen reflect the colours of the sea, while pearls represent its riches.  Other stones evoke the forests. And the rich sheen of the 18 carat gold intoxicates, carrying you between worlds ....

To view the Firouzeh collection click here

The buzz, the glamour, the excitement and the gossip! We love London Fashion Week and we can't wait to see what fantastic jewellery not only heads down the catwalk but also graces the front rows and the after parties over the next few days. We've been keeping an eye on the Mayfair hotels window displays by fashion graphic designer Spiros Halaris – it's hard not to see it as we pass it everyday on the way to work!

We loved the Exhibition at Somerset House where a whole host of jewellery/accessory brands were unvieling their new collections for Spring/Summer 2012. It was great to see Babette Wasserman exhibiting there – even though we've already had a sneak preview of her new collections.

It's been a great weekend so far and there are still lots of events and parties to attend – let us know what fabulous things you're doing during London Fashion Week!

Beautiful, sophisticated jewellery inspired by contemporary architecture: Jayce Wong's jewellery is distinctive and desirable. 

Her passion for gemstones shines through in each piece as her art displays an array of colours and intricate uses.  This draws people to her design and allows her work to stand out on the shelf.  The success of the new stone age collection has been inspiring with celebrities such as Danni Minogue choosing to wear the rutilated quartz cocktail ring on last season's X factor.  As she prepares to launch her fine collection we wanted you to find out more about this successful designer......

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

I'm trained as a jeweller and gemologist in London, I did my BA & MA in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemolgoical Institute of America in London. My family background is also very much related to the jewellery industry, my grandfather was a jeweller and my uncle also works in trade. I remember at I very young age my grandfather used to give me bags of components to play with, I learnt how to put links together to form a chain and I used to help counting gemstones.

How would you describe your customers?

My customers are very modern and fashion orientated. They are not afraid of wearing statement jewellery pieces or to take the plunge and experiment with new shapes that push design boundaries.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

An art deco diamond and sapphire ring given to me by my grandmother, which was in fact made by my grandfather. It encompasses everything that I love: architectural influence, geometric forms, history and sentimental value.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

Natalie Portman, without a doubt. Doesn't matter if she's in a T-shirt jeans or in a stunning couture gown, she always looks stylish and chic, effortlessly chic. More importantly, her personality shines through her look.

If you hadnt been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

A chef. I love food, everyone knows that, to the point that I'm obsessed with it & think about it all the time. My friends always ask to me to decide where to go for dinner next.

I think a jeweller and chef is quite similar in a way, you deliver joy to your customers by making quality things more beautiful and the process is fun and enjoyable.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

We will be launching our new fine jewellery collection, the first series was shown at Treasure during London Jewellery Week.

To view more of Jayce Wong's work click here

Kimberley Selwood continues to provide us with incredibly dainty and delectable pieces of jewellery which are loved and collected by customers and staff! She is an inspiring designer who creates distinctive, feminine jewellery collections enriched with texture and detail.....

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

I always loved art and as a child I used to play with be ads and make friendship bracelets, so I decided to follow my dream and so went to art college and then took a degree in jewellery design. I graduated 6 years ago with a first class honours in jewellery design and won an award which helped me set up in business.

How would you describe your customers?

My customers are people who love handmade and special pieces. They enjoy wearing jewellery and cherish things of beauty. My designs appeal to them as they are contemporary and unique, yet timeless and wearable.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

My favourite piece of jewellery is my Order in Chaos brooch, it was the first piece I made with gold in my final year of degree and it was the piece that got my first 1st mark.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

I would love Kylie to wear my designs as I think she is such an amazing role model but also very down to earth.

If you hadnt been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

I’m not sure!! I always aim where I want to go and hope for the best. I will come up with a plan B if things change!!!

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I am working on high end pieces and want to make more designs in Gold and diamonds, again creating something wearable but unusual.

Kimberley Selwood – the Butterfly Effect is available in store and online.

This month we interviewed Katie Rowland, winner of the New Designer of the Year at this year's UK Jewellery Awards.  This prestigious and coveted award reflects the best in British jewellery design and Katie Rowland is a well deserved winner!!!    

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?
I inherited my Aunt Bee's jewellery box of treasure when I was very little, which set off my love for all things sparkly. I think I must have been the only five year old girl who would climb trees in a diamonte necklace, on my street.

My background is in graphic design, before I moved into jewellery at St. Martins. It is what influences the clean lines and shapes in my work.

