Jewel nationality: Scots designers on how their gems of an idea have become best-sellers around the world
Jewellery designers on leaving their jobs to take the plunge with their own businesses – and reaping the rewards
When superstar Katy Perry posted a selfie on Instagram recently she remained instantly recognisable despite her face mask.
But jewellery designer Ros Morrison had no trouble recognising her anyway as she spotted the pop star was wearing one of her designs.
She had sent the pregnant singer the £45 necklace spelling out “Baby On Board” and she says that seeing her showing off the pendant to her 103 million followers was a real thrill. Ros who created the necklaces in her Sweet Rosie workshop in Torrance, is just one of many Scots jewellery designers making waves around the world.
She said: “My name pendants are some of my best sellers but instead of ‘Katie’ she went for something quirky because I think she’s quite quirky,” explained Ros. “That’s why she went for Baby On Board.
“She not only wore it in her post but she tagged me and thanked me personally. It was amazing, I got a lot of new followers from America and lots of orders for the pendant. I know she’s just a person but it was really exciting.”
But Ros isn’t the only jewellery maker to boast celeb fans. Mhairi Mackenzie, owner of Bonnie Bling is based in Paisley, and last Christmas one of her designs proved a hit with pop hero Lewis Capaldi.
“We’ve had a lot of celebrity clients and a lot of interest in our pieces thanks to them,” she said. “Little Mix, Lana Del Ray, Laura Whitmore, and Lewis Capaldi have all been pictured with Bonnie Bling pieces,” she said.
“Sir Elton John was given a custom made sunglasses necklace. One of my proudest possessions is a photograph of him with it. I made some Lewis Capaldi angel Christmas tree toppers at the end of 2019 – that was my biggest seller. I spent most of last December laser-cutting them. There’s a video of him receiving one, it’s great to see.”