Celestial, Boho & Witchy Jewellery With Amber Wheatley Designs

Our Meet The Jeweller series is the chance to chat to jewellers and get to know more about their jewellery making journey.

Today we chat to Amber Wheatley all about her handmade jewellery, with dark, witchy and bohemian themes - from crescent moons, hoop earrings to spider rings!

Amber loves to use statement gemstones in her designs, with beautiful moonstone, amethyst, labradorite and onyx all making an appearance...

Doublet point amethyst ring

Midi silver stacking rings

You can use liver of sulphur to create a patina on metal

Hi Amber, firstly tell us about how you got started in making jewellery

I've always loved jewellery, especially rings. At any festival or shop and I can usually be found in at the jewellery stalls.

Growing up I was homeschooled, so spent a lot of time doing art in the comfort of my home – which included making a lot of beaded jewellery for various family members (whether they liked it or not).

A few years ago I started researching more and more about how people make jewellery using silver, as I was completely fascinated by the incredible artists I've seen on Instagram. I was fortunate enough to live right near a silversmithing studio, so I took a few classes to learn the basics – how to solder, what wires to use, what tools do what etc.

I started ordering various tools and managed to build a little studio for myself in an empty room in my house. From there I was able to teach myself how to use and set gemstones, as well as use a range of techniques and settings.

With the help of the wonderful jewellery community that has formed on the internet, I'm still learning new things to this day.

How would you describe your jewellery in 3 words?

Celestial, Boho, Witchy.

What’s your favourite technique and why?

Technique wise I'm absolutely still an amateur. I just work on a piece until it works for me.

Bohemian sterling silver hoops

We love your dark and gothic designs, how did you find your style and what was the inspiration behind it?

I've always been really into the supernatural/paranormal, so I feel as though that has always been represented in the art I've created. I also draw a lot of my ideas from the gothic art and architecture from the medieval period.

There is some truly incredible history to find in the depths of old buildings and churches, and I feel as though they have always been a huge inspiration behind my work.

Who is one jeweller you’re loving right now and why?

There are some truly talented creators in the world, many of which I am lucky to follow on social medias such as Instagram. One jeweller I've always been a fan of is The Small Beast. Their jewellery is absolutely one of a kind and so beautifully crafted.

What’s one tool you couldn’t live without and why?

I’d say one of the most important tools for me personally is the half round file. It was one of the first tools I was shown at the beginning of silversmithing, and it’s the perfect shape for filing the ins and outs of a ring.

Beautiful ring featuring blue flash labradorite gemstone

Inverted Pentagram Pendants with green onyx and blue kyanite

Snowflake pendant with a blue moonstone cabochon

Where do you see your jewellery heading in the future?

I'm hoping to be able to open my own shop eventually, perhaps even in a different country. Although that's not for a while yet!

What advice would you give to someone wanting to teach themselves how to make jewellery?

Don't give up! And throw as many tantrums as you need in order to finish a piece, because once it's completed you're going to feel so glad you didn't stop. And the more you work at your technique, the better you'll feel about your craft.

Beautiful ring featuring our rainbow moonstone cabochons

You use such beautiful statement gemstones in your designs, how do you find inspiration on choosing one for your next design?

Generally, my brain is pretty much all over the place, so I usually choose the stone before I even start designing a piece.

If I find a stone that catches my eye in particular, I won't hesitate to create a small collection dedicated to it.

Your all-time favourite gemstone and why?

I've always adored moonstone. There are so many different types, and they're an incredibly flattering gemstone.

In recent years, I've grown fond of labradorite - there's just so many hues in one stone, it looks like a tiny universe.

Doublet point labradorite ring

Ring featuring a labradorite faceted gemstone

Favourite workshop snack?

Generally, if I'm in the workshop I won't have as much time to eat, so something small, like hummus and cucumber.

What has been your favourite platform for your handmade business and why?

Instagram has definitely been a huge part in the success I've had within my business thus far. It's incredibly resourceful and being able to post adverts has been a wonderful feature in order to help people see the jewellery I make.

Beautiful spider ring with a black onyx cabochon

What has been your biggest challenge so far in your jewellery making journey?

I'd say the piece I've found most difficult to create and finish was a large moon ring that was fitted with a stunning blue flash labradorite. It was the first large ring I have created, and there were a lot of mistakes made, including not measuring the bezel to fit the stone properly, which resulted in it splitting whilst trying to fit the stone.

The hardest thing I've struggled with regarding everything else is maintaining a business whilst being the sole supplier of the products. It's a very hard thing to do, but absolutely worth it.

Amber's Kernowcraft top picks

Polishing Papers

The polishing papers are a life saver when you're first starting out with metalsmithing! Especially if you don't have the experience with more intense equipment/machinary

Alligator Tape

The alligator skin tape is a wonderful product. Definitely saved my fingers on multiple occasions!

Gemstones

Last but not least, the gemstones are exquisite. Kernowcraft is always my go to for any gemstone, as they're all incredibly high quality with such intense colours

Follow Amber Wheatley Designs

WEBSITE - INSTAGRAM - FACEBOOK

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Kim Thomson

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.