Fashion , health & beauty
Precious pieces made with love
From the delicate , sculptural pieces in her Little Joy Collection to the bespoke designs she creates for individual clients , everything that comes out of Lauren Griffiths ’ workshop is made with love .
The artisan jeweller , who graduated with Honours from the BCU in Birmingham ’ s prestigious Jewellery Quarter , set up in business on the Island in 2011 . Before moving to the Island to be with her partner , local musician Tim Parkin , she had refined her craft by working behind the scenes for jewellers in London ’ s Hatton Garden and Birmingham Jewellery Quarter . Now , at her studio in Bembridge , she ’ s putting her own name to the fore as a maker of exquisite minimal fine jewellery . Her Little Joy collection , which features small , feminine and subtle pieces in gold and silver , is sold online and also stocked by concept stores in various UK locations – although her overseas market is growing fast , most notably in Canada . When it comes to her one-off designs , she particularly enjoys re-working inherited pieces of jewellery , which couples often ask to have incorporated into wedding rings . “ The commissions side of the work is a very personal thing ” she explains . “ Because it ’ s just me , it means I make relationships with people during the creative process so it becomes quite emotional for them and for me ”. Mum-of-two Lauren is also passionate about using only fairly-traded gold and gems , and is glad to see a rapidly-growing awareness of Fair Trade . A year ago , she was one of just 50 Fair Trade commissioned jewellers in
the UK – now there are 170 . “ It ’ s good to know you are working with a product that has a pure history ” she says . “ For me , it wouldn ’ t be a nice omen to have a wedding ring made from gold that had a dark background .”
To book an appointment please contact Lauren on 01983 716910 . Website : www . littlejoyjewellery . com . Find them at Unit 5A , Weavers Commercial Yard , Lane End , Bembridge , PO35 5US .
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