We recently spoke to Sara Lois, a jeweller based in North Wales that has recently turned her attention to the wedding industry. Read on to see what it’s like being a wedding supplier in North Wales.
Tell us a bit about yourself and the services you provide.
I am a multi-award winning Welsh Jeweller based on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. I create bespoke, contemporary jewellery, with a focus on engagement and wedding rings.
Having graduated from a Product Design degree, I take a digital approach to the design process - Promoting true traditional jewellery craftsmanship and skill in combination with modern techniques such as Computer Aided Design and 3D printing.
With a purposeful disregard for trends, my items are contemporary, simple, understated and timeless in design. My work is defined by clean lines and an ethos of less is more. Each item is designed and hand finished from the finest quality precious metals and gemstones by myself, making every item that leaves my workshop unique to the wearer. I aim to grab the attention of those looking for something that little bit out of the ordinary - That element of bespoke which expresses perfectly an individual style or celebrates a special event or memory.
The upmost care is put into the making of each item to ensure high quality, remembering that the value is not entirely in the materials but also in the history and story the item represents.
When did you start your business?
I started creating day to day silver jewellery in 2012 however shifted focus towards the wedding industry a couple of years ago.
What inspired you to start your business?
With a degree in Product Design and a Masters in Business, setting up a design and manufacturing business was inevitable. Jewellery is my passion!
Having gained experience working in jewellery design and manufacturing companies in Cardiff, Swansea, Worcester and The Cotswolds I had built up a wealth of knowledge and skill. Knowing that this kind of digital bespoke service was limited in North Wales in comparison to larger cities brought me back home.
What are the benefits for couples in using your services?
By commissioning me to create your wedding rings couples would be receiving items that are truly one of a kind, made bespoke from scratch for them.
No other person in the whole world will have even tried your rings on! That's something you can't say if you purchase from a generic high street retailer.
As everything is created bespoke you can tweak the design to be exactly what you're after. Want the ring to be a certain width? Want a specific colour gemstone? Want personalised engraving? No problem!
What are some of your favourite gems and materials to use?
I have to say platinum is my favourite metal to work with, it is considered the top metal to go for and has a nice weight and a natural bright colour to it. I love when a client asks to design something a little out of the ordinary, for example wants a coloured gemstones rather than a diamond as their central engagement ring gemstone. I do have a bit of a soft spot for blue/green coloured gemstones such as sapphires or tourmalines. I'm very keen this year to research more into the availability of recycled metals and ethical gemstones.
What are the best things about the wedding industry in North Wales?
The wedding industry in North Wales is great! Everyone is so friendly and knows each other, it's like a little community. I've been lucky enough to be asked by other suppliers to participate in joint photo shoots which has been a great opportunity to collaborate with others.
You can find Sara on:
Her Website - https://www.saralois.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/saraloisjewellery/
Instagram - @saraloisjewellery
