Let's Talk Sea Glass Jewellery With Sadie Jewellery

Today we're thrilled to introduce to you to Cornish jeweller Sadie Hodgson from Sadie Jewellery!

We invited Sadie to do an interview, to discuss how her home has influenced her designs, what she gets up to in her spare time while also finding out the secrets to getting your designs in shops.

If like us, you are inspired by the seaside, head to our Coastal Collection to add those cool tones and summery vibes to your designs!

Hi Sadie, thank you so much for taking the time to speak to Kernowcraft about your jewellery making journey. Firstly, how did your passion for jewellery begin?

Thank you so much for inviting me! Kernowcraft has had/still does play a massive role in my jewellery making journey. My passion for sparkly things began when I was super small, so when I was 5 my mum bought me my first “make your own jewellery kit” and it went on from there… Growing up I pretty much spent all my pocket money buying gemstones from you ha ha. In 2015 I turned my lifelong hobby into a business and I haven’t looked back!

Like us, you live in beautiful Cornwall - how has this inspired your jewellery designs over the years?

Oh it’s amazing to live in such a beautiful location! I’m a keen surfer and spend a lot of the time in the sea. A lot of my inspiration comes from water. Different depths vary so much in colour, I look for sea glass that are shades of delicate aqua and deep oceanic blues. I love how silver flows just like water and I like to portray that in my work. Not only has Cornwall inspired me, without Cornish beaches I wouldn’t be able to create my designs today.

What’s the best thing about living in Cornwall?

The beaches are beautiful and Cornwall has a lot of creative talent to offer. Oh and food of course… It’s almost cream tea o’clock, make sure you put the jam on first ;-)

How would you describe Sadie Jewellery in 3 words?

Delicate, raw, feminine.

Your jewellery is stocked in Ann’s Cottage (Fistral Beach, St Columb, Padstow, Polzeath, Wadebridge, Falmouth, Bude), Surfing Life in Newquay, Surfgirl Magazine, SurfGirl Beach Boutique and Caffe Gallerie Plymouth - these are great achievements! What advice would you give to those wanting to sell their jewellery in shops?

Never give up! Be polite and be yourself, you are essentially your own brand, make sure you know your products inside out and be open to fresh ideas.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting a jewellery business?

Before starting I wish I knew more ways to manipulate materials.

Do you have a favourite gemstone?

Easily Padparadscha sapphire. Oh my goodness, this gemstone is out of this world! Gorgeous tones of pinks, peaches and orange, so so pretty it’s almost edible. Is that weird? Ha ha!

Where can we find you when you’re not making jewellery?

I like being outdoors, I’m an active person so I love to surf, cycle and take my dog Eric beachcombing with me.

What’s your favourite social media platform for your brand and do you have any tips?

100% Instagram! Imagery is key! People all over the world can scroll through your work in an instant, a picture paints a thousand words and that is so true. I’m no expert and constantly learning, hashtags are hard and all those algorithms to get your head round… Mind boggling! It’s definitely worth investing time and deeply researching into what works for your brand. They’ve recently launched a story setting which has been quite fun to play with.

The photography of your jewellery is stunning – do you have any tips for those wanting to showcase their products?

That really means a lot thank you, this is something that I really take pride in. To me imagery is one of the most important things when selling online - how can you sell jewellery without showing the customer its true likeliness. My tips are to keep it simple and use natural lighting, I have a certain spot in the porch where I like to shoot, early morning is the perfect light for me but it does all depend on where you are. Macro lenses are great for getting into all those tiny details.

(For more photography tips, head to our guide!)

What’s one piece of jewellery you couldn’t live without?

I haven’t taken my Morveren’s tail off since I made it. It goes everywhere with me… in the sea, surfing, swimming, cycling, gym etc.

Which beach is the best to discover sea glass?

Now that would be telling ;-) I can’t give away information like that!

What tips would you give someone wanting to turn their hobby into a business?

Persevere, learn and experiment until you have found your own style/techniques. There’s no point trying to sell something that is already out there, be unique to you and create a brand that’s a little bit different. Craft fairs are great, get to as many as you can, find out who your target market is and see what’s popular. Make sure you don’t undervalue yourself or your product too. It’s not going to be easy I can assure you that, but if you’re doing something you love it’s totally worth it!

What has been your biggest achievement since Sadie Jewellery began?

My biggest achievement is making my family proud :-)

Where do you see Sadie Jewellery in five years

In 5 years time I would like to see Sadie Jewellery grow and expand further afield outside of the UK. I want to create an impact of sustainable fashion. Sticking to my roots, recycling and using raw materials in new designs. One thing that is on the horizon is gold. I’d also like to host events, encouraging people to look after our surroundings. These will be fun days with a little bit of surfing, yoga and workshops. You never know what’s around the corner!

Where can you find Sadie Jewellery?

Website - Facebook - Instagram

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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

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Kim Thomson

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Claire Hall

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Jenny Kirkwood

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Lauren Jodie Piercy

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Lynn Carson

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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.