Laura Llewellyn – Meet the Maker
I initially started making jewellery whilst studying for my Foundation Degree in Art and Design; having always been creative this was a fantastic course to do. When I first started the course I thought I would go on to study graphics or photography at university as these were 2 of my A level subjects. After a few weeks one of my tutors suggested trying jewellery making; I signed up for an evening class and the rest is history!
I went on to study at the University for Creative Arts in Rochester and my degree is in Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery Design. Once I finished studying I worked in the jewellery industry in various roles including retail,
wholesale, designing, manufacturing and managing a shop. I’ve always worked for small independent companies so my responsibilities were always varied giving me a great overview of the industry.
After a few years I also began to teach at our local college
in the evenings eventually going on to take over the course I had initially began my jewellery journey on! After a few years of juggling jobs I decided to go completely self employed in 2016 and set up Hampshire School of Jewellery which I still run now.
Having always designed and made jewellery for friends and
family I set up Laura Llewellyn Design in 2017. I work mainly in silver but do on occasion use gold and platinum. I love
to search for beautiful gemstones to set in my pieces; I tend to only purchase one (or two for earrings) of each gemstone so you really are getting a one off unique piece of jewellery.
My work doesn’t have a set style; I love to work in different
mediums exploring materials and making jewellery that I would love to wear myself. It can be hard to part with the
one off gemstone pieces I make! I use a mixture of sterling and fine silver in my pieces and combine traditional silversmithing techniques with the more modern way of using silver clay
depending on what I want to create. Each element of my designs is handmade including the individual stone settings.
If you see something you like but you would like it altered please get in touch to enquire from changing a chain length or sourcing a different gemstone I will always do my best to help. I also work on bespoke commissions if you have a particular design in mind and I will work with you to create this.
I am proud to be a member of the British Society of
Jewellers and in the summer of 2020 I passed my Accredited Jewellery Professional Diploma with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
I was thrilled to be chosen as a winner of Small Business Sunday by Theo Paphitis in August 2021.
My hallmark is registered with the London Assay Office and
any work requiring hallmarking is sent here to be checked. Please see my hallmarking blog for more information.
My other interests include baking, travelling, sewing and mixing cocktails. My hubby and I dance ballroom and latin and compete around the country at various competitions. I am also addicted to nail varnish which is highly impractical for a jeweller!
Thank you for taking the time to visit my shop and read my
blog. You can stay up to date with my
latest creations by following me on social media.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions at all
Laura x