Regular followers of Jewellery By will know that every month we like to turn the spotlight onto one of our designers. We like see what makes them tick, give them the inspiration for their work and generally have a bit of a nose. This month it is the turn of Alex Monore.
British jewellery designer Alex grew up in Suffolk surrounded by fields, rivers and the plants and creatures which inhabit them. These are inspirations for his whimsical and intricately beautiful jewellery collections. He trained at the Sir John Cass School of Art in London.
Established in 1986, his core aspiration remains unchanged; to make great quality, wearable jewellery that is well designed and well priced.
Nature has always been Alex's greatest inspiration. Whether from travels in Pakistan, walks along the hedgerows of Suffolk or even the Tuscan hills, his designs always remain inherently English. Alex always makes the original in sterling silver by hand. He uses his skills to craft jewellery that is slightly quirky, sometimes cute but always feminine.
Alex's distinctive designs have earned him may admirers, including in the press. The now classic Bumblebee necklace has graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle, Red........
In addidtion to producing four collections every year, Alex also embarks on numerous collaborative ventures working with such luminaries as the Victoria and Albert Museum who asked Alex to design a limited edition locket. These diverse projects have included an 18ct gold poppy for the British Legion, a 250th anniversary range for Kew Gardens and most recently with Burt's Bee to create a limited edition ring and necklace which raised funds for the British Bee-keepers Association.
In the middle of all of this, Alex's original objectives stay true. Rather than compromise quality and have the jewellery produced in a factory, everything is still handmade in Alex's studio in London.
In 2008 Alex was awarded the prestigious 'Designer of the Year' at the UK Jewellery Awards. He has also made the shortlist for the award in 2009 and 2010.
Alex Monroe: I like people who like my jewellery. They are not slaves to fashion; they tend to be more concerned about personality and craftsmanship. They care about quality and they like things that are quirky and individual.
Visit us at www.jewellerby.co.uk or visit us in store in Stokesley to see our Alex Monroe collection, including the Bumblebee!
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