10 QUESTIONS WITH EMMA CLARKSON WEBB, LONDON JEWELLERY DESIGNER
1.) Good morning Emma, welcome to The London Musings! How long have you been designing beautiful, handcrafted jewellery for?
I have been designing jewellery for nine years but I launched my eponymous brand – Emma Clarkson-Webb Bespoke in 2014. My first commission was an engagement ring for my twin sister and it was from here that Emma Clarkson Webb Bespoke was born.
2.) Where do you source your stones and where is your jewellery made?
We source our stones from all over the world depending on the client’s budget and what works with their specific design. I am a certified GIA gemmologist and have a wide global network of diamond and gemstone dealers – from Asia to Antwerp – which means I can achieve extremely competitive prices on stones and ensure that each stone is responsibly sourced. All of our designs are beautifully handcrafted in our workshop in Hatton Garden by our amazing team of craftsmen – all of whom have over thirty years in the trade and are experts in their specific craft; be it mounting, setting or polishing.
3.) Where do you find inspiration for new collections and individual pieces?
I don’t create collections but design to suit each specific client and their aspirations. My inspiration comes from extracting information from them – which is a crucial part of my job as part jewellery designer, part detective!!
4.) Can you describe the process of the bespoke jewellery service you offer?
I want my clients to be as involved as possible during every step of the design process: at the initial consultation I work with them to decide on the style and setting of their design, in line with their personal vision and budget. I think there is a real misconception that having a piece of bespoke jewellery made is prohibitively expensive but the reality is that it is far cheaper than buying something direct from a Bond Street jeweller. I love incorporating special details into each design: be it a meaningful birthstone, a personal motif or a hidden message hand-engraved in the client’s handwriting. Having a bespoke engagement ring made is symbolic of a very personal milestone and I want to make the experience as special as possible: I’m essentially helping my clients create a future heirloom; something that will be treasured and hopefully handed on from generation to generation.
I try and make the process to be as educational as possible and I ensure that my clients are able to be as involved as possible in the stone selection process: I am a gemmologist so it is really important to me that my clients understand the diamond grading process, and why a certain stone might differ in value to another stone. Once a stone has been selected I will share a hand-drawn technical sketch, which (following approval) will go to my Hatton Garden workshop to be brought to life. I make sure that my clients are kept up to date with each part of the bespoke process: they are able to come and see the progress of their commission at my workshop which is a service that I love being able to offer.
A bespoke commission takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete and, after completion, I provide each client with an insurance valuation and GIA diamond certificate. Finally, I offer a pretty comprehensive aftercare service which includes cleaning, polishing and resetting: I love it when my clients bring in an ECW piece to be serviced; it’s like seeing an old friend.
5.) How does global travel benefit your creative process?
My travels bring a certain colour and depth to my designs and are obviously integral to the stone-sourcing process. I spent some time in Hong Kong where I worked as a bespoke jewellery designer specialising in diamonds so I have a strong network of stone-dealers in Asia.
6.) I love your cocktail rings (Sharon is my favourite). Can you tell us a little about these bold, statement pieces?
Sharon was born out of inherited, unworn jewels and is designed to be worn as three separate pieces or stacked as a statement. The centre piece held round brilliant cut diamond from her unworn engagement ring which we remounted, with the jacket holding pink sapphires to represent Sharon’s love of colour. She wanted to make a statement and this piece certainly does that.
7.) Where can we buy Emma Clarkson Webb jewellery?
Contact me for bespoke enquiries on email - emma@emmacwebb.com
8.) Jewellery can be incredibly personal and sentimental. Do you own any jewellery pieces that you hold particularly close to your heart?
Yes, my engagement ring is incredibly special to me. Given to me by my husband, it was his late mother’s and I will forever treasure it. It’s a beautiful Ceylon sapphire set with old mine cut cushion cut diamonds either side in a chunky yellow gold Etruscan design.
9.) How would you describe Emma Clarkson Webb jewellery in just 3 words?
Timeless, elegant, personal.
10.) When you're not busy working, where can you be found?
With my baby – Billy.
To find out more and to shop Emma’s collections, please visit www.emmacwebb.com
