About the Maker

Bristol jewellery designer and maker

Hello! I’m Bristol jeweller, Natalie. Erinna Jewellery’s owner, designer and maker! I hand make all of my jewellery in my studio based in Bristol in the UK using traditional smithing methods and the ancient technique of lost wax casting.

Let’s start with name, it’s pronounced “Erin-ah” and comes from my middle name, Erin so it sounded like a mixture of my middle and first names. As you’ll also see, I love Greek mythology and Erinna was actually an ancient greek poet although not a lot of her work survives, sadly.

I started Erinna Jewellery to escape from my everyday life. As something to bring me joy, follow my dream and enjoy each day because we only live once. I’ve always loved jewellery because it has so many meanings. It can evoke powerful feelings like love, confidence, happiness and so much more.

It can hold so many meanings for each person. From life celebrations to connections to loved ones, to important memories. It can be our lifeline in some of our darkest times, when we need to feel connected to a lost loved one, a memory or a reminder of how strong and amazing we truly are.

NATALIE

OWNER, DESIGNER, MAKER

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I’ve always loved history and jewellery is something that has lasted throughout. It shows how as humans, we have always had a special connection to it because it has lasted centuries and will continue to outlive us! I especially love Greek Mythology because it doesn’t portray the Gods and people as perfect. Each piece takes it names and inspiration from these stories but, I want you to add your own story to them.

 

Regardless of why someone wears jewellery, I believe that everyone deserves to have things that they love and I’m passionate about my creations being inclusive, accessible and long-lasting quality. I know what it’s like to be disappointed because you find something that either doesn’t fit how you want it to, isn’t available in your size or colour preference or turns your fingers green! This is why I only work in precious metals, with some love, it will last at least a lifetime. And, hopefully be passed down to loved ones that can continue to enjoy it and be reminded of the original wearer. Every time you buy one of my pieces, I am honoured to be a part of your story. This is why I only use precious metals, so that your pieces last your lifetime and can continue to tell your story.

If you have any questions about any of the jewellery then please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to discuss alterations or alternative designs if you have something in mind for yourself or as a gift (lucky them)!

My Top Picks

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My Values

I want you to understand what you’re buying and how to care for it so it lasts as long as possible. I can’t guarantee that everyone can wear my pieces because we’re all different, chemicals in metal and our skin can react and this is completely individual. Precious metals are less likely to do this than base metals like brass and copper but it can still happen and unfortunately some people can never wear any type of metal because of this. I don’t trust brands that promise waterproof and tarnish free jewellery because I don’t believe you can promise this, it will always depend on the metal, the individual and how well it’s cared for which is why educating my customers is so important to me.

I work in precious metals and ethically sourced gemstones to ensure that pieces last as long as possible. I hand make my pieces and set the stones myself using the metal, I don’t use glue. I check each piece before it’s sent and encourage my customers to check the quality of the piece yearly, design factors can mean that stones eventually become loose or metal wears away, especially with everyday wear so I can say that your piece will last a lifetime or more but it will need regularly checking to ensure this!

Unfortunately almost everything has an environmental impact and we don’t always know them until more time has passed but I do as much as I can to minimise this. I use recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones. I constantly review the materials I use in all areas of my business to ensure they are as sustainable as possible. Your jewellery will arrive in recyclable boxes, the foam insert is sustainably created using Tall oil, which is a by-product of paper production and reduces the manufacturing carbon footprint. Unfortunately the inserts cannot be recycled but packaging for jewellery for me is a balance between finding something that keeps the piece in perfect condition (some inserts can react with the metal), protecting it during delivery, being easily disposable, being durable enough if you do want to keep your pieces safe in it and also looking nice for gifting. I do plan to offer more high-end packaging for my customers who do want longer lasting options.

Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and wear jewellery that they love, I have a separate page on this in the links below but ultimately I am committed to making my jewellery accessible. It is not a standard option currently but instead, you just need to get in touch with me. My ring sizes are limited at the moment but I will find a way to make my designs in the desired size if it’s not listed. These options are available in sterling silver and I don’t charge extra for this. I also have considered accessibility to my website but if you do have any issues using it then please let me know so I can rectify any issues.

I want people to feel comfortable buying from me, there will be times when there is an extreme difference in values and I won’t tolerate hatred or malicious behaviour towards myself or any of my customers. Inclusion and diversity is such an important aspect in every area of life, I never want my designs to alienate anyone or make them feel uncomfortable. If you feel that I have ever stepped over a line, or misunderstood something then please get in touch with me because it is never my intention to offend anyone.

Jewellery is completely personal to the wearer, I accept that there are styles of jewellery that aren’t my personal preference and that not everyone will like my designs but I will never judge someone else’s style or jewellery preference. This is the same for any bespoke or commission pieces – important pieces of jewellery just need to resonate with the person wearing it, there will always be design considerations I will make you aware of and as a creator and I may refuse to make something if it doesn’t align with my values but I will always explain why and offer alternatives.

My jewellery design and style is about creating interesting pieces that can draw attention but in more subtle ways and make the wearer feel empowered, I draw inspiration from lots of places but mostly make what I like and enjoy. I think most artists will take inspiration from others but I never want to outright copy a design, great minds do think alike so there will always be others with similar designs but it is not my intention to copy others. I also ask the same of other artists or customers. This means that for bespoke and commission pieces, it is useful for me to have pictures of designs to reference what you are looking for but I will not directly copy the design and I ask that you don’t ask other artists to copy my designs.

I hope that these values align with yours, if you feel that I can be doing more or have any helpful suggestions then please do get in touch because I’d love to hear from you!

Useful Guides

FAQs

How to Care for Your Jewellery

Size Guides

Accessible and Size Inclusive Jewellery

Hallmarking

Delivery & Pegasus Service