I make delicate, simple jewellery in a beautiful corner of North Norfolk. I make the kind of jewellery I like to wear, everyday pieces which are elegant and made from quality materials at affordable prices.
I come from a very crafty background, I dabbled in a variety of crafts until gifted a course at the London Jewellery School and then jewellery making became a hobby which gave me space to create and wind down from a busy teaching job. I was frustrated that simple jewellery from the high street was made from low quality silver which made me itch and changed colour so I bought a lot of jewellery from a local maker, Richard, who I commissioned to make me some pieces until he said to me – why don’t we make this necklace together? CHJ started to gather steam and momentum, I moved away from beads and on to soldering, stone setting and texturing through sitting beside Richard, attending courses and practising again and again and again. I have not looked back!
I’m passionate about wearing timeless but well-made jewellery – uncomplicated pieces which are practical enough to be worn during the day but special enough for night! To me, it doesn’t matter if we are on a school run, working in a school of small children or out for pizza and prosecco for £12 (my local treat), jewellery should be pretty and well crafted – that’s what matters to me.
From my workbench in North Norfolk, I take inspiration from being outside. We are so lucky in this county to have beautiful beaches, woodlands and a hill or two (Yes we do!) where I flourish being outside with the dog walking and enjoying some space and time. Being outside lifts my spirits and enables me to focus on the simple things in life – I put these in my jewellery – accents of little delicate bees and daisies, hearts and droplets of gold.
Texture is really important in my jewellery too. I love to be able to clasp a piece of jewellery and run my fingers over the stamped lettering or image and feel the dimples in the hammering, or the beads of the beaded wire. I love that jingle jangle you get when two pieces of silver clink together.
As for romance – this quote pretty much sums it up for me… Draw a circle, not a heart around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever. (Danny Kaye) Circles feature a lot in my jewellery, small, hand crafted, perfectly round and often interlinked.
My website is found at www.clairehowardjewellery.com
