Mindful Gemstone Jewellery With The Sea Tree Company

"My jewellery is about finding 'your happy'."

We're back with another 'Meet The Jeweller' feature and today we can't wait to share our interview with Olivia from The Sea Tree Company.

We absolutely love Olivia's outlook on gemstones and creating mindful jewellery with gemstone stacks and sterling silver jewellery. Olivia encourages customers to wear their pieces of gemstone jewellery with intention - that's why she uses the hashtag #wearyourintentions. Whether you believe that gemstones hold a special meaning, have healing properties or you're simply are attracted to certain stones - gemstones can hold a personal meaning.

In this interview, we find out more about Olivia's beautiful handmade jewellery, life in the Cotswold countryside and managing her busy lifestyle as a working mum to 6 children.

"I am fascinated with gemstones and the way they attract people. Some people are huge believers of the power they hold, some are drawn to their colour, their sparkle. Some are intrigued with the meanings connected with them. Whatever the reasons and beliefs; gemstones draw you in..."

Tell us about the Sea Tree Company?

The Sea Tree Company consists of just me (with my supportive husband and children behind me!) I make gemstone stacking bracelets and sterling silver jewellery.

What is the Ethos of your handmade business?

I am fascinated with gemstones and the way they attract people. Some people are huge believers of the power they hold, some are drawn to their colour, their sparkle. Some are intrigued with the meanings connected with them. Whatever the reasons and beliefs; gemstones draw you in.

I sell in a few shops as well as online and I just love to see customers eyes widening and coming over to where the bracelets are. They avidly read the meanings of the gemstones, then try them on. They tell me stories about why they or their friends would need this or that gemstone. They walk away feeling positive, energised and purposeful.

I use the hashtag #wearyourintentions on my social media as I am inspired by their life stories and understand that when they wear their bracelets they set an intention. A reminder. I recently had a customer who bought online. She emailed me to say that she had been so nervous about giving a speech at work but she wore one of my gemstone bracelets which promoted self-esteem. It was all she needed to give her the boost to stand up in front of a lot her colleagues. Just a little reminder, a comfort, to give her the confidence that she could achieve this even though the thought of it made her legs feel wobbly!

How did you first discover jewellery making?

I have absolutely fallen into jewellery making. I am an active person and love being outdoors especially by the sea. That is my ultimate happy place. Three years ago I tore my Achilles Tendon. A complete shock. I couldn’t move for 2 weeks, total rest and stuck in plaster and then I had three months in a ‘boot’ with a wheelchair. Such a fuss! It drove me mad as I am not very good at doing nothing.

My husband is Cornish and we spent a lot of that summer down on the beach as I couldn’t walk, bike, climb mountains or any of the other things I love doing.

I have always been creative but with a large family to look after, this side had been neglected and ignored for years. However, sitting on those beautiful Cornish beaches unable to run about I started feeling the joy you get when you let those creative vibes back in!

I started to paint stones and pebbles, then I’d paint the smaller ones and make them into necklaces (using bails from Kernowcraft), then I started hunting for sea glass; (which really is the best pastime), I made these into necklaces and then added them to gemstone bracelets and so it went on, learning more, making more, discovering more and loving all of it! I now run a website and sell in three shops.

I have expanded my jewellery to focus on the gemstones but watch this space as the silver and sea glass will be making a return too!

Favourite gemstone and why?

I really don’t have a favourite gemstone. To me that is the whole point. I feel differently on different days, months, times of the year.

I will pick up a Rose Quartz Gemstack if I want to remind myself I am loved and cherished, I will wear Sesame Jasper if I want to feel nurtured, Citrine if I want to rejoice in happiness and positivity. Wearing them inspires me to feel good. I wear combinations too. Stacking them as I go.

I make Limited Edition Stacks, these are linked with the outdoors. At the moment I have a Sea Stack which includes Amazonite, sterling silver and Lava Rock. The colours remind me of the sea, the silver that you see from the sun dancing on the waves, and the rock where the sea meets the land.

I sold one of those recently to a wonderful artist, @artistmelcormackhicks, a fine artist who paints stunning pictures of the sea and woods. She bought it as a reminder of the sea that she misses desperately when she goes back to her home in the Cotswolds.

Favourite tool and why?

Ha! Well… um... it is actually a nail manicure cuticle cutter! It is very sharp and I can cut close and precisely through elastic and cotton. It is brilliant when I am doing any fiddly bits with the jewellery, it gets right in there and works its magic.

"Making jewellery has sparked a passion in me..."

How has jewellery helped you?

Making jewellery has sparked a passion in me. I have to reign myself in constantly. I want to sell rings (watch out Kernowcraft, I’m browsing your website as we speak!), I want to make silver bangles, drill sea glass, cast shells that I find on the beach. There is so much I want to do, to learn.

I use the Kernowcraft website for tips, step by step help and inspiration. I speak to other jewellers who are either self-taught or have been focussed on making jewellery right from leaving school, gaining amazing qualifications and experience on the way. The kindness I have received, the advice and also people on social media going out of their way to help promote The Sea Tree Company has been very uplifting and has kept me going when I have been very busy juggling day to day life whilst setting up the website (it took ages!)

Tell us about your workspace and how you make it your own!

I love my workspace. It’s the only place in the house which is entirely mine. I have pictures of puffins on the wall in front of me and a picture of a white-washed shed with hens pecking around. I like to think I’ll have a workshop like this one day, although having hens around my feet when I am trying to create beautiful jewellery might not be a good idea in reality!

I have tons of gemstones, carefully stored away and organised in drawers but my work bench is normally a completely chaotic, wonderfully creative mess!

"My husband and I have six fantastic children between us (yes, I did say six!). I also work in a book shop as well as creating jewellery for The Sea Tree Company so life is vibrant and busy..."

Favourite Spot in Cornwall and why?

Cornwall is a very special place and is very much a part of me. I am not a fan of crowds and would much rather be somewhere enjoying the sea breeze and fresh air alone or with my family and a few friends. So I love Cornwall especially out of season; when it is blowing a gale, or pouring down making my Cornish pasty go soggy.

I love the turquoise seas in the summer but won’t be sitting between the sun umbrellas, dodging frizbees. My husband found a place a few summers ago. He scanned the coastline for unknown coves, he’s a brilliant map reader. We had to climb down a steep rock face but ended up on this beautiful, white sandy cove with crystal clear waters. It really was paradise. I would let you in on the secret but I honestly don’t know where it was. I guess I should start learning to map read!

How do you find the balance of creating jewellery part time?

My husband and I have six fantastic children between us (yes, I did say six!).

I also work in a book shop as well as creating jewellery for The Sea Tree Company so life is vibrant and busy. I have to work hard to balance my life and deliver well for all but although you might find me a little tired at times I love it and really wouldn’t have it any other way.

In fact when the children have grown you will most probably find me up numerous hills and mountains, exploring beaches and the coast lines with my husband who like me can’t sit still either!

Top 3 favourite Kernowcraft supplies and why?

Well apart from your wide range of authentic and high-quality gemstones. I love your sterling silver charms and findings and also the different coloured hemp cord you sell - I use this to tie the Gemstone Meaning Cards to the jewellery ready to be sent off to their new homes!

Follow Olivia & The Sea Tree Company

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

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What Our Customers Say...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.