In Conversation With Founder Emily Mortimer Jewellery

Can you tell us the story of where Emily Mortimer Jewellery began?

Throughout my life I have always been a total magpie and after a jewellery degree, a gemmology course and working for other amazing jewellers I knew I had to take a risk and so I started EM in September 2015.

What led to you to India to begin your journey with jewellery making?

I actually went to stay with some friends who had moved out there and we had the most incredible two weeks travelling around, seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time and then I found my workshop and the rest was history.

Where did the unique designs of your jewellery come from?

I am totally inspired by different colours, shapes and being outside whether that is by the sea or on a walk or at my family farm. Nothing I design is overdesigned, it is all very clean cut and the gemstones I think speak for themselves.

How do you choose the materials, gemstones and designs of your jewellery collections? What colours work best?

I love colour but often at the moment my customers are choosing White Topaz and Diamonds over something bright. However, everyone is totally in love with my Chrysoprase pieces which are just the most incredible vivid green colour. My workshop in India source the best stones and materials for me and after nine years of working together we know what works and what doesn’t.

Who is the most inspirational person you have spotted wearing your pieces?

I have been so lucky to have some absolutely incredible people wear my jewellery but it was a huge honour to see HRH The Princess of Wales wearing a pair of my Hera earrings, it goes without saying that she is a huge inspiration to all women.

Have you any exciting launches planned in the coming months?

Yes, my new collection launches in November just in time for Christmas and I am so excited about it. It is a gorgeous combination of gypsy star set stones, textured metal and sparkling gemstones. Now I just need a name!

Name three things you believe jewellery should embody.

Jewellery should be bold; make you feel empowered but also be playful. My outfit is never complete until I have added jewellery.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I hope to always continue designing jewellery whether that is bespoke or pieces for every day. There is nothing quite like the feeling of creating jewellery for people that you love.

Do you have a special scent memory? As we know, fragrance has the power to emerge us in an instant, and our sense of smell is the most powerful of all our senses, closely linked to memory and mood. Is there a special scent that connects you to a place or to a person?

Growing up by the coast in Suffolk nothing beats the feeling of total calmness that I get from the smell and the feel of the sea air. If you could bottle it, I would!