How did you get into jewellery design?

It was around 1998 I discovered a Jewellery studio shop in Stock Newton, North London. The shop was called ‘Metal Crumble’ there they had a Jewellery studio at the back of the shop and you could see people working in pieces ordered so I had my first two rings made in this fab place.

I thought this was just amazing and decided at that moment that was what I wanted to do so my journey into the Jewellery making started. From there I graduated with Distinction in Designed Crafts from Kensington and Chelsea colleague in 2004 and continued to St John Cass to do stone setting and hand-engraving and business development at University of the Arts London. Bea Jareno Jewellery was established in 2006.

How would you describe your collections and what gives you your design inspiration?

I am an artist, a jeweller, a maker and most of all a designer. I love designing one of a kind limited edition pieces of contemporary jewellery which are handcrafted at my London studio in an ethical and sustainable way.

I currently have three collections; the Afiok collection is inspired by Africa , it features a signature quill clasp and handcrafted textured links, contrast in finishes and surfaces. The Indian summer collection is inspired by India, my travels there and my love for yoga and meditation. And the latest, Plethora collection inspired by the abundance, richness and colours of the sea and the underwater world.

Making jewellery and the creative process allows me to be in the present moment, to be in the flow. This emotional state and it’s focused yet fluid energy is expressed in all of my work, whether it is a piece of my collections or a commission.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned within your career of creating?

The most important thing I learned is to be true to myself and what I do not only in my jewellery but also in life. To not get influence or create something which is expected of me but to follow my heart and my intuition.
Three of my main values in life are honesty, trust and respect. I bring these values into my business. TheY are gold to me and I think without them there would not be a Bea Jareno Jewellery.

With each item so bespoke, how do you handle supply and demand – especially during busy seasons such as Christmas?

In busy periods like Christmas I tend to prioritise customer’s bespoke orders, however, my collections are constantly ongoing so there are always plenty of pieces available at my online shop and selected stockists.

What are some of the challenges you are faced within your industry?

There are lots of challenges facing us today not just in my industry but in all industries and the economy worldwide with the recent events around coronavirus. I remain positive in the sense that the way we shop was changing long ago, this is why I focused in my online shop and working with retailers which have been very rewarding over this year as people shifted to buy online. I believe craft fairs and shows are becoming a thing of the past and we will not see the return of those till the end of 2021.

However, opening my studio/shop remains to be my dream and I look forwards to 2021 and the possibility to make it happen, this now is my next goal.

And what is your favourite thing about being a jeweller?

Jewellery is my passion. To be able to make a piece of jewellery to bring joy to the wearer is a source of great happiness for me, as it is when a piece of jewellery is worn that it truly comes to life. It not only decorated the body, but it also adorns the heart and the mind. I believe every piece of jewellery I have made has found its rightful owner. For me, this is the true magic of it.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a career in design?

If it is what makes you happy go for it! it is not easy and it comes with lots of high and lows but it is definitely worth it as there is nothing more fulfilment that finding your true purpose and following it no matter what. Be inspired, be consistent and good luck in your beautiful creative
journey.

How did you get into jewellery design?

My first memories of jewellery are of making a limpet shell and fishing rope necklace on a Scottish beach, listening to the story of my Great Grandfather George’s ‘Jelly Tot Tiara’ and, each Christmas, hoping I had the cracker with the little plastic ring. From there, my fascination grew and I fell in love with the fantasy of French jewellery houses, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as the craftmanship behind pieces like the Greenfire necklace by Boodles.

How would you describe your collections and what gives you your design inspiration?

I describe my work as precious with a delicious twist. This collection began with many inspirations; from Dutch 17^th century still lifes to discarded wrappers, from the most incredible gemstones like the Oppenheimer Blue to an editorial in The world of Interiors about curtain ties. My inspiration comes from an array of sources; the extraordinary as well as the ordinary.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned within your career of creating?

To have patience and vision.

And what is your favourite thing about being a jeweller?

I love everything about being a jeweller but some of my favourite things include: sourcing stones from gem fairs, having the opportunity to work with and showcase some of the most beautiful materials and working together with clients to create bespoke pieces.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a career in design?

Believe in what you do, have resilience and look out for opportunities within your industry.

How did you get into jewellery design?

For a long time, I wanted to become a fashion designer. However, as a teen I worked in a hair salon; I enjoyed both the creative and practical aspects of the industry and found myself falling into a career as a hairstylist. After a few years of this career, I realised it wasn’t for me long term. I suddenly had a real urge to learn how to make jewellery and started looking into course options.

How would you describe your collections and what gives you your design inspiration?

Using traditional hammering techniques I make large sculptural pieces of jewellery and silverware. My sculptural designs are usually an abstract expression of nature, they are developed through the making process working intuitively with the materials and tools. I use a lot of the same tools to make delicate fine jewellery working in a much smaller scale and often
assembling lots of small elements together.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned within your career of creating?

It’s a journey you will make mistakes, you need to keep developing, keep pushing yourself to try new things especially those that you are apprehensive to try.

With each item so bespoke, how do you handle supply and demand – especially during busy seasons such as Christmas?

It’s important to time manage. I plan everything in my diary, at the busiest times I’d be lost without it.

What are some of the challenges you are faced within your industry?

Balancing all the aspects of running a business independently, whilst continuously developing my creative practice

And what is your favourite thing about being a jeweller?

I love designing and making you can really absorb yourself into it, it’s a very satisfying process.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a career in design?

You need to be dedicated it’s very much a lifestyle not just a career, you do it because you’re passionate about it. Practice, keep learning and developing your style. Work with other designers and creatives you will influence and learn from each other.

How did you get into jewellery design?

I love jewellery and equally like to make things therefore I married the two together. Originally an art historian and museums professional, I retrained in jewellery manufacture.

How would you describe your collections and what gives you your design inspiration?

The collections are items that I would like to wear made out of precious metals and colourful gems. Each piece is a unique artistic creation. I am inspired by what surrounds me and draw from my artistic background.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned within your career of creating?

Patience is a virtue.

With each item so bespoke, how do you handle supply and demand – especially during busy seasons such as Christmas?

My pieces are as unique as my customers and therefore comply perfectly to the term bespoke.

What are some of the challenges you are faced within your industry?

Making sure studio practices are environmentally friendly and our materials ethically sourced.

And what is your favourite thing about being a jeweller?

Being creative, the best psychotherapy ever, especially in lockdown!

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a career in design?

Follow their heart and practice with patience.

How did you get into jewellery design?

I did a portfolio course which touched on a variety of mediums and through trying out different ways of working I realised I was particularly drawn to making in 3D, and from there I decided to go on to study Silversmithing and Jewellery at Glasgow School of Art.

How would you describe your collections and what gives you your design inspiration?

I would describe my work as angular and modern, inspired by geometric shapes and architectural structures. Sometimes material exploration leads the way and other times I might have a very clear idea of the shapes and outcome I want to create but generally I like to design while I make, playing around with shape compositions and surface textures to create unique, one off pieces.

What are some of the challenges you are faced within your industry?

Self-promotion is my downfall.

And what is your favourite thing about being a jeweller?

The hands on, practical nature of making. I enjoy that it brings together elements of chemistry, maths, and creativity and that the process can vary wildly from being technical and engineered to sculptural and artistic.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a career in design?

Try not to care too much about what other people think. Learn the tried and tested methods but also make time to work out some things for yourself to keep your mind open to different ways of doing things.