Meet The Self-Taught Jeweller Behind Olivia Street Silver

We love getting to know our customers through our Meet The Jeweller series. It's wonderful to hear about how their jewellery making journey started, where jewellers find their inspiration for designs and their top tips to succeed in this competitive world of handmade jewellery.

Today we chat to the talented Megan, owner of Olivia Street Jewellery who is a self-taught silversmith inspired by traditional native designs and pop punk. We absolutely love Megan's designs, especially her personalised cuffs (which contain some naughty words now and again!). We find out more about Megan's creative processes, her craft fair top tips, advice for beginners and of course her favourite Kernowcraft supplies!

Hi Meg! Tell us how you discovered your passion for jewellery making

Hey! I've always been super into jewellery; I had a jewellery making party for my 8th birthday and we all sat around my mum's table making friendship bracelets haha!

Then later on about 6 years ago I started buying some basic charms, wire and cord and started to assemble fashion jewellery, but it always felt a bit wrong because I wasn't making them from scratch, so I decided to look into silversmithing and got completely hooked!

Being a self-taught jeweller, what resources did you use to help you?

I like to seek help from a variety of resources, one book I have found really helpful since the beginning is The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight, I would recommend that to any Jeweller whatever your level.

I also look to Instagram where I follow so many talented Jewellers who share their processes and troubleshooting which is really helpful, there are also pages such as Metalsmith Society devoted to sharing knowledge for metalsmiths where I've picked up some really handy tips for the studio!

Describe your jewellery in 3 words!

Handmade every time!

We adore your personalised cuffs - tell us more about the inspiration behind these?

Thank you so much! They're one of my most popular pieces. The cuffs are designed to wear every day and last a lifetime, I love the idea of somebody wearing a special message that only they fully understand and in years to come that message being passed on and interpreted again and again.

Why do you think personalised items work so well?

First and foremost there's just something lovely about receiving a piece of jewellery with sentimental value from a loved one that makes you think of them whenever you put it on. On the other hand it's also really funny to get your best mate a necklace with their favourite swear word on it.

You often attend craft fairs, what would be your top tips for a successful event?

I would say being prepared is really important, I always mock up my stall about a week before the event so I have enough time to buy things in case I've forgotten them (which I usually have!) I also recommend investing in a card reader because not everybody carries cash these days and you never want to lose a sale. Other than that I would say just be friendly and approachable and talk to people about your craft.

Where do you find inspiration for new designs?

I often take inspiration from jewellery of the past.

I'm interested in ancient and traditional native design as well as vintage pieces.

My favourite thing about metalsmithing is how little the processes have changed over time. I'm also inspired by other art forms such as tattooing and ceramics.

Favourite gemstone and why?

Turquoise! I've always loved Native American silversmithing which is often adorned with raw cut Turquoise stones, there's just something about that colour that draws me in.

Tell us about your studio!

My studio is definitely an Aladdin's cave, It's one half of my parent's garage hidden behind a huge chest freezer, bicycles, rakes, Christmas decorations and a lawn mower - and yes it is as difficult to access as it sounds.

However once you make it through it's actually pretty perfect for me, we made my bench from an old kitchen workshop so it's super sturdy and I hang my tools from hooks and magnetic strips.

I've made it my own with a couple of shelves with paintings, postcards, patches and stickers.

Tell us what you get up to on a typical day in the studio

So I usually start each day by writing a list of all the things I need to make/do (I'm a big list person, if I don't write them my brain feels like it might explode) then I drive to my parents and get in the studio! I always work on one piece at a time from start to finish.

Most of my pieces involve piercing, filing, soldering, hand stamping, then polishing and finally stone setting if needed. When I'm not making I'm doing admin, post office runs and taking photographs of any new products.

What’s your best selling product and why do you think it does so well?

My Torque Bangles are currently my best sellers, they're unisex but are especially popular with men. I love them because they are heavy duty, simple and traditional.

They're made from 6mm thick solid silver wire with 10mm silver balls on each end so they've got a really nice weight to them.

If I'm honest they are actually horrible to make and I usually spend a day cleaning the fire scale off them from all the soldering but so worthwhile when they are finished.

When you’re not at the bench, what else do you love doing?

I really love to cook, well I say that I think I actually just really love to eat... I also love going to gigs and am partial to a pub quiz.

What would be your workshop soundtrack?

I always listen to music when I work, my playlists are pretty varied, I listen to a lot of pop-punk and I like heavier indie bands but also have a soft spot for soul and Motown music! Sometimes I just put the radio on to find some new artists I like.

What’s one technique you’d love to try or master in the future?

I dabble in basic wax carving at the moment but I would love to get better and begin the actual casting process at home.

What advice would you give anyone wishing to try jewellery making, but not sure where to start?

I would explore different types of jewellery and get an idea of what you may be into making then look into any local beginners courses near you that compliment your style, they often have them at colleges/universities or jewellery workshops.

Top 3 Kernowcraft products you’d recommend and why!

Gemstones

I buy all my cabochons from Kernowcraft and am never disappointed. I love that you really listen to any special requests I make when it comes to colouring/markings too!

Thermo-Gel heat barrier

Perfect for protecting stones when soldering during repairs.

Alligator tape

Everyone's favourite, saved my fingers, nails and hands from a lot of stress - especially during busy periods!

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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.

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.

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!

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!

Kim Thomson

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

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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 he friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.