The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

From threading buttons onto string to make necklaces and bracelets at the age of ten to creating award-winning jewellery collections, Lucy Quartermaine shows Cristina Lloyd that persistence, patience and determination can help your dreams come true . bitejewellery its impressive pieces is the Art Deco Cuff and Stud with Chain, hallmarked in the UK, with rhodium overlay to prevent tar- nishing and increase shine, lustre and durability. Waterfall is designed around a fluid drop of silver chains that draw inspiration from the flowing movement of our countries’ waterfalls. This wonderfully original award-winning jewellery collection has a traditional yet elegant feel that’s perfect for en- hancing evening wear or smart outfits. The Waterfall Armour Ring is available in three ring sizes, has two hinges for full mo- bility and is open on the back for size adjustments. Another exquisite piece is Waterfall Necklace with a secure trigger clasp. Another award-winning collection, Splash & Mini Splash also draws inspiration from the natural fluidity of water and the el- egant movements that ripple from a new splash. It embraces strong curves and design features to give the wearer a unique style, such as the Armour Ring with the hinge in the centre, the Splash Slider Bracelet with a slider toggle to fit all wrist siz- es, and Mini Splash Pendant with an 18-inch long removable chain and a secure trigger clasp. Elements give the wearer’s style an elemental feel and excep- tional aura with an original sterling silver jewellery collection from Lucy Quartermaine. This collection consists of pieces such as the Hand Chain which is subtle and style-able with different looks, the Full Armour Ring in one size that fits all with full adjustability and three hinges for full mobility, Air Full Ring, a cocktail ring available in four sizes, and Swirl Stud Earrings with post and butterfly fastenings. Diamond Drop is an ode to Lucy’s iconic Drop collection in- spired by the treasure within a piece of jewellery that captures true feelings of joy, sadness and remembrance. Designed in flush handset diamonds, the collection consists of exquisite earrings, long studs, necklaces, pendants and rings. The latest collection Melody is reminiscent of the sound of music in piec- es such as Double Key Ring, Key Bracelet, Large Key Necklace, Wind Chime Earrings, Fan Key Pendant and Key Studs. Fashion to the jewellery designer means expressing yourself through style and personality. “I respect people who dress uniquely, as to me; it says they are not afraid of being different.” She describes the fashion in Chester as a variable. “It’s quite refreshing when I see someone expressing themselves in their style walking through town. I truly believe that fashion and style are about showing yourself as an individual.” In Lucy’s experience, being a jewellery designer allows her to see others express themselves through her designs. “My mis- sion was always to create a jewellery brand to fill a gap in the market.” When she launched her brand, she redesigned her original button jewellery with sterling silver buttons. It pleases her when she sees someone wearing her jewellery and looking vibrant with it. “It gives me a warm feeling knowing that they have chosen my design as part of their fashion statement.” When describing her design signature, Lucy said she loves everything organic and fluid. Her vocation gives her the free- dom to express her ideas and creativity. “I am best known for my Molten Drop designs, giving the impression that you are dripping in silver.” She stressed that quality is vital in jewel- lery design and manufacture. “I design jewellery for women to wear forever and pass down, so it is vital that every piece we make must stand the test of time.” She revealed a lot of her inspiration comes from huge fash- ion designers such as Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. “On top of that, I have a huge love for [Scottish architect, designer, watercolourist and artist] Charles Rennie Mackintosh who established himself in the early 1900s.” The celebrity she would most love to design a jewellery piece for is Lady Gaga. “I find her attitude toward fashion so brave and inspiring.” The time it takes to construct a jewellery piece depends on the design, as each one varies. Lucy designs everything on her iPad which is convenient as she can take it everywhere and doo- dle her ideas when she is inspired. Fashion shoots are planned months in advance: “Once the designs and samples have been signed off, we can start to visualise the new collection and get started on a shot list.” This list guides the team and ensures they have captured the looks needed to launch and bring the collection to life. Lucy’s vision of one day becoming a jewellery designer is her main accomplishment. “I am truly honoured to have won over 30 fabulous awards. Having my jewellery stocked in independ- ent retailers, as well as Ernest Jones, has been a dream come true.” She loves the passion and vibrancy of red which stands out like her jewellery designs and exudes luxury. Her favour- ite materials to work with are silver and gold which she finds amazing and every jewellery piece she makes with these mate- rials last a lifetime. To aspiring jewellery designers, Lucy would advise them to “be ambitious and show passion, and you will succeed.” Her goals are to launch at least two new jewellery collections every season. Celebrities who have been captured wearing her jewel- lery include singer Twinnie-Lee Moore, sports presenter Alex Scott, singer and television personality Alesha Dixon, model and television personality Sophie Anderton, sports and ra- dio presenter Clare Balding, and television presenter Louise Minchin. Lucy Quartermaine jewellery is available at participating re- tailers such as Ernest Jones, De Paul, William Walter, Robert Harris, Worths of London and Harrisons Jewellers. www.lucyqdesigns.co.uk