Beading With Carolyn Anne Jewellery

14k rose gold filled, fuchsia and aqua chalcedony lariat necklace from Carolyn's 'Flower & Rain' collection.

We're thrilled to chat to Carolyn, a talented jeweller who uses wire and gemstone beads to create beautiful handmade designs at her home studio in Uttoxeter.

Beading is such a wonderful hobby and gives you the chance to experiment with all kinds of designs using wire-wrapping techniques, different metals, findings and gemstone beads. The possibilities are endless! You can browse our range of gemstone beads here.

Discovering jewellery making in 2018, Carolyn has grown an impressive business and following but it's no surprise due to her eye for detail and beautiful gemstone combinations. We chat to Carolyn all about how her jewellery making journey began, her recommended beading tools and you even get to meet her studio assistant!

Hi Carolyn, tell us about your handmade jewellery business and how it all started!

Hi! Thank you so much for inviting me. It started in June 2018, when a work colleague showed me some of the jewellery she’d made. I was looking for a new hobby at the time as my life was all about work and study (I’m studying Forensic Psychology with the Open University) and needed something that was totally different and would help me relax.

I started with glass beads but after researching different materials my work quickly evolved to using gemstones and fine metals exclusively. In August 2018 I set up my little Etsy shop. There’s nothing quite like someone wanting to purchase a piece of jewellery you’ve made with your own two hands. It’s very rewarding.

Beautiful 14k gold filled handcrafted heart pendant with gorgeous blue turquoise beads and briolette.

Rainbow moonstone beads hand wired to hand crafted loops and ear wires.

Are you a self-taught jeweller?

Yes, although you could say YouTube was my tutor! I spent a lot of time researching different methods and this is when I started to really love using wire in my designs.

Read Kernowcraft's blog post on Jewellery Making YouTubers To Watch here

What is your favourite thing about working with gemstone beads and wire?

I think my favourite thing about using wire is that I can make every aspect of a piece of jewellery; my own chains, clasps, ear wires. It’s such a fun process and the finished piece is completely handcrafted, which is such a lovely feeling, you really feel as though you have achieved something.

To then combine this with the beauty of gemstones – it’s just so exciting. I have a huge gemstone addiction.

Tell us about your workspace!

I wanted my little workshop to be a relaxing space, somewhere I would feel comfortable and love spending time. It’s very light and serene, with gentle pastel accents.

I desperately wanted it to be a tidy space, but I’ve come to accept that I’m not a tidy jewellery maker. I love having all the different wires and gems around me. Although it looks a complete mess to the outsider, to me it’s my happy place.

Find more workspace inspiration and top tips for setting up your jewellery workshop here.

"Custom made sterling silver pearl necklace on its way to its new home. Hope they love it as much as I enjoyed making it."

Pink tourmaline gemstones suspended from rose gold filled ear wires.

"I am in love with these gorgeous juicy plump blue chalcedony heart briolettes from Kernowcraft"

Gold or silver?

This is a tough one – I think both have a place in my jewellery. They both offer something different.

What are your essential beading tools?

I would say my essential tools are my fine round nose pliers, Xuron tweezer-nose pliers and flush cutters, and my bail making pliers, which I use to form my ear wires and clasps. I’m always on the lookout for even finer round and chain nose pliers (also known as snipe nose pliers), as I like most of my wire jewellery to be quite delicate and dainty.

We love your packaging, tell us more about the design process!

Thank you! My packaging has evolved over the last few months and I’m sure it will continue to evolve but my main objective is to combine gorgeous aesthetics with eco-friendly materials. It’s very important to me that my packaging is beautiful and makes my customers feel very special when they receive my jewellery but it’s also very important to me that the material’s I use are not harmful to the environment.

I would like every part of my packaging to be from 100% recycled material that can be 100% recyclable. I think I’m at around 80%. It’s difficult to combine these two aspects but I’m always researching new materials and companies so I hope over time I will achieve my goal.

Tell us about your studio assistant, Bumble!

Hehe! Bumble is my gorgeous cat who was meant to be a British Shorthair but, as you can see, came out a bit wrong with his luscious long locks! He constantly assists me in my jewellery making process and he especially loves to sort the gemstones and wire – one day he was feeling particularly helpful and jumped up onto my worktop, tipping all my findings onto the floor.

Your photography is beautiful, what are your top tips?

Thank you so much! I’ve always loved photography and carry a camera with me where ever I go. However, product photography has been a new skill that I’ve had to learn and which I still haven’t mastered by any means, but I’ve really enjoyed the process. My three top tips would be: always use natural light if possible as I think it gives the best and most beautiful affect to whatever is being photographed; try not to use filters such as those found on Instagram – it’s ok to tweak with editing tools but to me filters take away the natural beauty of the jewellery; keep backgrounds simple, anything too patterned can detract from whatever is being photographed.

Beautiful AAA faceted Ethiopian Welo opal rondelle beads hand wired to a dainty but strong 14k gold filled 16” chain. Explore Kernowcraft's opal gemstones here.

Top 3 favourite gemstones?

Oh wow, there are so many to choose from… ok, I would say chalcedony, moonstone and Ethiopian opals.

What’s one technique you’d like to try/master and why?

I would love to try silversmithing as it looks fun.

Do you enjoy any other creative hobbies?

I love reading, photography and hiking. Not all creative but still fun!

What’s something you wish you knew before setting up your business?

How to keep accounts!

Gorgeous 14k gold filled necklace with a large chalcedony drop with soft pink pearls.

A sweet pink matte Aura Quartz point hand wired to a 14k rose gold filled chain. Shop Kernowcraft's crystals here.

14k gold filled pendant necklace with black spinel.

What are your favourite Kernowcraft products?

I mainly use Kernowcraft for the gorgeous gemstones and I would definitely recommend the single briolette beads, especially the chalcedony in aqua, blue and pink, rose quartz and turquoise.

All are beautiful and great quality.

Click here for jewellery making kits for ideas, with many featuring Kernowcraft's beautiful briolettes!

Follow Carolyn Anne Jewellery

Etsy | Instagram | Facebook

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.