How would you describe your customers?
Strong, powerful women who know what they want and know how to get it.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)
My favourite piece is the St. Tropez knuckle ring in smoky quartz. I launch a new type of knuckle ring each season. It is so elegant as a piece, yet is has a strength to it which I love. Other than that, it is my Grandmother's engagement ring which I inherited. The diamonds have such fire and life about them and whenever I wear it, it reminds me of what a great women she was - full of laughter with a wicked sense of humour.

If you hadnt been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?
I think I would have been an artist. I've always been creative and so I have strong desire to make.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I am hugely influenced by female characters in history and myth and I love the femme fatale. Expect to see statement necklaces with an elegant edge and warm rose gold, flesh like tones. Deeply seductive and sensual.

View some of Katie Rowland's work online now

This months designer interview is with Babette Wasserman. Babette is the designer of the Electra, Amazon and Bamboo collections stocked in store. Each collection is unique and handcrafted to the highest standard. Her status as a designer continues to rise and she was recently shortlisted for the prestigious award of 'Brand of the Year' at this year's UK Jewellery Awards. The awards take place in London this Thursday – goodluck Babette!

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

BW: I was at Chelsea College of Art and fell in love with sculpture and product design and always had a keen interest in fashion. One of my tutors suggested doing my degree in jewellery which was a logical mix of all the things I loved, so I applied and got a place at Central St Martins School of Art where I did a BA in Jewellery Design.

How would you describe your customers?

BW: Our customers range from designer boutiques to large department stores. From a chic jewellery concession on the fourth floor of Harrods’ Way In, to our large cufflinks offering at Selfridges, passing by Isetan Japan to Bloomingdales in the US and of course our lovely designer jewelers UK-wide such as Nude Jewellery in London’s Mayfair, we are proud to have a wonderfully varied and international client base.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

BW: It is difficult to choose one particular piece of jewellery. Each season I launch around 40 pieces of new jewellery and the same in cufflinks. One of my longstanding favourites is the Scarf Lariat. I have recently launch its little sister, Ficelle, a thinner elegant version of the knitted sterling silver Scarf that wraps around the neck just like a scarf. This range is available in silver, rose gold vermeil and yellow gold vermeil with matching bracelets.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

BW: I would love Angelina Jolie to wear my jewellery – probably the Scarf lariat or multiple Amazon Attraction bracelets stacked in rose gold and yellow gold. I find she has excellent taste, she oozes elegance and glamour effortlessly!

If you hadn’t been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

BW: I think I would have gone into sculpture. I have always fancied doing a Masters at the Royal College of Art and I love the idea of creating huge public sculptures made from metal.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

BW: this year we have been nominated as ‘Brand of the Year’ at the UK Jewellery Awards 2011, this is the second year in a row that we have been shortlisted which is very exciting! We are expanding our sales distribution further and have just started working with some US Agents. We have an Olympic cufflink collection that will be launched in July and am designing the ring for the new ‘Princess Catherine’ (Kate Middleton) wedding doll which will be launched in Harrods and Hamleys in the next couple of months!

Jane Gowans is a fantastic new Scottish designer we are exhibiting in Nude.  Her work is visually stimulating, simple and stylish and she believes in wearing accessories that you absolutely love.  With The Matchstick collection, Jane has taken an ordinary object and turned it into an extraordinary piece of wearable art.

What's your background and what inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

I graduated in 2009 with a First Class Honours Degree in Jewellery & Metal Design and have since set up my own practice, which has gone from strength to strength.

I was inspired to become a jewellery designer because of its tactile, 3-dimensional construction. I love all the different texture and form possibilities. I also enjoy being able to deliver a product which brings joy to other people and can perhaps be passed down from generation to generation.

How would you describe your customers?

My customers enjoy quality, luxury and elegance. My jewellery appeals to both men and women from 25-75. My work has a subtle fashion aesthetic and has been used by stylists, press and music industry.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

I am really enjoying my current work and am excited to be working on some limited edition ‘Bessie’ rings which will be available to buy soon.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

I would like to see the incredibly intelligent and slightly cheeky Louis Theroux wear a set of Jane Gowans cufflinks.

If you hadnt been successful as a designer what would your plan B have been?

I’m not sure. I imagine my passion for creativity would have lead to another expressive career. I am keen pianist and singer so perhaps a shot at being a rock and roll icon... or maybe not?

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

My S/S ’12 collection is scheduled for release in the autumn. It is a progression into cutting edge technologies, hand finishing and stone setting resulting in pieces that are striking, elegant and high quality.

The Matchstick collection is available in store and online