Back to school for jewellery designer

Not a new discovery (for me at least), but certainly a story worth a mention. 5 years ago, Claire Wood was a mild mannered 'suit' carving out a career in human resources. Thankfully, she came to her senses and jacked that in, so she could follow her dream of being a jewellery designer. At not inconsiderable financial risk (and hardship!) she went back to school and graduated with a first class honours degree in jewellery design 3 years later. She's now developing a successful range of contemporary pieces inspired by geometry and movement.

Claire makes all the pieces herself using traditional skills; soldering, hand-shaping, polishing. And, every piece is made to exacting standards. Each is inspected and re-finished after hallmarking - nothing is left to chance. She works in silver and gold using semi-precious stones.

Currently, the range includes earrings, bracelets and necklaces from around £35 to £125. But at pressies4princesses (the online gift store I manage - see this post for confession) we're big fans and so are our customers! So, we are sponsoring Claire to develop a new range in gold with diamond settings. And, I can tell you, the outlines received so far look fabulous!

Find out more at Claire Wood Jewellery (Claire's website). Alternatively, you can find her pieces to buy at the Designer Jewellery section at pressies4princesses.