Meet The Jeweller Behind Louella Jewellery

Welcome to our feature, 'Meet The Jeweller'. We chat to our customers to find out how their jewellery making journey started, their experiences and a little bit more about the person behind the jewellery!

This week we chat to Louella from Louella Jewellery who is based in Devon, where she creates such stunning designs - we chat Cornish beaches, favourite techniques and those tools she just couldn't live without...

Hi Louella, firstly tell us a little bit about yourself and Louella Jewellery!

I was born in Cornwall, and it was my experience growing up in a Cornish farmhouse and spending time exploring the surrounding landscapes and local shorelines that sparked my fascination with nature. After studying film at Falmouth University I realised that although this was something I enjoyed, it was not something I enjoyed enough to make my career out of it.

What first inspired your jewellery making journey?

My passion for making jewellery came later. I took up silverwork as a hobby, but it was while working as the manager of an art gallery and selling other people’s creations that I realised there could be an opportunity for me to combine three things that I loved – Cornwall, crafting, and the natural world around me – within my metalwork. I decided to try and forge a new career doing something that I was passionate about whilst uniting these founding elements to build the framework for my own business. The difficulty came neither in creating the pieces nor setting up the business but believing that it could be a success.

Have your surroundings influenced your designs at all and if so, how?

I lived in Cornwall until 18 months ago when I moved to Dartmoor, however Cornwall still plays a large role in my life and my work. The influence of Cornwall’s natural landscapes can be seen throughout my work, my designs are raw and organic and also include natural curiosities such as sea glass and shells sourced directly from Cornwall.

What's your favourite technique and why?

Oh that’s a tricky one! My favourite part of the process is definitely designing new pieces but my favourite technique... that would have to be setting irregular, raw stones. It presents a challenge but great satisfaction!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a jewellery business?

Believe you can. Have faith in your work and your journey and try everything, every technique until you find your unique style.

Have you learned anything about yourself since starting a jewellery business?

Most definitely. I have learnt that it never feels like work if you love what you do, but I need to remember not to work ALL the time! I have achieved more than I ever thought possible so I try to have a little more faith in myself now (that’s still a challenge sometimes!).

What has your experience been at events and what advice would you give someone doing their very first jewellery stall or exhibition?

I love doing shows, they are long and hard work but social and fun. I would say, allow more time than you think you need, take lots to drink as you end up talking all day and don’t be afraid to talk about your work, tell customers about it because they aren’t just buying your jewellery, they are buying the skill, the story and the process. Also take your wallet because you’ll see so many beautiful things from other makers!

What is your top three workshop tools you couldn't live without?

My hammers, definitely my hammers. I use them daily and I’m very precious about them! Next my pliers (the Kernowcraft ones are the best as they don’t make your hands sore). I also love my alligator tape, I used to be covered in cuts and that stops it completely!

What is your favourite piece of jewellery you have ever made and why?

I have just made my fiancé’s wedding ring and so that is most definitely my favourite piece! Before that it was my supernova ring because it was the trickiest thing I had made and so therefore I was the most proud of it.

Where would we find you after a long day at the work bench?

Walking on the moors or curled up with a cup of tea and my fiancé under my animals.

Where can you find Louella Jewellery?

Website - Etsy - Facebook - Instagram

Check out Loella's top Kernowcraft picks

Australian Opals

I love the Australian opals. The fire in them is incredible and opals just lift any design. A magic little stone.

Alligator Tape

I love my alligator tape, I used to be covered in cuts and that stops it completely!

Crystals

Rough crystals are always a favourite of mine...

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Kim Thomson

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

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.