MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT
EMILY MORTIMER HENDRY, 31, founded her eponymous jewellery company in 2015. She lives with her husband Jonny.
I’VE LOVED all things gemstone for as long as I can remember; the colours, the shapes. As a child, I’d buy so much, my parents gave me a figurine jewellery stand as big as me for my birthday, and I’d chuck everything on it.
I grew up on a farm, so maybe this was my way of looking for more glamour. But I never thought it could be a career until I did an art foundation course, which led to a jewellery degree in London.
It was there, at a ball, that I met my husband, who was training to be an army officer.
After graduating, I worked for jeweller Kiki McDonough for five years. I loved it, but I didn’t see myself working for someone else for ever.
Then, in 2014, Jonny proposed with an exquisite diamond ring that had belonged to his greatgrandmother, an Indian princess.
I was so struck by the intricacy of it that I knew I had to start my own brand. But it was not until April 2015 that I worked out how to make it a reality. Jonny and I were visiting friends in Mumbai, who suggested I visit a local jewellery workshop.
It was incredible: I got to see everyone at work, designing, cutting and setting the stones. Later, I remember my husband saying: ‘I finally understand what you do and why you enjoy it.’
This was my lightbulb moment. I fell in love with India: it is the most vibrant, colourful place I’ve ever been to. I wanted to channel this spirit into a range of high-quality yet affordable luxury jewellery — a mix of silver and gold pieces, with fabulous semi-precious and precious stones.
I found a team of craftsmen who could make what I needed. Three months later, I launched Emily Mortimer Jewellery.
Today, we make rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks and candles as well as bespoke jewellery.
I love what I do, especially seeing people wearing my jewellery. When Meghan Markle wore our white topaz gold earrings on the royal visit to New Zealand last October, I felt honoured — that was my life made!