The Origin of Audrey Claude Jewellery by Sarah

Here’s a brief introduction to why I do what I do!

I’ve always loved jewellery and beautiful trinkets. From wandering the gemstone and jewellery exhibitions of the Natural History Museum and the V&A, to the inside of my mothers jewellery box, the beauty in these miniature pieces of art has always been alluring!

I really started Audrey Claude (named after my children - although it wasn’t called that then) when I got engaged in 2010. As a jeweller, and a stickler for detail, I made my own engagement ring. An important part of that process was wanting to use materials that had been sourced ethically and so my hunt for ethical gemstones and metals began.

By nature I’m curious at heart and when faced with the response that ‘no you won’t able to find traceable diamonds’ I took this as challenge to do the opposite and worked towards compiling an ethical supply chain for Audrey Claude. I still do this now and am constantly working towards improving the environmental and sustainable credentials of the jewellery I make and the supply chain I use.  I have since put together an ethical promise which you can read outlining the ethical values at the heart of Audrey Claude Jewellery.

Originally I studied to be an Ocean Scientist and although this wasn’t the path I ended up following the importance of the natural world and our impact on it has never left. The materials used, from gold to the gemstones, were formed in the Earth millions of years ago and it’s with great respect that I use them.

My inspiration for pieces often comes from the natural world and from architecture. If you turn over any piece of paper in my studio there’s likely to be some kind of sketch of an idea. I hand craft all the pieces of jewellery at my studio in Cheltenham, where I live with my husband and two children, and an ever growing spaniel named Ivy.

Creating beautiful pieces of jewellery for my clients is something I love. A piece that has special meaning to you and becomes part of your everyday life. A piece that one day you may pass on to your loved ones along with your unique story.

There is a luxury in hand made pieces. It takes time. As an artisan jeweller the raw materials are held and formed into the perfect shape, assessing each cut and file, measuring each angle and looking in depth at each individual stone to see how it will be its best in each piece. Something that tells the story of the materials, the story of the maker, and your story holds true value.

It’s with love and appreciation that each piece is made I really do find joy in the work I do and I hope you do too.

Please contact me if you’d like to talk about a special piece of jewellery for yourself or for a loved one, or complete our bespoke jewellery questionnaire to get the ball rolling. I’d love to hear from you.