Birmingham-Based Company Revolutionises Jewellery Buying Experience While Challenging the Norms of Male-Dominated Industry.
With its intricate craftsmanship and dazzling creations, the jewellery sector has traditionally been dominated by men, relegating women’s creative contributions to the shadows. From master jewellers to gemologists and designers, men have historically held the reins of influence, shaping the industry’s aesthetics and narratives. However, more female-led jewellery brands have resurged recently, leading to a change in the industry. One of them is a Birmingham-based brand Co-Creative Jewellers, founded by Anne Edwards, who is redefining how custom jewellery is purchased and created while giving space for more female jewelers to share their creative vision.
“Co-Creative Jewellers is more than just a brand; it’s a movement,” says Edwards, the driving force behind this remarkable venture. “We wanted to create a space where women’s talents and leadership are celebrated and where every piece of jewellery tells a story of empowerment. At the same time, it’s important for us to give the customers an unprecedented customised jewellery buying experience, providing them with easy processes to envision and order the perfect bespoke piece.”
Having earned an MA in jewellery design and having dedicated multiple years to honing her craft as a jeweller repairer and stone setter within the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, Anne became a firsthand observer of the many flaws within the existing jewellery industry, an industry further marred by the disruptive waves of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
“During recent years, we’ve seen a powerful shift into the online space, from the way we work to how we shop. However, once the Covid-19 pandemic started, I saw how much the jewellery industry was lacking innovation. This lack of creation was impacting the customer experience, especially with bespoke pieces. When ordering bespoke jewellery, it’s important to be able to see how the certain metal will look on your skin, or if a particular shape of a stone will look attractive on your hand. So far, this has only been possible by going in person to brick-and-mortar stores. However, now customers can have this type of experience virtually and at home thanks to our unique Ring Design Packages that will revolutionise the way we buy and design bespoke jewellery, while making it more accessible. I am thrilled to present them to the public later this September,” – continues Anne.
Co-Creative Jewellers is more than just beautiful jewellery – it’s a platform for change. Through collaborations and commissions, the brand is actively nurturing the next generation of jewellers, especially supporting young female professionals. By sharing their experiences and expertise, the Co-Creative Jewellers are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse jewellery industry.
“We believe that collaboration and empowerment are the cornerstones of success,” adds Anne Edwards. “Entering the jewellery industry can be a rocky path, so one of the goals of Co-Creative Jewellers is to inspire young jewellers, and especially young women to believe in their creative potential and pursue their dreams, regardless of industry norms.”
Located in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, Co-Creative Jewellers’ official opening is coming in late September, when they will launch their revolutionary custom jewellery concepts and ready-to-wear collection both online and in-store.