Need a little sparkle in your life? Lisa Millard meets three jewellers creating and making their own distinctive collections

Victoria Louise of Victoria Louise jewellery

Sells at Adorn shop and studio, 10 Great Whyte, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, victoria-louise.co.uk and @victorialouiseaccessories

Pieces from £15 to £450

The jewels

I create cool, contemporary jewellery and fashion-focused headwear for every day, occasions and bridal. My collections range from bold statement designs to more simple and understated pieces. As a creative with a huge passion for vintage and antique jewellery, I set out to learn the art of jewellery making.

The story

I noticed a lack of exciting, modern bridal accessories. Using couture techniques and skills to hand create contemporary hair accessories and jewellery, I started my own fashion and bridal accessories business and launched my British label, Victoria Louise.

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The process

I design and create by hand from my little Cambridgeshire boutique, Adorn, in the small historic town of Ramsey. I make pieces that have accessible price points but are made from only the finest quality materials and components, including sterling silver and 14k gold filled which won’t chip or flake. I source and feature semi-precious stones, pearls, textiles and antique curio to create unique, modern-day heirlooms and luxury adornment.

The magic

I believe that handcrafted has a special touch that mass produced cannot offer. So much love, effort and time goes into making every individual piece – when someone chooses to purchase one of my designs it literally means the world to me.

I’m doing what I love and wouldn’t want to do anything else but being a small independent can also be tough – we really do appreciate every customer.

The wish-list item

I’m starry eyed over my mixed metal Chasing Stars necklace. It would be top of my Christmas wish list, alongside the matching hoop earrings, and features a super cute little 14k gold filled star suspended from a sterling silver toggle clasp and belcher chain. This celestial piece can be worn alone, or layered up with other pieces and makes the perfect Christmas gift.

Jana Grae of Alter Deco

Sells at events including Craft & Flea, St. Paul's Church, Hills Road, Cambridge on Saturday 19 November and Cambridge Open Studios in July next year.

Contact jana.grae@yahoo.com

See cambridgeopenstudios.co.uk/discover/artists/jana-grae

Prices from £10 to £475

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The jewels

My jewellery collection is contemporary and features beadwork in semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and tiny glass beads.

The story

Around 20 years ago I inherited my granny's Art Deco jewellery collection. As a kid I wasn't allowed to touch it, so it was a real treasure to me. Soon after Alter Deco was born – a collection of jewellery and objects using all the broken pieces from the 1920s era in a new altered coat.

The process

These days I make contemporary jewellery using natural semi-precious stones, pearls and glass beads. Although most of the gems and beads are from recent production made in the Czech Republic, glass beads from my granny's collection are often incorporated in my work.

The magic

Some of the beads are more than a hundred years old and incorporating them in my designs is a great way to re-use and upcycle. Glass beads and beadwork in general has a long and well-established history and using traditionally made products in modern times is a great opportunity to keep the craftsmanship alive.

The wish-list item

If I could pick one item from the collection, it would definitely be one of my stackable bangles. These are perfect collectables and with just a few you can create many colour combinations to match any outfit.

Roz Windsor of The Big Jewellery Company

Sells at Ely Market and see thebigjewellerycompany.co.uk and @the_big_jewellery_co

Prices from £12 to £85

The jewels

My jewellery is big, bold, unique and unisex. I predominantly use acrylic elements with industrial mixed metals to create something completely different and entirely customisable. My jewellery is lightweight and hypoallergenic, tactile and designed to create the perfect statement piece. My collections include earrings, necklaces, bracelets and eyeglass chains, all made in small batches and mostly one-off pieces.

The story

In January 2020 I experienced a nervous breakdown following a long period of declining mental health. Jewellery has always been important to me, and I have used it over the years as a form of armour when feeling anxious – the bigger the piece, the better. Trying to find what I was looking for on the high street was proving difficult, so I decided to start designing my own pieces.

The process

I work from home when designing and creating and love drawing inspiration from my own experiences, surroundings and people I meet. I scour the internet for the materials I use and will experiment until I get the desired quality and finish. My jewellery can be customised to any specific requirements.

The magic

When I am designing and making my jewellery I feel completely 'me', no boundaries, free and unapologetic – it's such a buzz. My creativity has just flourished since my breakdown and the months of counselling that followed. Creating my business has been a huge part of my recovery and it's so incredibly special to me. The thrill when customers find their forever piece of Big Jewellery is why I do this.

The wish list item

That's a difficult one. I adore each piece for different reasons – Big earrings in summer, Big necklaces in winter and Big bracelets are an all-year-round staple for me. My wish list item would have to be a stunning statement necklace – the monochrome paint splash links, teamed with a pop of beautifully marbled pale turquoise. For me, it is a powerful piece and I would feel like Superwoman wearing it.