HEIDI KJELDSEN Meet the

DIAMONDS are FOREVER

According to the song, diamonds are forever. That longevity makes them worth investing in, and for bespoke jewellery that’s as uniquely individual as its recipient, we’ll direct you to Oakham jewellery designer Heidi Kjeldsen... Words: Laurin Dempsey.

A JEWELLERY DESIGNER’S passion should be as deep rooted as the subterranean seams from which their precious stones are mined.

Heidi Kjeldsen’s enthusiasm for her craft certainly is. Half Danish and born in West Africa - which is where she developed her love of gem stones, observing the day to day work of the miners working just beyond her family’s garden to extract precious stones. Heidi arrived in Oakham’s Mill Street in 1998 and began to realise her dreams, designing beautiful jewellery for local ladies.

Over 20 years later the vibrant orange and silver signage outside her Mill Street showroom represents Heidi’s passion for both gemmology and a love of jewellery design, combined with a professional knowledge of everything from diamonds and gemstones to pearls. Having previously worked for several years as a gem dealer in London, Heidi can spot and source the best. But today there’s another demand on the industry, too; to ensure diamonds are ethically sourced. “My goal is to make sure that a gift is truly individual and enchants its recipients; to create beautiful jewellery that will be treasured forever, not just as a passing nod to current fashion.” The designer’s collections contain many unusual pieces suitable for every birthday and anniversary, as well as statements of enduring love in stylish engagement, wedding and eternity rings. Gifts are also available to celebrate achievements, important milestones in life, or special friendships.

Most of Heidi’s jewellery is gold or platinum, silver is used mainly for hand forged bangles. She is a fine jeweller rather than a costume jeweller.

Half of Heidi’s orders are custom made using loose stones and although Christmas is Heidi’s busiest period howev er she is already sourcing ideas for her new Spring/Summer Collection and Mother’s Day. Normally Heidi will create handmade special ruby pieces for Valentines and pearl pendants for Mother’s Day. Engagement rings are also highly demanded this time of the year.

“Heidi has designed and created commissions, such as three Bishops’ rings, a piece for a gift for the late Princess of Wales and she also had a Hollywood actress in the shop, but as always, discretion is paramount so she won’t be drawn on who it was

Heidi designs all the jewellery using CAD and she has a workshop as well as her studio where she has a goldsmith and a setter. “Jewellery made to the highest standard is what I always aim to make. I also create Murano glass jewellery which allows me to introduce a drop of colour, which I love. Working with it is fun and interesting!” Heidi’s favourite piece of jewellery is either Sapphire or Tanzanite, howev er as Tanzanite is becoming more rare she sways more towards this. Heidi likes out of the ordinary and high quality.

Depending on the stone this then determines what piece of jewellery Heidi makes from it however rings are most desirable .

Though Heidi’s showroom contains a myriad of treasures ready to purchase, she is often commissioned to create bespoke jewellery for clients who are looking for something special. The commission journey begins by discussing initial design ideas and gemstone

choice. The Gemstones and Diamonds are carefully sourced by Heidi and then the designs are presented to the client in 3D photo realistic form for approval, prior to the piece being lovingly hand-crafted.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is the reaction, joy and delight evident on the faces of my customers when they have purchased that special piece of jewellery piece, or have seen their dreams come to life in a bespoke commission.

Many of my clients have been repeatedly visiting my showroom since I first opened it in Mill Street over 20 years ago, so they have also become loyal friends.”

Since the showroom first opened Heidi has designed and created some eye catching commissions, such as three Bishops’ rings, a piece commissioned by a relative of the late Princess of Wales as a gift to her, and she even had a Hollywood actress seek advice and assistance whilst choosing a special piece of Heidi’s jewellery. The designer’s brand is constantly evolving with each day bringing fresh new inspiration and design ideas along the way.

Heidi explains that having an open mind and a progressive attitude keeps her just as excited about jewellery now as she was right at the beginning of her journey.

“My most recent collection, Aurora, celebrates the shimmering beauty of natural gemstones, set in contemporary designs and capturing the magic of the Northern lights and lands.”

“I think there is something truly wonderful about bespoke jewellery, created especially for the client or their loved one – where the most beautiful diamonds and gemstones are shown off to their best in a gorgeous design.”

n Heidi Kjeldsen is based at her showroom on Mill Street, Oakham. Call 01572 722666. Alternatively, see www.heidikjeldsen.co.uk.

MY FAVOURITE PIECES SIX OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HEIDI KJELDSEN’S DESIGNS

1For the discerning gentleman, Heidi has created this pair of stylish sterling silver cufflinks etched with a map of Rutland. Not so much a case as much in little as much on little, £180. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. Sterling is more resilient and durable than pure silver.

2Pictured below is Heidi’s shimmering natural diamond with a stone of around 0.50cts. The bow is made in 18ct yellow and white gold. £3,000.

3Shown below is a natural pink sapphire and diamond bubble ring made in 18ct white gold. The piece is from Heidi’s Aurora collection, inspired by the designer’s trip to see the Northern Lights with their ethereal hues.

4Shown right, Heidi Kjeldsen’s enhanced blue natural topaz, tourmaline and diamond drop earrings, £3,500. Topaz is allochromatic, which means that its colour is caused by impurities or defects. Coating or enhancing it creates more vivid shades, and lighted shades of blue are used alongside other colours of darker shades of topaz for a ‘two tone’ effect.

5Shown left, precious brilliant cut natural diamond, cultured South Sea pearl and white gold drop earrings, £3,650. South Sea cultured pearls are exceptional quality pearls with a white, almost silver colour. Much larger than the average pearl, the smoothness and roundness of these pearls are notable, hence they are rarer and often command a premium in their price.

6Shown below, Heidi created this aquamarine and diamond 18ct white gold cluster ring. The stone is found in granite rocks, was first used in 1598 signifying the month of March.