Innovative, playful, timeless… are just some of the words that come in to mind when you think of Lucy Quartermaine’s beautiful, highly-polished, sterling silver pieces. The award-winning designer and brand have become a well-known name within the contemporary jewellery industry with the eye-catching collections seen on numerous A-list celebs and in top fashion and lifestyle publications including Vogue, Red and Cosmopolitan.
We caught up with the extremely talented designer, Lucy Quartermaine herself, and spoke about inspiration, trends, creating an award-winning jewellery brand and what we should be looking out for from the brand in 2019.
What have the last 12 months been like for Lucy Quartermaine Designs and what have been your most successful collections?
The last 12 months have been wonderful for the Lucy Quartermaine brand. We have gained many new retail partners and continue to grow each day as brand awareness increases. Additionally, we were honoured to have won the title for the second year running of Collection of the Year, this time for my Dipped collection. My designs that increase in popularity time and time again are the Drop pieces. Although in the last 12 months, we have seen a fantastic response to my new Petal Collection that was launched in February at Jewellery and Watch 2019. 40% of retail partners have bought into the new designs and we have seen an immediate sell through.
What does 2019 look like for Lucy Quartermaine Designs?
2019 is a year for new and exciting opportunities, we are looking forward to what the next few months will bring! Gaining new retail partners, our new lifestyle photoshoot and other wonderful events that we are excited to release.
What are your top jewellery trend tips for the approaching spring season?
For SS19, we are loving the layering trend! Recently launching new choker style necklaces perfect for this season. Whether it be layering up on necklaces, rings, bracelets or even anklets, it is ideal for spring time. My designs sit so beautifully together, mixing up collections and styles to create your own personalised layered look.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from the world around me and the way mother nature appears. Whether it is a water droplet, melting silver or floral views. The inspiration for many of my pieces comes from the way fluid elements move, the hypnotic way that water falls is just beautiful. I draw inspiration from a rainy day and the organic shapes created as the water tumbles down window panes.
You have developed such a wonderfully successful, award-winning brand…When did you first discover your love of jewellery and design?
My love for jewellery comes from my Grandmother’s influence and being in awe of her creating jewellery. I created my first piece of silver at just 16 years old and I knew in my heart that designing jewellery was my life goal. After studying at Sheffield Hallam university, I first created my brand at just 23 years old whilst caring for my young children at home. My passion for designing grows every day!
What is it like to run such a successful jewellery business?
Running my own business brings rewards like no other. It was a dream from a young age to have a successful jewellery brand and I am living this now, I can be my own boss and grow my vision into a reality. From starting out as just myself, I now have a strong team assisting me to expand the Lucy Quartermaine vision and increase brand awareness.
Which celebrity would you love to see wearing Lucy Quartermaine Designs?
I would love to see Lady Gaga wearing my jewellery, I feel her unique style and fantastic personality would represent my designs perfectly.
If you had to summarise Lucy Quartermaine Designs in a couple of sentences, what would you say?
Lucy Quartermaine is a unique and elegant brand for the modern-day women who loves to stand out from the crowd. I create jewellery to reflect our motto, ‘Life is too short to wear boring jewellery’.
What has been the proudest moment in your jewellery career?
The proudest moment so far in my jewellery career has to be winning Designer of the Year. It was an absolute honour to win this award and it is amazing to receive recognition for your hard work. My brand is such a huge part of my life and to know that people appreciate my work as a designer is a wonderful feeling.
Any advice to people starting out in their career in jewellery?
My advice to anyone starting out in the industry would be to strive for your goals and to not let anything stop you from your passion. The jewellery industry is home to amazing people and designers and is a joy to be part of.
And finally… What can people expect to see from Lucy Quartermaine Designs at IJL this year?
We are looking forward to expanding within our current collections. Also adding new and exciting designs into the mix. You can expect to see jewellery that is unique and different to anything I have designed before. We are looking forward to exhibiting at IJL and meeting wonderful customers current and new!
View the amazing collections from Lucy Quartermaine on the website
https://www.lucyqdesigns.co.uk/
Make sure to plan a visit to Lucy Quartermaine to find out more and view her exciting collections at IJL 2019, 1 – 3 September 2019, on stand E48