Lauren Grace’s Design Story
London based jeweller Lauren Grace creates beautiful, stylish and often playful designs. Using traditional tools and techniques, each piece of jewellery is designed and created by hand in Lauren’s studio, using recycled precious metals wherever possible and ethically sourced gemstones. Lauren’s jewellery is inspired by childhood memories, art and decorative pattern and she creates jewellery for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship with a quirky edge. We caught up with Lauren to find out more about her jewellery and inspirations.
If you weren’t a designer-maker, what would you be right now?
As a child I alternated between wanting to be a fighter pilot and a lawyer. I suspect lawyer is the more realistic option!
When did you realise you wanted to be a designer?
I’ve always been creative, but it was a jewellery class run by our woodwork teacher in the sixth form that made me realise that working with metal was my thing.
Describe your work in three words.
Playful, timeless, ethical.
Are there any other designers whose work you admire, and why?
So many! Jewellery by Jenny Llewellyn (I love her unique style and use of coloured silicone), furniture and woodwork by Gavin Coyle (beautiful craftsmanship and wonderful bespoke designs), photography by Steve Brown (wonderful combination of lighting expertise and post-production technique), and ceramics by Abalon Star (I love the delicate porcelain with gold detail).
What do you do in your free time?
On my rare days off, I enjoy photography and hanging out with my cats. Yoga and running get me away from the workbench and keep me sane.
What’s one thing you like to do everyday without fail?
I like to get some fresh air by commuting to the studio and running errands on my bicycle. Well, as fresh as the air gets in London anyway!
What brings you the greatest satisfaction?
Finishing a bespoke piece for a client and having them tell me I totally nailed the brief and they love it.
What’s the best advice you have been given?
If you want to be good at something you need to practice it. That or life is too short to stuff a vegetable. Both pieces of advice have been equally useful during my life!
What’s the best gift you have ever received?
For my 18th birthday, my friend Kate gave me a photo album that she had made with photos of me, my family and friends from throughout my life. She had been through all my baby and school photos with my mum and written little notes about each one. My mum also recently made me an album of childhood photographs for my 40th birthday and I love them both!
What is your favourite quote?
Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together͟ – Elizabeth Taylor
What is in your bucket list?
Conquering my fear of flying (and giant spiders) enough to get on a plane to Australia. I have family there so would love to visit.
What is the best piece you have bought and from whom?
Whilst I don’t often have the chance to buy lovely things (all of my money goes on jewellery tools and sparkly gemstones!) my favourite is a glass pendant light which hangs in my hallway. I bought it from a designer that exhibited at Handmade Chelsea a few years back but can’t remember their name!