a-few-questions-with-kimberley

A few questions with Kimberley

Get to know Kimberley a little better with these Q&As.

I love a coffee first thing in the morning to kick start the day. Now that I’m a Mummy, my little angel has me running around trying to get the work-life balance; so a little caffeine in the morning is a necessity (and a sparkly cocktail at the weekend doesn’t go a miss either!).

All my inspiration comes from things around me – the softness of delicate petals on flowers, the subtle and beautiful movement of a butterfly’s wing, or the love from family.

My new lockets and the A Wish From Me Collection came from the song I sing this to my daughter every night: ‘You Are My Sunshine.’  The words mean a lot to me.  The idea that a piece of jewellery can hold a sentimental meaning, and evoke special thoughts about someone, is always important to me.

I really don’t stop making things! In my spare time, I love to bake and decorate cakes – it’s just the eating of them that I might have to stop!  I also love cooking and trying new recipes and then enjoying the fruits of my labour with friends and family.

I like simple things.  My clothing is usually quite plain but it has a decorative detail like a bit of lace or quirky pattern.  Nothing too over the top, and it has to be comfy – I can’t be in heels unless I’m only walking 4 foot and then sitting all night long!  I do like to make an effort though.  I  rarely go out without make up, but its just natural.  And I like to dress smart when I can, but being in a workshop or with a 3 year old most of the time it’s usually jumper dresses or jeans.

This is tough, I have so many pieces and they all hold meaning for me.  I guess it’s between two.  My engagement and wedding ring, they interlock and they mean so much to me.  I really did marry my best friend and he bought me a great diamond.  I just love how much it sparkles, and I know what it symbolizes every time I look at it.  Even my daughter calls it my ‘I love you Daddy’ ring.

My other favourite item of jewellery has to be my locket.  I’m really proud of the design and how well it turned out.  It is so versatile and goes with every item of clothing I have.  This for me is such a deal breaker as its easy, and I can just grab it in the morning, and know I can put it on and look stylish.  The locket also has a picture of my loved ones inside and I can wear them close to my heart. I get comments on it regularly, which is also lovely.

My mobile, couldn’t be without that, it’s my diary, my camera, my music, my way of keeping in touch.  I’d be lost without it.

My purse although there is rarely money in it! My husband would confirm that!

Some lip Vaseline.

Some hand cream, being a jeweller means dry, grubby hands most of the time.

A packet of raisins, being a mum you always need snack for the little ones, as they are permanently hungry!!!

I wouldn’t be where I was today if it wasn’t for my rock of a husband, who has had unwavering support for me and helped me plough on through the tough times. Always encouraging, he also tells me when something isn’t up to my usual standards!  I am lucky to love what I do and have great family around to support and lend a hand.

In terms of celebrities I find Holly Willoughby inspiring.  She comes across as such a lovely person; she loves a laugh and has great style, very down to earth.  The dresses she wears are always great; she is very relatable, whilst still being drop dead gorgeous.

This is difficult, as in terms of design; I just love to create something that has a story and meaning to someone.  So it’s that, that inspires me rather than idealising a person.

But it would be nice to design something for Princess Kate as then I would truly have made it and everyone would want one!!

I don’t think I can answer this.  There are too many to choose from.  Interior designers, clothes designers, fabrics and architecture it’s just too difficult.

I don’t have the money to wear designer clothing I just like to mix and match great high street designs, from Zara, Mint Velvet, Mango, Coast to name a few.

Artists however there are two that spring to mind.  I love Degas, I always did as a child; the ethereal look of his dancers, the calmness, and beautiful dynamic brushstrokes’ are always a pleasure to look at.  And Michelangelo.  Ever since I went to Rome I was in love.  His ability to sculpt and paint with such precision and narrative was mind blowing.  To this day I have not seen anything quite so spectacular as the Pietà

Without doubt my wedding ring.  I think the fact this symbolises so much in one piece of jewellery makes it extra special. Love, commitment, forever, and family it is all in one ring.  Here are a few interesting facts about your wedding ring:

It is said that you can tell from Roman remains who was married, as the wedding band has been worn so long the gold was absorbed into the bone.  So if you are married most of your life, you will also have an everlasting mark on your finger bone.

And you wear your ring on your left hand and ring finger as it was believed there was a vein from that finger that ran straight to your heart.

This kind of Romanticism is what makes it special to me.

My jewellery philosophy is that you should love it.  It doesn’t matter how much it costs, but if it makes you feel great and brings memories with it then it will always look good.  If it’s easy to put on you will wear it all the time.

I believe jewellery always holds meaning, its either given to you by a loved one, you bought it for a special occasion, or just because you deserved it, you’ve worn it to great events, or it’s a lucky talisman.  Then each time you wear it, it reminds you of all the memories it holds, making you feel happy.

When I design, I usually design with me in mind.  If I like the piece, then I believe in it.  This then means I can sell it truthfully, it has my style and my customers who like my style will also like the new designs.  You can’t please everyone all of the time, but I try and stay true to myself. I always ask the opinion of my mum, my sister and my best friends, as they will give honest feedback.

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