Statement Crystal Jewellery With FIRENZA

In today's Meet The Jeweller interview, we chat to Lauren from Firenza all about her wonderful, statement crystal jewellery! Lauren has loved crystals since childhood and first discovered jewellery making when she decided to have a go at wire wrapping a crystal. She hasn't looked back since and continues to grow her skills in metalsmithing and stone setting. Hear all about Lauren's business journey below, where she also shares top tips on building a handmade jewellery business and advice on giving the craft a go for yourself.

"My mum used to put a rose quartz in my school blazer pocket so I carried love with me.."

What gave you the inspiration to give jewellery making a try?

Ever since I was young, I’ve loved crystals. My mum used to put a rose quartz in my school blazer pocket so I carried love with me when I wasn’t with her at school and on school trips.

I used to go to a space centre or history museum and be looking forward to the end where we could go to the shops so I could collect a new crystal! I didn’t realise that all those years of being surrounded by crystals would lead me back to them years later. They became my therapy and distraction from the Business Management & Leadership degree I was studying!

I grabbed the crystals I had at the time and thought how nice it would be if I could wear them when I went to uni to relieve my anxiety, so I Googled and researched how to wire wrap them, tried it and the rest is history!

What were the first tools and supplies you bought at the start of your journey?

This is bringing back memories! When I started wire wrapping it was jewellery making pliers and side cutters. And when I started soldering my go-tos were solder paste, soldering tweezers, a gas torch and Town Talk polishing cloths.

What resources did you use to help you learn new techniques?

YouTube tutorials, I went on two silversmith courses and trial and error! Sometimes I just put on a killer playlist, turn on the fairy lights and let my hands take the lead and it’s amazing what creations are made from following your instincts with no rules!

"Sometimes I just put on a killer playlist, turn on the fairy lights and let my hands take the lead..."

What tips would you give to beginners wanting to give jewellery making a go?

Go for it! Just do it, do some research, watch YouTube tutorials, get all of the essentials you need to make the piece and try it.

I personally found booking onto a silversmith course to learn basics of making a ring helped me understand how they are formed, step by steps involved and materials/equipment required. After that I became obsessed with looking at other rings and trying to dissect the method it took to make them, then I’d try and experiment.

What gave you the push to start selling your designs?

I started posting them on my Facebook and people starting asking where they were from and I started making necklaces for my friends. Then I really noticed an increase in demand when Tokio Myers (Winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2017) wore my pieces in the Semi-Final and Final and all his interviews when he won! I decided to turn my passion into a business and never looked back.

What's one thing you'd tell yourself before starting your business?

Trust your instinct and don’t be afraid of failure! I started my business when I was 23 and it really saved me as it helped me get through uni to complete my degree.

It gave me that creative balance I was lacking in my life back. Sometimes things we think that could be a distraction or hindrance are actually our callings so I’d tell myself to not be afraid and just take the first step!

What's one design you're most proud of and why?

I think it has to be my pink teardrop drusy pictured above. Although the design is quite a simplistic decorative style, I love it as it reminds me of when I went to India with the beautiful pattern layers on the bezel. The decorative pattern just compliments every crystal, its timeless, classic and looks stunning on anyone’s hand (plus look at the size of that pink drusy... it’s breathtaking!)

"It’s pushed and challenged me beyond my comfort zone and I feel I have really developed my own style..."

Wire wrapping or metalsmithing?

This is so hard, it’s like choosing between children for me! Wire wrapping will always hold a dear place in my heart as it was how FIRENZA was born and started but I think I’d have to choose metalsmithing. It’s pushed and challenged me beyond my comfort zone and I feel I have really developed my own style.

With metalsmithing and custom pieces I have built amazing relationships with my customers as we work collaboratively and I love hearing the stories behind what the custom pieces will mean to them.

"Trust your instinct and don’t be afraid of failure!"

What's the meaning behind your business name?

It’s my middle name ‘Firenze’ but spell it ‘Firenza’. I’m half Indian, half English with an Italian middle name and so I wanted the brand name to be something unique and personal and for my products to reflect parts of me (free spirit, eccentric, creative).

