Eco-friendly packaging for Charlotte Berry Jewellery
I met Charlotte through Instagram back in 2019 when we were both taking part in the #MarchMeetTheMaker challenge. We soon realised that in addition to almost being neighbours (we both lived in Oxfordshire), we shared a similar approach to working sustainably, so I was delighted to work with Charlotte to design and print some eco-friendly earring cards.
Charlotte, tell me about your business and what you do!
I am a self employed Jeweller and Silversmith! I hand make small ranges of silver and gold jewellery for sale through my website and ‘bricks and mortar’ shops, and also bespoke sparkly things to order like wedding and engagement rings; all from my little workshop in Oxfordshire.
How did you get into jewellery and have you always been a maker at heart?
I have always loved art and design, however I spectacularly failed my Art A-Level and was left a little bewildered by the whole experience. I was desperate to go to art college, so I spent a year doing drawing classes and putting together a portfolio (something I didn’t have after A-Levels!) and was finally accepted onto an Art Foundation course. It was here that I discovered that painting and drawing is not my strong point, but making objects is! After my Foundation course I went to Staffordshire University to study Contemporary Craft, and it was here that I discovered metalwork!
What inspired you to start your business and how does it feel to be your own boss?
My degree course really inspired me to start my own business. Part of the course was a business module, and the whole idea of ‘self employment’ seemed like the natural thing to do. According to the module it would be a piece of cake! How wrong I was! The first 5 years were absolutely terrifying if I’m honest but as I started to build a customer base, things became less scary. I love the freedom and flexibility that working for myself offers; however it is stressful at times!
Your designs are stunning and so elegant. How would you describe your style?
Thank you! At the moment I think I would describe it as ‘Modern Elegance’ although I feel like every collection I make, my style naturally develops. I’m currently working on a completely ethical wedding collection which has quite a raw and organic feel.
Do you have a favourite piece?
That’s such a hard question! I think my favourite piece that I’ve ever made was a white gold locket for a customer about 8 years ago. It was a real challenge as I had never made a locket before, however the result was a contemporary twist on a traditional locket, and I loved the final piece! At the moment my favourite pieces to make are wedding rings, and my favourite piece for my new collection is my ‘Stevie’ peony signet ring (I made myself one and wear it all the time!)
I'm always curious about the creative process of other makers, what does your process look like?
Well you could describe it as chaotic at times! I’m not a tidy worker and am surrounded by tools at all times! My process begins with a meeting with my customer (in real life at my workshop or via zoom) where we discuss ideas. I then start to sketch ideas and from these sketches I draw up three final design options. Once a design has been chosen, the making begins! All my pieces are hand made so bespoke pieces can take from 8 to 12 weeks.
You share your studio with a handsome four-legged friend, what’s his name and does he help out?
Wilbur! I’ve had him since he was 9 weeks old and he’s now 12 and a half. He’s my workshop assistant and snack coordinator! It’s so lovely to be able to take him to work with me every day.
I know you share my passion for sustainability. How do you incorporate it into your process and your business as a whole?
I started with a few small steps as the thought of completely overhauling my business and workshop at the same time was a little overwhelming. I started by eliminating single use plastics where I could in my workshop and using eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals where possible. After a lot of research I was able to make the big steps that involved a financial commitment to sustainability – I swapped all my packaging to fully recyclable and eco-friendly alternatives, I registered as a Fair Trade goldsmith to be able to offer my customers Fair Trade gold and silver, and I partnered with a supplier of ethically sourced gemstones.
Why did letterpress printing feel like the right choice for your stationery and what do you feel it brings to your brand?
To me letterpress printed stationery is just so beautiful, tactile and luxurious, which brings something extra special to my brand. My customers always comment on the quality of my printed cards, which is exactly the reaction I wanted! I want them to feel like they are getting something completely bespoke and beautiful and when they order one of my pieces.
a quick this or that round, just for fun!
Biscuit or cake? Cake
Tv show or movie? Movie
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Night in or night out? Night in
Park or beach? Beach
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset (I’m not an early riser!)
Family time or me time? Me time
Buy it or DIY it? DIY it!
Podcast or playlist? Playlist
Coffee or tea? Tea
Any top tips for others who might be at a similar stage in their business journey?
I think that my top tip has to be about pricing – don’t feel you have to compete with others, which usually means lowering your prices. Have the confidence to charge what your skills are worth!
Finally, if people want to learn more about your wonderful jewellery, where can they find you online?
I have a website charlotteberryjewellery.co.uk and also an instagram account @charlotteberryjewellery where you can see a little behind the scenes of my workshop life!
