KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
CHLOE LIGHTFOOT
CHLOE DEFINITELY SETS THE BAR HIGH WHEN IT COMES TO HER ARTISTIC PURSUITS . HAVING TRAINED IN LONDON AND PARIS AS A JEWELLERY DESIGNER , AND CLAIMING A PRESTIGIOUS SPOT ON THE RETAIL JEWELLERS RISING STAR LIST OF 2019 , THIS BUSINESS WOMAN AND ARTIST IS TAKING KENT – AND THE WORLD – BY SPARKLING , JEWEL-ENCRUSTED STORM .
What inspired you to start Chloe May Jewellery ?
I worked in London ’ s Hatton Garden for six years as a jeweller but I was making jewellery behind the scenes . I wanted to know who I was making the jewellery for , why they wanted it , to see their reaction when they saw what they had commissioned . Jewellery is such a sentimental and emotive thing and I was so eager to become part of the journey from start to finish with my own clients .
What is your process when making jewellery ?
I always start with a design consultation with my clients so I can understand what they would like and what occasion the jewellery is for . I then hand draw a selection of designs and source a selection of gemstones and diamonds for them to choose from . All of my metal and gemstones are ethically sourced from suppliers in Hatton Garden . A piece of jewellery always starts as flat metal sheet or wire , then by using lots of traditional processes and hand tools I make it into a ring or earrings for example . I take lots of pictures as I make something so that my client can see it being handmade .
What piece of jewellery are you most proud of ?
When a client opens the box with their piece of jewellery for the first time and I can see how it moves them to tears , they are the very special ones I am most proud of . I know that jewellery like that will be cherished forever and passed down through the generations , which is wonderful and how it should be .
What does it feel like being able to design and make the ultimate symbol of a couples love ?
I feel very lucky to be able to capture someone ’ s love for another in a piece of jewellery , especially engagement rings and wedding rings . My clients always want to put so much thought into it and I can see how nervous they are to make it perfect . Being able to both design and then make a piece of jewellery that means so much to someone , and go on that journey with them , is magical .
Is there a particular style of jewellery you gravitate towards ?
I was trained in a five-year apprenticeship as a diamond mounter to make fine jewellery so I tend to make jewellery using gemstones and diamonds , with handcrafted details and little extras that show off the craftsmanship in the piece of jewellery .
Where can we find your jewellery ?
My website has everything you need to know about the process of having a piece of jewellery commissioned , as well as a portfolio of my work for some inspiration ; www . chloemayjewellery . co . uk .
ChloeMayJewellery chloe . may . jewellery
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