Bohemian Luxe Handmade Jewellery With 'Feathers And Wings'

"To see other women combining their passion and their work into one stream was so inspiring to me and I looked to create something similar..."

Hi Jane, please share with us how your jewellery making journey started!

My journey is an interesting one! I started doing volunteer work at a women’s recovery group called The Waterfall when living and working in Southampton (UK) as a nurse. They often had creative sessions as part of their recovery, so I decided to teach myself how to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings and in turn, I taught the women.

When I first started, my mum did say my taking up of the craft was no surprise to her. Though I was born in London UK, my parents hail from Ghana and goldsmithing was the family business.

What inspired you to take the step to create your small business?

There were a couple of reasons as to why I took the step. The first was seeing other women who were passionate about a craft or art form that they loved and were running their business successfully.

At the time I started F+W, I was creatively stuck and desperately looking for a way to express myself creatively. Jewellery was what I landed on and I have not turned back since.

To see other women combining their passion and their work into one stream was so inspiring to me and I looked to create something similar.

"I am a gold girl through and through. I feel as if gold goes with everything. Every gemstone or design. It is easy to work with, malleable and mouldable and carries much beauty..."

What is your definition of bohemian luxe?

The word ‘bohemian’ has always carried a sense of freedom and lightness to it and that is what it has always meant to me. Likewise, the word ‘luxe’ has always carried a sense of quality and elegance.

Collectively, bohemian luxe is a something that carries freedom, elegance, and grace.

What is the meaning behind the name, Feathers & Wings?

I had initially named Feathers + Wings something completely different but the name was far too long. Being a Christian, I wanted to name my business after something that tied in with my faith. Something that was an encouragement of hope. Feathers + Wings was taken from a scripture in the Bible symbolising just that, hope.

What is the most meaningful design you have made?

My necklace ‘Captain’. Captain is a compass pendant I made available in silver and gold. A compass is commonly used as a guide and for pointing travellers in the right direction. We are all on this journey called life, so I wanted to create a piece to remind us all of the direction we are destined to walk in.

How did your experience of volunteering with the women from 'The Waterfall' help shape your business?

Working with the women and watching them learn and create pieces of jewellery has always made me want to stay as connected to people through my business as much as possible. I was able to build amazing relationships with them and I hope to do the same with my customers.

What is your favourite metal to work with and why?

SOLID GOLD! I am a gold girl through and through. I feel as if gold goes with everything. Every gemstone or design. It is easy to work with, malleable and mouldable and carries much beauty. It is a captivating metal.

"I’m a fan of dainty, petite and minimal so I look to incorporate this in everything I create..."

Gemstone rings featuring diamond & opal

We love your delicate use of gemstones in your jewellery, tell us more about your designs using them.

Thank you! I love to create designs that elevate the gemstones without the overall finish being overpowering or on the opposite side of the spectrum too dull. I’m a fan of dainty, petite and minimal so I look to incorporate this in everything I create.

Something small and beautiful that has a way of speaking for itself without being too loud.

Favourite gemstone and why?

My favourite gemstone is opal. It can be difficult to work with because it is such a delicate gemstone, but it gives off the most beautiful and radiant colours. Second to that is diamond or moonstone – I’m still debating but I love those two for the same reason as opal – beautiful, radiant colours!

"Any opportunity that I get to be in direct contact with my customer is my favourite way to market – so through email marketing, posting on my blog and through stories on Instagram..."

Your branding is beautiful, tell us more about the development of your brand and do you have any tips for other jewellers at the start of their journey?

Thank you so much! I will say it has taken a lot of trial and error to get my branding and style to the point it is at today. I really had to do a lot of digging and refining into what I love in terms of colours, aesthetics, and way of living.

For jewellers beginning their journey, just keep on trying. If you find something you and your customers like that works, keep it and anything else that doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to let it go.

Where do you find inspiration for your jewellery collections?

My inspiration and creative process can be a little backwards haha! I usually have an idea or name for a collection and will work around that to make pieces that cater to that name or the meaning behind the name.

With my gemstone pieces, I usually create based on the shape, cut and colour of the gemstone – to create something that shows off the gemstone’s beauty as best as possible.

We love your behind the scenes videos! Why do you think it's important to share the making process of your designs?

Thank you! You can maintain a connection with your customers, and they can see the journey of how their piece has been made. It makes it so much more personal for both you and your customers and it makes you as a brand reachable. I am an advocate of closing the customer to provider gap!

What's your favourite way to market your business and why?

It used to be doing in person markets, but since the pandemic, I have been improving my skills with online marketing and found it to be really enjoyable.

Any opportunity that I get to be in direct contact with my customer is my favourite way to market – so through email marketing, posting on my blog and through stories on Instagram.

When you're not making jewellery, where might we find you?

Well pre-Covid, you would find me at a concert seeing my favourite bands play live or travelling. Things look a little different now.
I am a nurse in central London so that keeps me busy. I have a big family where we all live together so my days are spent enjoying their company.

Top 3 Kernowcraft products and why!

Opal cabochons – They’re just beautiful and love to set them.

SHOP OPALS >

Emerald cabochons – Again a beautiful gemstone and my favourite stone to set.

SHOP EMERALDS >

Recycled silver wire – my newest collection (as well as the majority of my current pieces) use recycled metals so I’m thankful you provide this option.

SHOP WIRE & SHEET

Follow Feather And Wings

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What Our Customers Say...

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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?

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!

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!

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!

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Kim Thomson

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.