My jewellery making journey:

Back in 2014 when I was planning my wedding I couldn't find jewellery to go with my
alternative bridal style (think purple & vintage!) So I sourced some cadbury's purple beads & vintage charms to make my own. I had no previous experience but with the help of Youtube & online forums I made my first jewellery. After that I was hooked & soon set up my Etsy shop (then called Hazel’s wedding shop, as I made veils, faux flower bouquets & jewellery). I have been making jewellery ever since!

Until 2020 I made fashion jewellery, exploring different materials & techniques, including beading, polymer clay & resin! But I was never happy with the amount of waste these made & the fact that the jewellery I made wouldn’t last as the silver plated findings would tarnish with no way of cleaning it. I was also limited to what charms I could find!!

After knowing about silver clay for some time, I finally took the plunge in January 2020 & bought my first pack! I bought a small 10g bag & with the help of some online courses I made my first designs. I instantly fell in love with it, as it gives me (& my customers) so much creative freedom. I can also rework any piece at any stage, so there is no waste.

My first designs were very simple & minimalistic while I learnt the basics of working with the new medium but now love to push my boundaries & try new techniques! For me taking a lump of clay & making something from scratch is one of the best parts of making jewellery, I also love the idea that the jewellery I make will be worn & enjoyed by someone on their journey.

I'm mostly inspired by vintage fashion & nature but anything can spark inspiration at anytime! Most of my jewellery is one of a kind so it is as unique as you are & I love working with customers to make a bespoke design just for them.

My ethos:
I'm passionate about making jewellery that will be loved for generations & doesn't harm the environment so you can be assured that in my workshop
♲ I only use fine 999 silver clay (which is made using reclaimed silver) & 925 eco silver (as far as possible, please note that currently clasps are not eco silver) to make sustainable jewellery that lasts a lifetime.
♲ All gemstones used are ethically sourced
♲ I buy my supplies & tools from other small businesses
♲ No scrap of metal is wasted in my workshop
♲ I use eco friendly alternatives to chemicals
♲ I only use packaging that has been made from recycled materials & can be recycled
♲ All designs over the legal weight (7.78g) are hallmarked. (I do plan to have every item hallmarked in the future).
♲ I pride myself on giving great customer service & i love making each handmade item just for you.

A bit about me:
💜 I love supporting small businesses & I’m working hard to live as eco friendly as I can.
💜 I have been vegan for a long time (too long to remember when I started!) but one of my favourite treats is chocolate, thank goodness there is so much vegan chocolate choices nowadays!
💜 I’m very lucky to live in Bournemouth with my Husband Oli & our lion head bunny Zelda.
💜 When i’m not making jewellery I love going on treks with my husband, curling up with a good book & browsing at vintage fairs.
💜 I work on my jewellery business part time, alongside my full time job as a teaching assistant in an SEN school.
💜 I hate waste & fast fashion!

To see behind the scenes & browse my shop
www.hazelsjewelleryshop.co.uk
You can also find me on Instagram: hazelsjewelleryshop

Thank you for supporting my handmade business 💜