What gemstone are you drawn to most and why?

This ones tricky as they all have different places in my heart but for me, moonstone. I love this crystal's healing powers - the crystal of new beginnings and enhancing intuition and inner growth - and the way it looks just makes me speechless every time with its iridescence and bright blue flicks! Reminds me of waves catching light in the ocean and instantly calms me.

Explore Kernowcraft's range of cabochons, faceted stones, beads and crystals online now in a range of shapes and sizes

Shop Stones

Our beginner friendly jewellery settings make it so easy to create jewellery! Explore ring, pendant, earring and bangle settings to combine with your favourite gemstones

Shop Settings

Love crystals like Lauren? Find our stunning range of rough crystals and points online now. Perfect for wire wrapping.

Shop Crystal

"I sit down to make jewellery and look within and just feel and create..."

Tell us about your Glowing Collection and the special message behind it

Aw one of my favourite collections! This came about as I had stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer 2 years ago (2019 when I was 25). I was in hospital undergoing a really intense chemotherapy called BEACOPP and I was looked after so well by teenage cancer trust.

So to give back and thank them for looking after me, I designed a collection called ‘Glowing’ as my Instagram name at the time where I documented my cancer journey was ‘Glowingwiththeflow'. The gemstones I used for this collection are faceted stones and really beautiful glowy colours to represent ‘no matter what you go through, just glow with the flow’.

I donate £5 from every purchase to the Teenage Cancer Trust ward where I was treated.

How do you make your workspace your own?

I’m lucky to have a two bedroom place so I have turned my downstairs room into my studio/Zen Den.

My studio must-haves are fairy lights, burning essential oils, playing some gorgeous guitar/electric/soul filled music like Sticky Fingers, Tash Sultana, sometimes even classical piano - just depends what mood I’m in.

My mum bought me this gorgeous mandala as a moving in present for my studio and it reminds me to let go of anything holding me back. I sit down to make jewellery and look within and just feel and create.

Everything is connected, so I want my energy to be peaceful and radiating love and for this to go into each piece I make.

Favourite tool right now?

Ooo great question... hmmm... would have to be my new barrelling machine! Absolute game changer

How would you describe your jewellery in 3 words?

Unique, personal, eccentric

"I love drusy crystals for their textures and layers and they usually come in a variety of shapes which is great..."

Lauren showcases magical drusies in her handmade designs, perfect for statement pieces! Discover our full rang of drusy cabochons, beads and pendants online now

Shop Drusy

Gallery wire is a patterned wire used to set cabochon stones, a great alternative to bezel strip if you're after a more decorative design

We love your use of gemstone shapes in your design, what is your favourite shape to work with?

Ooo I think it would have to be the weirdest, biggest, most random shapes! I LOVE drusy crystals for their textures and layers and they usually come in a variety of shapes which is great. Usually my customers who order those bolder, more statement pieces let me go rogue on them and create the designs myself. So there’s definitely that fun element in having the freedom to turn random shapes into one-of-a-kind custom pieces!

What are your goals for the future with your handmade business?

I just want to keep it growing, keep meeting new customers and making pieces that I am proud of.

I want to continue to learn and experiment with new designs this year so I’m excited to see what my hands create by following that creative flow.

Top 3 Kernowcraft products on your wish list right now!

I’d love to try the silver art clay.

Anvil & bench peg as mine broke recently!

& eco friendly silver as I'm looking this year into making small steps of making FIRENZA more eco friendly.

Silver Art Clay

Anvil & Bench Peg

Silver Wire

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Learn Jewellery Making With Kernowcraft

Get all the you need to make your own jewellery with Kernowcraft, as well as opportunities to learn with free tutorials on a range of techniques

Learn How To Make Jewellery With Wire

Our tutorials and guides cover the very basics of starting with wire, making it easy for you to get started with the basic tools and supplies. Plus find great beginner friendly tutorials to follow too!

Follow Metalsmithing Tutorials

Learn the basics of metalsmithing, with tool focuses and plenty of tutorials to inspire your creations such as how to make a basic ring band.

Check out our separate section on stone setting here.

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What Our Customers Say...

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

Kim Thomson

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.