Meet The Self-Taught Jeweller Behind Corzana

Lana is a jewellery designer from Burbage, creating beautiful boho inspired jewellery that is dainty and meaningful. Focusing on gemstone beads and crystals in dreamy colours of teal, turquoise and pink.

As a self taught jeweller, we find out what Lana has used to learn and practice techniques as well as making jewellery on a budget. Each piece of Lana's jewellery is wonderfully hand packaged in tissue paper and placed in an Organza gift bag - it also includes a card, sharing the healing properties of the stone. With many people taking an interest in gemstone meanings, this makes a lovely addition to Lana's already stunning packaging.

Lana shares how jewellery making has helped her through a tough time in her life - not only this, since launching her handmade business in 2016, Lana has already found success with nearly 1,000 Etsy sales! We find out all about this in the interview below, how she has mastered the platform, more on her handmade designs and her top tips too...

"I've always loved jewellery and found myself lusting after beautiful jewellery that I couldn't afford to buy, being a mum of 3 I just didn't have the spare cash to treat myself. So instead i bought some inexpensive materials and gave making my own jewellery a go and I fell in love..."

Describe your jewellery in 3 words!

Feminine, dainty and meaningful.

What gave you the push to start selling your beautiful jewellery?

I've always loved jewellery and found myself lusting after beautiful jewellery that I couldn't afford to buy, being a mum of 3 I just didn't have the spare cash to treat myself. So instead i bought some inexpensive materials and gave making my own jewellery a go and I fell in love. The big push to turn my hobby into a business came after my children and I escaped an abusive relationship and I found myself in a women's refuge, it was there that i decided to start a business and try and make a better life for myself and my children. That dream kept me focused and got me through an extremely tough time in my life.

Are you self taught? If so, what resources did you use to learn techniques.

I am completely self taught as in I have never been on a course or anything like that. I spent many, many hours watching youtube tutorials and reading jewellery making books and magazines, I'm still learning new techniques now.

What is the meaning behind your business name, Corzana?

I wish it was interesting but it's just a mix up of a few things. The first part is from Cornwall which is my favourite place. I spent some time there in my early 20s and fell in love with the place and the people. The last part is from my name and the z in the middle was really just to bring the two together and just happened to be in the name of a car I loved at the time, it was a Nissan 350z. It's an odd mashup but I've grown to really love Corzana.

We love your photography - what are your top tips for getting the perfect photo?

Photography is something I have had to really work hard on, it doesn't come naturally to me. It has taken me years to get my pictures to the quality they are now but even now they are far from perfection.

My top tips are to always take pictures in natural daylight, in front of a window but not in direct sunlight. Take lots and lots of pictures at different angles and with different props and pick which ones look the best, you will also have loads for your social media pages too.

You can read Kernowcraft's 'Ultimate Photography Guide' here.

"It amazes me that I can make something so pretty out of just a little wire and some beads..."

We love your packaging, what was the design process of them?

I wanted my packaging to be a little rustic and handmade looking but still feel like a gift even if you have just bought a little something for yourself.

It's quite feminine and flowery and as eco friendly as possible, that was important to me.

Favourite threading materials?

I like to use nylon cord for my bracelets as it just makes them feel nice and sturdy.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

My dream is to see my jewellery in shops and to have my own little workshop with employees, that would be wonderful.

What’s your favourite design to make?

I love making my wire wrapped boho earrings, they are so relaxing to make and it amazes me that I can make something so pretty out of just a little wire and some beads.

What advice would you give to those struggling to gain Etsy sales?

My advice is to always try to improve your listings, even if you think they are perfect. Your photos are really important too, they need to be clear and bright and eye-catching. And be patient, it's not going to happen overnight but when those ka chings start coming in regularly it's the best feeling ever and totally worth the wait and the hard work.

What’s your favourite platform for promoting your jewellery?

Pinterest is fabulous. I have lost many hours to Pinterest, just browsing and browsing away so i know that it's a great place to show off my jewellery too.

Favourite gemstone combination?

I have a thing for aquamarine, it just seems to call to me and i love it paired with vibrant ruby, it's an odd combination but it really works and I adore it.

Ruby is believed to be the stone of love, passion and is said to bring positivity to your life. Find ruby cabochons, faceted stones and beads online with Kernowcraft.

Aquamarine is said to be the treasure of mermaids! It's a soothing stone, used to bring good luck and protection. At Kernowcraft, we have a range of stunning aquamarine cabochons, faceted stones and beads.

"I think that is because people are more aware now of the importance to love yourself for who you are and wearing self love jewellery is a little reminder of that..."

What is your best seller and why do you think this is?

My self love items are my best sellers definitely. I think that is because people are more aware now of the importance to love yourself for who you are and wearing self love jewellery is a little reminder of that.

Why do you think healing jewellery is so popular?

People are more spiritual now I think and are more aware of energies and vibes and the importance of positivity and self care.

What is your favourite thing about using rough gemstones and crystals?

I love the rustic and natural look of rough gemstones, it's mother nature it her best. Just beautiful.

Where do you find inspiration for your next make?

I am always inspired by things around me, it could be a bunch of flowers with a pretty combination of colours or a painting or even a pretty dress that will inspire a whole new collection.

What’s one jewellery trend you never want to see again!

Oh that's a tough one because I love all jewellery. Maybe belly button rings, just because belly buttons are a bit weird! Lol.

Follow Corzana

Etsy | Instagram | Facebook

Learn Jewellery Making

Lana is a self taught jeweller and you can be too! There are so many resources online to learn new techniques and jewellery making books to help you. Take a look below...

Jewellery Making Books

We have a range of jewellery making books, whether you're a beginner or expert silversmith - we have a range of inspirational books to suit you. From beading, silversmithing, metal clay to stone setting - find them all online now.

10 Jewellery Making YouTube Channels To Watch

YouTube is a free and brilliant platform, filled with jewellers willing to share their trade secrets with you! This is one of the best ways to learn techniques and get involved with the jewellery community.

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Kim Thomson

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.