Journey Bangle -Limited Edition
Part of the Original Journey Collection, this is the open bangle which is a heavier weight of silver. I've left it with an open section which allows you to make a minor adjustment by either gently pulling apart or pushing together. Limited Edition.
As a mother of four beautiful children, I cherish the profound privilege of nurturing them, guiding them to flourish, and discovering their passions. My steadfast encouragement to them is rooted in the belief that they should fearlessly explore their true loves, never shying away from negativity, judgment, or rejection. Instead, they should embrace these experiences as valuable lessons, shaping them into better serving the needs of others and for the greater good of our fragile world.
My journey began with a traditional corporate career that spanned my twenties. However, the desire for greater challenges and authentic self-expression beckoned in my thirties, forties, and beyond. An innate longing to create, collaborate through partnerships, and explore my creative aspirations spurred me to bid adieu to the world of suits and boardroom meetings. In 2010, I took a leggy leap and established my own team of talented jewellers, setters and polishers, setting up a workshop where my true passions could come to life.
How did I get here? During my teenage years, I found myself drawn to the intricate handmade tools that adorned my father's workshop. Each tool, meticulously crafted by his own hands for specific tasks, held a fascination for me that surpassed even the work itself.
My father, recognised as one of the world's finest craftsmen, embarked on his journey as an apprentice action filer back in the 1950s aged just 15 with James Purdey & Sons, a renowned establishment nestled today in South Audley Street, Mayfair, London. In the 1980s, after a 3 year stint living in Germany and further years working for Hartmann & Weiss from Hamburg he took the bold step of establishing his eponymous brand, crafting bespoke shotguns and double rifles for discerning collectors among the high net worth elite across the world.
Our family home in leafy Buckinghamshire hosted his workshop for many years, where I was first introduced to the world of precision tools and the artistry of metals. Peter Nelson, affectionately known in the fine gun industry as 'Mr. Perfection,' earned this title rightfully. His exceptional shotguns and double rifles, each a labour of love, demand approximately 800 hours of meticulous handwork to complete.
Though Peter has since retired, his passion for perfection remains undiminished. He now focuses on quality control and doesn't shy away from expressing his "strong" opinions, particularly here at Claudia Sylvester London™. If you're curious to delve deeper into his remarkable career, I encourage you to explore his engaging Facebook Page under the name PV Nelson Gunmaker, where he shares captivating pictures and anecdotes from his journey (mostly in the evenings at the kitchen table much to my Mother's dismay).
During my youth, I dabbled in crafting solid silver cufflinks, belt buckles (as pictured below, with my father's watchful and encouraging guidance), and jewellery. I fashioned these creations from raw materials I unearthed within the fascinating drawers of my father's traditional workshop. With diligence and carefully learned skill, I transformed these materials into wearable pieces, which I proudly offered to his well known clients as my initial foray into 'bespoke designs.'
My father, observing my growing talent, became accustomed to allowing me to join client showcases with his esteemed clientele to display (and ultimately sell) the unique pieces I had crafted. The thrill of having well-known collectors admire my designs fuelled my determination and laid the foundation for my own workshop and brand one day.
This journey led me down a path where I could establish my creative sanctuary, dedicated to crafting exquisite jewellery that marries artistry and craftsmanship in every piece.
After my Education in a venerable, traditional girls' boarding school located in Buckinghamshire, an experience that often felt reminiscent of St. Trinian's with its wooden lacrosse sticks and antiquated Greek & Literature teachers who didn't mind lighting up in class, I delved into the corporate world as a young intern without hesitation.
I began my journey as an IT Headhunter, exclusively serving clients such as Microsoft and Symantec for a rewarding three-year stint. I earnt the title of the youngest IT recruiter for two years straight. Following this, I transitioned into the role of Head of Marketing at Softcat PLC, a prominent IT company specialising in Software Licensing, where I dedicated a further five years of my career to making impactful commercial contributions.
If you're curious about the full trajectory of my professional journey, you can explore my career timeline on LinkedIn for a more comprehensive view and read the kind references from clients and colleagues.
Upon my return to London, I signed a contract with the esteemed model agency IMG, formerly Lorraine Ashton. This marked the beginning of another exciting chapter in my career. I had the privilege of gracing the runways along with Naomi Campbell for iconic fashion houses like Vivienne Westwood and Anna Sui during London Fashion Week. There may have been a famous fall off very high platforms during one of the shows.
Collaborating with the designers I had long admired was a dream come true.
The 1990s in London, particularly in the fashion industry, was an enchanting era for a young professional like me. It was a time when the city buzzed with creativity and opportunity. I had the pleasure of crossing paths with an array of captivating characters, talented artists, and visionary designers, many than remain friends today. These encounters provided me with an abundance of creative inspiration, shaping my journey in profound ways.
Maintaining my passion for design, I decided to take a leap and transitioned from the world of modelling to television presenting. I joined the Home Shopping Channel QVC, which had recently made its debut in the UK. Little did I know how much I would come to adore the electrifying world of live TV.
(Below is me hosting the Gold Month show with my celebrity guest Uri Geller)
Over the course of the next 17 years, I found immense joy in my role. The dynamic nature of live broadcasting, where I interviewed celebrity guests and simultaneously promoted their products, was an exhilarating experience.
I relished the lively banter and constant communication with the director and producer via my earpiece while engaging with the audience in real-time. It was a thrilling journey that left an indelible mark on my career.
I'm currently engaged in collaborative ventures aimed at expanding our Home Lifestyle offerings, which encompass luxury soft furnishings, bedding, lighting, candles, and home fragrances. My vision is to envelop everyone in a cocoon of opulence within their cherished living spaces. My passion for interior design drives me to collaborate with other designers to create luxurious home interiors while continually enhancing our product range.
I take immense pride in having my own Designer's British Hallmark, a distinction earned over the past decade. This hallmark is officially registered at the renowned Goldsmith's Company Assay Office in Hatton Garden, London. It is meticulously applied during the assaying process for all bespoke jewellery, adding an extra layer of detail and uniqueness to each of my creations.
I'm currently engaged in collaborative ventures aimed at expanding our Home Lifestyle offerings, which encompass luxury interiors, bedding, lighting, candles, interior design consultations, luxury home developments and investments in prime real estate. My vision is to envelop everyone in a cocoon of opulence within their cherished living spaces. My passion for interior design drives me to collaborate with other designers, developers and brands to create luxurious homes and interiors while continually enhancing our own product range.
I take immense pride in having my own Designer's British Hallmark, a distinction earned over the past decade. This hallmark is officially registered at the renowned Goldsmith's Company Assay Office in Hatton Garden, London. It is meticulously applied during the assaying process for all bespoke jewellery, adding an extra layer of detail and uniqueness to each of my creations.
(The photo below is of our youngest on the day my Jewellery Hallmark was accepted at the Goldsmiths Assay Office and I also became a member of the British Jewellers Association as a Designer Member.)
