Hampstead Hive Member Spotlight - Charlotte Leigh
Tell us about your business, what services do you offer?
I am an Engagement Ring Specialist & Fine Jewellery designer and I create bespoke fine jewellery pieces either from scratch or I remodel heirlooms. By utilising modern technology such as 3D design (CAD) and 3D printing, my clients can see and try on their jewellery pieces before committing to a design. Once a design is finalised, the pieces are made in a Hatton Garden workshop by the best industry craftsman, who also service jewellery houses such as Boodles, Faberge and De Beers.
What is your greatest business achievement so far?
Creating jewellery for various celebrities such as Kelly Brook (who wore one of my pieces on the front cover of a magazine), Colleen Rooney, Maeva Dascanio (who wore a piece during the last season of Made in Chelsea), Jessica Wright, Helen Flanigan, Kate Hutchins, Zoe Hardman and Ashley James to name a few.
I am also very proud to become a Royal Jewellery Advisor to The Express Newspaper and have been featured in several articles providing insights into the Royal jewellery collections and their historic significance.
What do you want to achieve next?
I speak to people daily who want to remodel their engagement rings. So, I am starting a “Ring-volution” to stop people proposing with rings and move into a new era where we propose with diamonds instead, so the receiver can create the ring of their dreams. I want to become the lady that everyone thinks of when they think about bespoke jewellery/engagement rings.
What one piece of advice would you like to offer someone thinking of entering into your field?
I studied jewellery design and diamonds for years before taking the plunge and making pieces. I started by designing jewellery for friends and family. This firsthand learning was far more valuable than all the courses I undertook. Also, you cannot be a jewellery designer or create CAD designs without understanding what happens behind the bench, so I spent time in workshops watching goldsmiths creating pieces of jewellery.
What is your favourite aspect about working in the local area?
I love collaborating with clients in the Hampstead area as they really understand what I am trying to do and appreciate the time, care, and attention that I put into designing pieces. I often receive recommendations via of word of mouth from the Hampstead community and it is not only amazing for my business, but it is a testament to the relationship I have built up with the wonderful women of Hampstead and what lovely people they are.
What encouraged you to join Hampstead Hive and what has your experience within the Hive been like so far?
Joining the Hampstead Hive was a natural step for me as I was already working with so many clients in the area. Being able to discuss the business and brainstorm with the Hampstead Hive ladies has been invaluable and I have been able to get more visibility for business. I have even worked with several Hive members making jewellery pieces for them!