A spotlight on our courtyard business – Featherstones Jewellery

Business owner, Alice Welsh, moved to Claydon Courtyard in 2022. Alice, set up Featherstones Jewellery 3 years ago. She is an experienced jeweller and designer specialising in bespoke jewellery.

I caught up with Alice to learn a little bit more about her business.

TELL ME ABOUT FEATHERSTONES, AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER?

I specialise in bespoke jewellery including engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I’ll work closely with clients to design and make a piece of jewellery to their specifications.

I also upcycle jewellery, which is a great way of giving your jewellery a new lease of life! If you have a piece of jewellery that you no longer wear or a sentimental item which needs some TLC I can reuse the metal and gems and create a completely new design.

In addition to my design service, I offer a repair service for all types of jewellery pieces.

Almost anything is possible, and I love a challenge, so whether you have a piece of jewellery that needs updating, or need some help deciding on the perfect ring for that special someone, get in touch I’d love to hear from you!

HOW DID YOUR CAREER AS A JEWELLERY DESIGNER BEGIN?

I studied contemporary jewellery design and silversmithing at Birmingham University.

Having completed my degree, I got a scholarship in London.  It was through this scholarship programme that I was invited to spend time in a jewellery workshop in Hatton Garden.  I was soon offered a position and taken on as an apprentice. I spent the first five years of my career here, and had some fantastic training, I was also making items for the red carpet! I learnt so much during this time!

Working in Hatton Garden it’s common to specialise in one area, such as a mounter, or stone setter etc. However, I knew at this stage that I wanted to start my own business, and to do so I needed to diversify my skillset.  I enrolled onto a course which enabled me to develop my skills as a stone setter to a high standard.

I was fortunate enough to learn from someone who had some great experience, and had worked extensively for the renowned jewellery brand, Graff, who are known for setting some of the most expensive stones in the world.

I mastered the art of setting stones under a microscope, which allows you to place stones precisely and with accuracy. Having completed the course, I was offered a position and spent the next three years perfecting my stone setting.

Working under a microscope is now a speciality of mine, and if you ever visit my workshop, you’ll most likely see me working under the microscope.  

HAD YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I think the idea of having my own business grew over time.  I was always collecting tools, even though I didn’t necessarily need them at that time. Over several years, I’d built up quite a collection.  Enough to start my own business!

HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES INTO YOUR JEWELLERY BUSINESS?

Jewellery making does have an impact on the environment as well as the people involved in the mining process.

People are becoming more aware of the environmental and ethical impacts of the traditional jewellery industry, and they’re looking for more sustainable alternatives.

Here at Featherstones I’m committed to sourcing materials and using manufacturing processes that are sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly.

For example, I’ll use recycled gold, as well as lab grown and Canadien diamonds. Lab grown diamonds use much less energy than mined diamonds, and Canadien diamonds are known for their high quality and ethical sourcing.

I enjoy upcycling jewellery as I can reuse the materials, and eliminate the need to mine new resources, further reducing my impact on the environment,

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

Working with a brief is something I find helpful. It’s like a building block for my ideas.

When I design a piece of jewellery, I want people to be able to wear it every day. My style is unique, and I love incorporating little elements and florals. I strive for balance and symmetry in all my designs and enjoy using repetitive elements.

When I start drawing and working on the design, I’ll keep refining it many times until it flows well. Sometimes I’ll work with a CAD (computer aided design) designer who can help bring the design to life in 3D.

I’ll also do wax carving, which helps perfect the shape of the design. It’s a long process but it does help me expand the design into something more.

The process of refining and creating something unique takes time, however, it’s always worth it!

WHAT’S THE PROCESS IF SOMEONE IS LOOKING FOR A BESPOKE PIECE OF JEWELLERY?

If you would like a face-to-face meeting, get in touch to arrange a free consultation. Alternatively, I’m happy to arrange a phone call or video call.

We’ll then start discussing preferences, interests, and preferred styles and whether existing jewellery is to be incorporated into the design.  To help me visualise the ideas I may ask for a few images of designs that you particularly like. I always provide suggestions and recommend changes to personalise the piece further.

I’ll then start to work on some designs based on the ideas. Once you’re happy with the design we can then start to select the appropriate diamonds and/or gems (I can talk you through the various colours and styles available).

Once the final design has been approved, I’ll start work on the piece. I always send progress pictures throughout the process to keep clients involved and feeling part of the process.

The great thing about my unit at Claydon Estate is that I do everything onsite. Unless the item needs hallmarking, the jewellery doesn’t leave my workshop.

You can find Alice at Claydon Courtyard where you can visit in person, or you can find out more by visiting the website at: https://www.featherstones.uk/  Do keep a look out for their new website which is due to be launched in March/April!