Surrey Homes | SH21 | July 2016 | Interiors supplement inside

Introducing...
Bella Jane Jewellery
Annabel Davies tells us how her new found passion
for jewellery making was the creation of Bella Jane.
What inspired you to start your business?
It all started one rainy summer holiday with one of my boys. We had
a crafting day at home and that was it, I caught the jewellery-making
bug! I started off making pieces of costume jewellery for friends and
family, and then being the magpie that I am, began making some
sterling silver pieces. My work started being noticed and admired, and
after receiving so many requests for pieces, I decided to put my new
found passion to good use and Bella Jane was born.
Have you always been a creative person?
Funnily enough, I’ve never really thought of myself as a creative
person despite coming from a creative family. Those genes must be
tucked in there somewhere!
Did you have
training?
I am a self-taught jewellery maker
(having received some helpful
and sound advice along the way).
I also have a background and
fairly lengthy experience working
in business. I part owned and ran
a business in London for many
years.
What influences your product aesthetic?
I always make what I would love to wear myself. As well as trying to
keep up with all the latest trends and fashions, I try to make pieces
that I know will symbolise and mean something to someone. I only
use quality materials and all my jewellery comes beautifully packaged.
You can’t beat a pretty parcel.
What is the essence of your business?
My aim is always to make covetable jewellery of excellent quality,
that is beautifully packaged for an affordable price. I also believe that
customer service is everything, so I always try to exceed expectations
wherever possible.
Tell us about the making process?
The making process is actually the easy bit. Yes, it’s definitely fiddly
and time consuming, but
the most difficult, but most
rewarding part is coming up
with different ideas and creating
new designs. I design three new
collections a year, so all those
who collect my pieces are never
short of pretties!
What’s your favourite product from your
collection?
If I had to pick just one piece, I
would probably say my Serenity
bracelet is my favourite. I think
it’s a very wearable statement
piece without being over the
top. For me, however, you can’t
have too many, and I like to
wear a collection of bracelets
stacked on my wrist!
Do you enjoy working for yourself?
I love working for myself because I am doing something that I feel
passionate about and enjoy. It never really feels like work- a cliché I
know, but true!
What makes all the hard work worth it?
I think I am very lucky to have such fabulous customers who give
such lovely feedback. There is nothing more rewarding for me than
customers emailing or posting comments on social media when
they are delighted with their jewellery and they feel that they have
received the best customer service – big smiles all round!
Clockwise, Stack of Sterling Silver Charm Bracelets, £35 each;
True Friend Bracelet, £41; Serenity Bracelet, £73; Packaging;
Heart Charm Ring, £25; Heart Pendant Necklace, £63
www.wealdenfairs.com/bellajanejewellery