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