Design Diaries

Same Hands, Different Material: What Tattooing Taught Me About Making Jewellery

I’ve had a tattoo gun in my hand for nearly twenty years. When people find out I also make fine jewellery, the reaction is always the same — a pause, a raised eyebrow. Here’s why the switch made co...

The Man Lost at Sea Who Inspired Everything — The Story Behind The Illustrated Jeweller

The true story of Albert Self — a Royal Navy caulker lost at sea on Christmas Day 1885 — and how uncovering his story from an old family suitcase became the inspiration behind The Illustrated Jewel...

Good, Fast, Cheap. Why You Can Only Ever Have Two — In Tattooing and in Jewellery

I learned this lesson behind a tattoo needle long before I ever picked up a jeweller’s tool. The rule is the same in both worlds — and ignoring it always costs someone something.

Why Being an Independent Jeweller in Brighton Matters

There is a version of this story where I ended up in London. Here is why Brighton was always the right choice, and what that means for every piece that leaves this studio.

What “Ethical” Actually Means in Jewellery — And Why We Don’t Use That Word

Everyone in jewellery claims to be ethical. But what does the word actually mean — and how do you know who to believe? Here is our honest answer.

How to Choose a Gemstone: The Four Things You Must Know Before Saying Yes

Choosing the right gemstone goes deeper than colour. Here are the four questions every buyer should ask and why most people skip the most important one.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What Nobody Tells You Before You Buy

Lab-grown or natural diamond — which is right for you? We cut through the marketing noise and give you the honest answers on price, value, and what nobody in the industry wants to say out loud.

Alan Carr’s 50th Birthday Peacock Brooch | The Illustrated Jeweller

Inside the design of Alan Carr’s bespoke 50th birthday peacock brooch, handcrafted in Brighton with labradorite, moonstone, and a riot of jewel-toned stones built to catch every eye in the room.

The Earrings Amanda Holden — Not a paid partnership. Just someone sharing something they love

Amanda Holden spotted a pair of handcrafted earrings by Brighton jeweller James Robinson through an interior design connection — and liked them so much she shared them unprompted with her millions ...

The 18ct Gold Rubellite Pendant I Gemma Bolt commission

Brighton jeweller James Robinson made a bespoke 18ct solid gold hanging pendant for Gemma Bolt, centred around a hand-selected rubellite tourmaline chosen specifically to suit her personality and s...