inspiring independent; we need your votes!

It is that time of year again when jewellery industry magazine, Retail Jeweller, start their search for the most inspiring independent jewellery retailers in the UK. Whether it is excellent customer service, above and beyond attitude or an eclectic mix of jewellery on offer the standards will be high from all entrants and the battle tough so with that in mind, we ask for your support.

Jewellery By is still in its infancy but our collection of handmade only jewellery, from some of the best designers across the country and beyond, we feel we genuinely do offer our customer something different and unique to that of other retailers. By working with local designers, as well as those further afield we offer items that are not mass made and in some cases are one off items. We projects in the pipeline with the the students of Cleveland College of Art and Design and with our bespoke service for those that want a hand in the design process or an item of their existing jewellery turned into something else, we aim to offer the best and most honest service we can to all of our customers.

At this stage it is number of nominations that count, so if you could please show your support and send an email to Retail Jeweller editor Laura at laura.mccreddie@emap.com simply stating our store name and that we are your Inspiring Independent nomination.

Thank you in advance and keep your fingers crossed!
 
                                                          

alex monroe; august featured designer

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!