Meet The Jeweller Jonathan Videgrain

It's time to discover another jeweller's story!

This week we chat to customer Jonathan Videgrain, a talented jeweller who shares his jewellery making journey so far, along with his advice on creating an established brand that turns heads!

We absolutely adore Jonathan's layered necklaces, featuring our pyrite cabochons - we can't get enough of his unique style.

To check out our Meet The Jeweller series, head over to the blog to read more jeweller stories, with top tips and recommendations you can use in your jewellery designs.

Read our interview with Jonathan below and check out his recommendations at the bottom of the page!

Hi Jonathan, thanks for chatting to us! Firstly, tell us a bit about you and what got your started in jewellery making.

Thank you for inviting me! So I grew up in Jersey in the Channel Islands which inspires my jewellery today. After leaving school I did a lot of paper cutting and paper sculpture but put that to one side when I went to Leeds College of Art so that I could experiment with more adventurous materials. I can't remember when I realised jewellery was the way forward for me - but I remember that feeling of 'wow I made that' when I made my first copper ring. It looks so professional and to learn a skill of making something that you didn't know before... it gave my creative practice real direction and meaning. Looking back though, I was always fascinated with anything shiny or precious.

You studied Fine Art in Leeds and continue to further your studies in jewellery, how has this influenced your jewellery and how it has helped you along your journey?

Studying fine art gave me a greater appreciation of form and structure. It may just look like I am creating something to look good, but behind it is subtle uses of shape and gravity that is quite sculptural. This is something I am keen to explore more in some workshops I will be running later this year. It will all be about gravity and will be a mix of small-scale sculpture and jewellery. Continuing my studying with a jewellery diploma has taught me so much about gemstones and precious metals - to get the most out of jewellery it's essential you know your materials, and the information is all out there if you look, almost all of my jewellery making is self taught.

"Start with one design or one technique and no matter what happens, do not stop until it works..."

All-time favourite gemstone and why?

Howlite. It looks like marble so it is so on-trend but also timeless. Anything made with it becomes effortlessly cool.

Your packaging and branding is lovely, what was the process of this and what advice would you give to jeweller’s designing their own.

Thank you! It has been a slow process of trial and error to get it right. I wanted it to look professional and iconic, but still show off the brand's craftiness and (intentional) imperfection. That's why I hand stamp my logo onto all my packaging myself. It makes each one slightly unique. I think the trick is to know what you are aiming for, know your strengths, and keep it simple. Also pick something that is going to grow with your work, not pigeon-hole it into being one thing forever.

What advice would you give to someone interested in jewellery making but yet to start?

Start with one design or one technique and no matter what happens, do not stop until it works.

"Your friends are your PR team, keep people close because they will spread the word and you will learn from them."

We love your layered necklaces, featuring our turquoise and tiger’s eye! Other than layering, what’s one jewellery trend you loving right now?

Ear Jackets. My swinging earring backs put all the attention behind the ear with a simple stud at the front and I just think it look glamorous and casual at the same time.

What has been your biggest challenge within your jewellery making journey?

So much! Learning to make websites, self promote, photograph jewellery, pricing work - It's all so much more than actually making jewellery itself! But in the making sense: probably learning to focus on one thing to completion. It is so easy to get excited about something new and move on, but you really need the discipline to work on something until you hate it, just to make it work. And soldering. Something so basic really can take a lot of practise to get right!

In your experience, what’s the best way to get your jewellery business out there and noticed?

I feel like I should be getting advice on this, not giving the advice! But so far, Instagram is how I've managed to spread the word and give really clear idea about what my jewellery is about. Other than that, your friends are your PR team, keep people close because they will spread the word and you will learn from them.

Where can we find you when you’re not making jewellery?

When I am Leeds, I am usually in the gym, or writing an assignment for my retail jewellery diploma. On the rare occasion I am relaxing I will be reading a book with a really good cup of coffee (and cake of course). In Jersey I will try to get to the beach, usually Plemont Bay. It is my all-time favourite beach, it is all over my Instagram and my new collection is named after it. Also a lot of time in Jersey is spent drinking coffee and eating cake.

Have you got a favourite design you have ever made and why?

It has to be a pair of white gold wedding rings I am currently working on. They are everything I want them to be, they are hand carved and look so organic. They were designed together with the engaged couple and to be part of something so sentimental is everything jewellery should be. They will also be my first pieces to feature my own hallmark, which feels like a significant step. I am just sorry that I can't show them to you yet!

Where can you find Jonathan?

Website - Instagram - Facebook

Jonathan shares his most recommended Kernowcraft products below

C311 Barrelling Machine For Polishing Metal.jpg

Barrel Polishing Machine

My absolute favourite machine ever. No need to feel limited when making a new design as to what will come out polished or not, this thing will make everything look amazing.

Rough Aquamarine Crystals

How cool are these?! A great example of an unusual rough gemstone that are hard to find anywhere but Kernowcraft. I have not used these yet but they are definitely high on my 'to-do' list for upcoming jewellery!

Rose Cut Pyrite Cabochons

These gemstones have everything. They sparkle like black diamonds but have a warm golden colour, and the rose cut has such a beautiful antique feel about it.

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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?

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Kim Thomson

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.