year , it hasn ' t been a simple case of popping back to the store to return an item that has broken after two weeks of wear , and I think this is changing people ' s shopping habits for the better . As a sustainable brand , we create jewellery that has longevity , both in the quality and the design principles ."
What are some of the materials you use in your jewellery collection ?
" We only use solid sterling silver and 9ct yellow gold . I am a perfectionist in every respect , so the same naturally goes for the materials I use . We don ' t use gold plated or gold filled or cheap foreign silver ."
" We want our pieces to stand the test of time and to be able to be worn time and time again . Poor materials tarnish , lose lustre and their allure over time ."
" Sustainability is a huge part of The Silver Stable . We only use recycled sterling silver and 9ct gold , and each piece is handmade and made to order for clients , so there is no wastage . Even our luxury gift packaging is FSC certified , which means that all the materials come from an FSC forest , where no more wood is cut down than the forest can reproduce . These eco aspects are incredibly important to me , not only as an ethical business but also as a young child ' s mother ."
" Just as my jewellery design is created with thought and longevity in mind , so are the practical and physical aspects of my business ."
Your jewellery design includes many equestrian-inspired pieces . Tell us about your horsey life and horses :
" My lifelong love of horses is evident throughout my designs . Horses are part of who I am and always will be : From choosing a name that reflected this passion through to my jewellery design , horses have always featured heavily in my life ."
" I have been around horse and ponies since I was born , as my parents had them . I got my first pony and started riding at 18 months old . He was a 10hh ball of grey fluff and called
“ As a sustainable brand , we create jewellery that has longevity , both in the quality and the design principles .”
Camilla Cottle , The Silver Stable
Snowball .”
“ I have had competition horses all my life and have competed at Horse of the Year show and the Royal international Horse show on numerous occasions . I currently have two novice show horses that I ride , a 4 year old 15.2hh mare ' Comberton Come Dance With Me ' and an 8 year old 15hh mare ' Grace and Favour ', plus 5 others on the yard !"
" I am inspired by classical equestrian themes translated into elegant contemporary design without being overt ' horsey '. In fact , the rope detail , which features some of the pieces , is inspired by a leadrope . For me , equestrian jewellery should be elegant , contemporary and subtle , and fortunately , my clients agree !"
“ My clients are not necessarily riders , but all have a passion for luxury designer brands . Many of these brands have a strong equestrian heritage . For these clients , our jewellery embodies everyday luxury and enduring style ."
You took the plunge and changed careers ; what advice would you give to anyone considering a career change ?
" Don ' t doubt yourself or your ability . It takes a lot of courage to take the plunge , make a career move or just to start a business ."
" I was fortunate to have a supportive husband and family , but having a young toddler and juggling being a hands-on mum with a demanding business has at times been challenging . You have to be adaptable and be prepared to sacrifice your free time , outside of family time to invest back into the business . When I ' m not making jewellery orders , I ' m designing new pieces or planning the next campaign or collection ."
" My advice is to make sure you remain true to yourself and always believe in the business you are running . Be involved with every level of the company , regardless of how big you grow . I am still very much hands-on across the
44 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : MAY 2021