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the word about ethical gold. They were incredibly enthusiastic about doing it as they had struggled to find high-profile brands to embrace the work at the early stages and felt they would benefit hugely by using us to experience the work achieved so far.


In January 2011 I visited Peru with my brother. He’s a goldsmith too so we were both very excited about going to the source of a material we know so well. We went to see for ourselves what life was like for a Peruvian artisanal miner and it was an incredible experience. The people who migrate to these mines earn just two dollars a day, yet they’re mining gold, which at the time was going for $1,600 an ounce. There were moments on that trip that were very emotional.


We actually made a film about it which you can see on youtube: tinyurl.com/c96owlm It will give you a good understanding of the difference that Fairtrade certification will make to small scale and artisanal mining communities, as well as tracing the origin of this precious metal.


The people who migrate to these mines earn just two dollars a day, yet they’re mining gold, which at the time was going for $1,600 an ounce.


I’ve become a spokesman for Fairtrade and we intend to grow the volume of business using Fairtrade gold and one day I want the gold we sell to be 100% Fairtrade. But it is going to take some years to really raise the awareness of Fairtrade gold to the levels of awareness that Fairtrade produce such as bananas and chocolates has with the general public.


I thought it made no sense to design a specific collection in order to separate the ethical gold and the normally sourced gold so why not offer the first supplies to couples getting engaged or married as an alternative? Our Fairtrade gold rings became available in Spring 2011 as part of my first Engagement and Wedding Ring Collection. And, even though the cost to us for the gold is over 10% higher we will be absorbing it because we don’t want price to be the reason for people not to choose a more responsible product.


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What really inspires you? Simply the materials themselves. If I’m still getting excited about a gem it will instantly translate into a collection. I travel extensively to find inspiration and rare stones for each new collection.


All of my work is a reflection of my personality and I am fortunate that I have pursued topics and inspirations from my life’s experiences and translated them into our many collections.


Music is another strong influence. I had my Bowie period, then that developed into punk music.


I’ve always taken inspiration from so many great jewellery designers and traditions. I try to take traditional themes and put a modern spin on them.


What inspired your Autumn/ Winter 2012 fine jewellery collection ‘Forget me Knot’? It started with barbed wire. People liked that! They thought it was ‘edgy’. ‘Forget me Knot’ is the perfect combination of delicacy and refinement and the perception of danger from tiny barbed set studs through to glamorous weaves and cascades of diamond ribbons.


You seem to have seen it all and done it all. Is there anything left? Right now, in the UK, it’s very, very difficult. The economies of Europe are not in good shape so my clients tend to be international.


Our boutique in LA has a gallery and bar on the second floor and although I’ve been interested in art ever since I went


to art school, I only started to collect it about ten years ago. Since its opening our venue is often described as ‘being a really cool place in Beverly Hills’ and ideal for hosting art exhibitions for around 400 guests. It’s a place to share the things I enjoy, with jewellery on the ground floor and a gallery upstairs. It’s very exciting! So yeah there’s lots to do that excites me.


Cliched question coming up! If they made a movie of your life, who would play you and why? Michael Caine. He’s a Londoner. He’d do a good job!


Can you describe your jewellery in one word? Two words: attention-seeking!


Has your jewellery featured in any well- known movies? Costume designer and stylist Trish Summerville chose to style character ‘Lisbeth Salander’ with a selection of my jewellery for ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. I’ve actually read the trilogy myself so I was delighted to be approached.


Do you have a football team? Since coming back to London I’ve supported QPR. I’ve even got a season ticket.


What piece of music most describes you? It would have to be David Bowie or Roxy Music. Probably ‘Life on Mars’.


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