JEWELLERY: THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

It’s perhaps no surprise that, as a designer of bespoke jewellery, she takes this view. But there is something to be said for her take on what constitutes a true piece of high end jewellery. There is so much jewellery out there to buy, some of which costs unimaginable amounts of money, but surely true luxury comes from making a piece that is entirely yours, that is absolutely one of a kind. You really can’t get more exclusive than that.

And buying bespoke is about so much more than the end product. It’s about the experience, the craftsmanship and creating a piece that is completely tailored to you.

It’s all in the detail

“People are often surprised by the level of detail and involvement that goes into creating a single piece of jewellery. It is a luxury having true craftsmen and women involved, to have so many people giving their time and expertise to create this one piece just for you,” says Octavia.

In Octavia’s studio, it can take as many as eight different craftsmen, all based in the UK, to work on a single piece of jewellery. There are people who specialise in stone sourcing, setting, engraving and even polishing. They are all experts in their fields and are incredibly passionate about what they do. It is the opposite of some of the high end, designer pieces out there, which cost a lot but are ultimately churned out in a factory setting and in comparatively high numbers. Here, you spend as much or as little as you want and each piece is completely unique, handcrafted by people who really care.

For Octavia, it is the finer details that make a piece truly high end and the fact that every little detail is properly considered and thought through – the proportions of the setting must perfectly suit the chosen stone (something that is so often misjudged on off the shelf pieces), the clasps, the right chain to make a pendant sing.

“The little accents make all the difference. It’s in the details where the true craftsmanship comes in and what makes a piece feel like a true indulgence. Every detail is as it should be and it is just right for the person. This is when people want to wear a piece of jewellery for years to come,” she says.

“We also often add small, secret details that only the person wearing it knows about. Hidden initials in the metalwork itself or personal messages engraved on the inside of a ring, for example. It can be romantic, sentimental or even cheeky. There’s just something so magical about knowing it’s there when no one else has clue.”

The joy of giving jewellery a new lease of life

It is undoubtedly a real pleasure to work with people at happy times in their lives, such as engagements and weddings. But there is another side to her jewellery making. “I am always thrilled to be involved in those exciting and happy moments. But it is also a real honour to be there at more vulnerable, even sad times, especially when we are remodelling a piece. Perhaps it is after a divorce or it’s an heirloom after someone has passed away.”

When it comes to repurposing, the design process has to move gently, as each piece can have a lot of sentimental value attached to it. It can take time to find the right balance between modern updates and maintaining that emotional connection. People often do not want to completely lose the feel of the piece, which is why Octavia often incorporates a nod to the original detailing to link it back. For example, if there is millgrain (a fine beading style) on the original piece, this can be incorporated into the new design. If it is a really beautifully made vintage piece, however, Octavia will not take it apart.

“Having granny’s brooch in a safe or knicker drawer and bringing it out just once a year to look at is just so sad. These pieces of jewellery should either be worn and enjoyed as they are or repurposed, they shouldn’t be kept away out of sight.”

“People are often surprised by just how wonderful it is to have their expression of an heirloom. And if you do it well, it can look very different but still retain that sense of emotional connection. But equally, repurposing can sometimes mean a total transformation, after a divorce for example. It can become a very powerful symbol of a new start.”

Diamonds are forever…and for every day

Whichever approach you take – designing a brand new piece of jewellery or redesigning an inherited piece - you need to make it right for your style and this is particularly true when it comes to diamonds and precious stones. Most people see diamonds as only for special occasions, but Octavia disagrees. She wholehearted believes that when you create a piece in a style that suits you, that fits in with your lifestyle, you make it right for the everyday, even if there are diamonds.

“You should enjoy your diamonds and your stones. But to do this, the design has to be right – there is no point in having a large, high set diamond ring, if you have anything vaguely practical to do during your day. It will just get in the way and you won’t wear it.” octavia@octaviajewellery.com

“Get the design right, though and you won’t want to ever take it off. That’s how it should be. You should wear your jewellery whenever and wherever you want to – with a white T-shirt and jeans, if you want to. It gives you a little sense of luxury every day, which is what everyone wants really. Why save it for a special occasion? No, that’s just such a waste!” Diamonds every day, who wouldn’t want that?

@octaviajewellery