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Women's World: A gem of an idea from jewellery designer Jenny



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Published Date:
26 March 2008
YOU could say Jenny Downing is a jewel in the crown.
The 36-year-old is at the forefront of a revolution that will change the way we buy a piece of jewellery.

Instead of looking in the window of a jeweller's shop and choosing a diamond ring or gold bracelet, the majority of us will soon be designing our own personal pieces on a computer.

Jenny is an expert with the cutting-edge bespoke design service that comes hot from the United States. So much so she spent two years there teaching jewellers how to use the software.

The programme creates a perfect three-dimensional impression of the finished product in minutes. The image reflects light in the same way as a diamond and can be fully-rotated. Individuals are using it to design pieces personal to a loved one, and couples are sitting down together to create their own engagement and wedding rings.

The state-of-the-art technology has just arrived in Britain and one of the few jewellers in the north of England to offer it is Halifax-based diamond and platinum specialist Phillip Stoner, of South-gate.

The family-run business, which has two stores in Leeds, has just taken on Jenny, who lives in Mytholmroyd, to run the service.

She is based in Halifax – the company's manufacturing site – and works closely with the two jewellers who make-up the bespoke pieces. But a lot of her time is spend in Leeds where the service has really taken off.

"I don't think anyone else in Halifax or Leeds for that matter offers this service. It's definitely the way jewellers are going to be going in the next few years," says Jenny who went to art college in Rochdale and has specialised in jewellery design and manufacturing for the last 15 years.

She has also run her own jewellery design business in the past and is a former teacher at Leeds College of Art & Design.

"It's a brilliant concept because not only is it unique but it also saves time and money and reduces any conflict. Customers get to see what their finished product is going to look like," adds Jenny who says as many men as women are using the new service, designing pieces not just for their loved ones, but also for themselves.

"People like the idea of bespoke jewellery. They are getting something no one else has got, and something that has been designed especially for them is much more intimate."

She says couples often spend a long time searching for the perfect engagement ring and find that the off-the-shelf pieces don't meet their exacting requirements. "Few things say 'I love you' like a hand-crafted piece of jewellery, personally designed by the one you love."

Jenny says the service is proving popular with women who have jewellery at home that is no longer fashionable, they have grown tired of or has sentimental value. The metal and stones can be used to create new pieces.

"We take customers through a full and detailed consultation to understand their preferences and to advise on suitability.

"The options are virtually limitless and they can create even more detailed and quirky designs by mixing precious metals, gems and diamonds in their own styles."

Designs don't have to be made of metal, other materials can be used, and the cost is only marginally more than buying ready-produced pieces.

Jenny, who likens her work to doing a 3D crossword, loves jewellery – but only on other people. "I'm into designing and making it, rather than wearing it.

"I don't own much jewellery myself."

The full article contains 617 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
Page 1 of 2

  • Last Updated: 26 March 2008 11:49 AM
  • Source: Evening Courier
  • Location: Halifax
 
 

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