ABOUT ME

Jolene Smith is a British designer maker of handmade jewellery.

I have been designing and making jewellery since 1984, my work is inspired by ancient worlds that collide with modern times giving a twist to my collections. I work mainly in silver incorporating base metals and semi-precious stones to give a hint of colour. I like texture and simplicity, so I often use etching, melting and hammering to create a distressed effect on the surface of materials which gives my work that handmade feel.

I have always loved making jewellery and after leaving The School Of Jewellery in Birmingham, where I did my Diamond Mounting course I was determined to make pieces that would be worn, and not put in a box because the owner felt they were too valuable. I want my large bold pieces and all of my work to be regarded a precious by their owners, whatever material they are made from.

After travelling in the East where I was fascinated by the vibrancy of the cultures and the century old ways of making beautiful things from everyday materials I set up my first studio in London. Supplying London fashion retailers with bespoke pieces and enjoying seeing my work on the catwalk of Paris’s biggest fashion show the: Pret a Porter was a very successful time for me.

As demand for my pieces grew I began to feel I’d lost the joy of making unique works of art so I decided to go travelling in the Americas, returning back to my roots in the Midlands, where I settled to have a family and continue my work at a slower pace in a creative environment. 

My studio is a little treasure trove as I am a fond collector of all things vintage and like to surround myself with inspiration and beauty. You can come and visit my showroom but please call first in case I’m out. I supply mainly gift shops, galleries and a few clothes shops up and down the country and have had many exhibitions at various galleries over the years.

I like to work on commissions from wedding headdresses to rings and always like to discuss with the client their own wishes so I can make something they will treasure forever. I also offer the service of allowing you to restyle your jewellery were I can create a unique and personalised collection out of your old pieces; whatever and who’s ever they are-changing them into something completely different and great to wear.

I love to make people as happy with the pieces I’ve made for them as the happiness I get from creating them. I am always happy discuss your needs, no commission is too small or too big. Feel free to contact me at my studio I’d love to hear from you.