Meet The Jeweller Behind Bijoux De Chagall

Today we are excited to find out more about Julia from Bijoux De Chagall!

We always love finding out more about our loyal customers, their story and how they got started in their jewellery making journey. Julia has been making jewellery for over a year now and we are always so inspired by her designs, such as her most recent jewellery showcasing our peridot rough stones.

Julia chats about being featured in Vogue, running a website and even getting her husband involved in the business! Read below for the full story...

"Just recently I have handed my resignation in at my day job and will be going full-time with Bijoux in June. Who would have thought it a year ago!"

Julia's Story

As far back as I can remember, jewellery has always been a big passion for me. As I came from an artistic background, it was no surprise that I studied Art & Design. Soon after graduating from Art & Design College I got a job as a Set & Costume Designer at a Film Studio. Over time I adapted my creative skills to computers and so became a Graphic Designer.

Just over a year ago I decided to try my hand at making jewellery. In my experience, I always found it difficult to source unique and interesting precious metal pieces. So bearing that in mind my main aim was to produce jewellery made from silver and gold materials using only natural gemstones at a reasonable price.

Discovering 'Aladdin's Cave' Kernowcraft...

I remember coming across an Aladdin’s cave called Kernowcraft on a web search and so the seed was sown! I soon built up a basic tool-kit and gathered together various materials and gemstones using my day job money to fund everything. I then set about making my first ring, it was a fairly basic sterling silver opal solitaire. One of the first hurdles I had to get over was learning how to solder & how to set gemstones. I soon found out that both these tasks were an art form in themselves. But after many tears and spoiled pieces, watching many tutorial videos and reading as much as possible, I gradually got the hang of it.

I progressed to making pendants, earrings and more simple rings. As my confidence grew I started to design more elaborate and complicated pieces.

Keep believing and don't lose hope!

As my collection grew a decision was made to open an Etsy shop and an e-commerce website. Obviously being a Graphic Designer helped a great deal too as it enabled me to create an inviting shop and website and it saved me a lot of money. I already had a basic knowledge of photography so this helped me to produce nice pictures as well. Within a couple of weeks I had my first sale, I remember it well, it was a personalised silver pendant necklace.

Over the next few months sales were coming in slowly but surely. Patience is essential during this time, so do not lose hope and keep believing in yourself. Things never happen quickly at the beginning until you get your name out there and get on the Etsy radar, it just takes time.

Appearing in Vogue and going full time...

In October 2016 my husband and I opened a business account and Bijoux De Chagall had officially arrived. During the next six months I was able to grow my collection to over 50 pieces. In early 2017 we were approached by Glamour & Vogue magazines asking us if we would like to advertise with them. We accepted and are currently nearing the end of a three-month campaign with both. Although not cheap, it has certainly helped with sales traffic to the website and to a degree with Etsy as well and sales have since had really started to take off. So much so in fact, I have not been able to create many new designs recently, although I have loads bursting out of my head! Still, I am not complaining, I would rather it be this way.

Just recently I have handed my resignation in at my day job and will be going full-time with Bijoux in June. Who would have thought it a year ago!

How to stand out in a competitive industry...

I believe you need to be passionate about what you do and you need to put your soul into everything you make. Unique designs and presentation play a key role too and if possible you need to offer something different to your customers as competition is very fierce. I personally hand-paint all my gift boxes. Although this is quite time-consuming it does set me apart from many others.

Another thing you need is support. My Husband Allan, takes care of all admin, postage, advertising and the sourcing of gemstones and materials amongst other things. Apart from the initial outlay, everything else has been funded by the business. It does take a lot of money to put together a decent tool-kit but I can assure you it’s well worth it in the end. By the way, I still make mistakes but I am still learning.

I hope my story has been of help and interest and if it provides you with any inspiration then that’s even better and I hope it helps you to succeed at what you love doing.

Best Wishes,

Julia – Bijoux De Chagall.

Where can you find Julia?

Website - Facebook - Instagram

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What Our Customers Say...

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.