Introducing Lucy Crowther, Jewellery Designer and Founder of Minka Jewels
Lucy Crowther
Meet Lucy, founder of London-based luxury jewellery brand Minka Jewels.
Lucy’s background of working with well-known creatives such as Mario Testino, Mary Fellowes, Sebastian Kaufmann, Georgina Graham and Madeline Weinrib influenced her own creative direction, and she developed an eye for colour and design. Working with the late Munnu Kasliwal in New York City and at the Gem Palace in Jaipur, India, Lucy developed her design skills further.
Here she shares her tips and insights on studying her craft, learning from the best, her penchant for walks and where she finds inspiration.
Websites:Minka Jewels |1st Dibs
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“A long time ago I worked for a fashion stylist (Sebastian Kauffmann). I was asked to source the jewellery for a photo shoot – it was tribal jewellery that we were after and I went to the most incredible place called “Pebble London” it is Aladdins cave of jewellery. I then worked in Jaipur for 2 years for Munnu Kasliwal of ‘The Gem Palace’ which was incredible. On my return to the UK I decided to do my Gemmology training. I learnt how to distinguish between naturals and fakes and the chemical compositions of gemstones. After this I worked for a top coloured gemstone trader in Hatton Garden before setting up on my own.”
Jewellery box of dreams - Minka Jewels
What do you most enjoy about your work?
I get to work with incredible people, its always amazing creating someones engagement ring and or a bespoke piece of jewellery.
What quote inspires you?
“Colour is a power that directly influences the soul” Wassily Kandinsky.
What observations have you made recently?
Coloured gemstones like Sapphires and Emeralds are in the limelight, popular for engagement rings as they are unique, no two stones look exactly the same and I think people are attracted to colour. It makes you happy.
I see women buying jewels for themselves which is so empowering.
Rings from the Athena Collection - Minka Jewels
What does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like for you?
I work between my home and Hatton Garden. So a typical day for me is:
Put the radio on and respond to emails.
Gather my things and head into Hatton Garden to go meet with stones traders and workshops to keep an eye on my production.
Then go and work from a remote workspace, such as The AllBright and have meetings with clients at venues such as Annabel’s or get on with other work.
Do you have a routine or rituals that help keep you grounded?
I start every day with a hot water and lemon – I like to walk so I walk around London to my meetings, taking in the views.
I do try and do a gratitude diary but this generally ends up being a string of thoughts as I put on my face cream for the night.
How do you switch off?
Getting out of London and walking with my dogs in the countryside.
Ring and bracelets - Minka Jewels
What do you feel you would like to know more about when running your business?
Money management
What’s your relationship like with money and personal finance?
Could be better!!
What does financial independence mean to you?
Being able to do the things I would like to do when I would like to do them – to be able to take a holiday and not worry about all the outgoings.
What is the best financial decision you have ever made?
Buying a flat and getting on the property ladder.
Pendant from the Athena Collection - Minka Jewels
Where do you see Minka Jewels in 3, 5, 10 years time?
I like to try and visualise Minka Jewels as an international brand. I would love for people all over the world to be wearing a special piece of Minka Jewellery. I already have a few international clients, particularly in America.
Where is your sanctuary?
The countryside in the summer.
What inspires you?
Nature, beauty, art, classical music
Selection of pieces - Minka Jewels
If you could invite 3 artists to dinner, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
Peter Beard (photographer – amazing!!) He was based in Africa and shot everything from wild life to models and then painted on them, mostly black and white photographs, in animal blood.
Sir Terry Frost – Artist. My dad collects his art and having grown up around it I would love to meet him and I think he would have a wicked sense of humour.
Jack Whitehall – He is hilarious and think he would make a very good dinner guest.
Can you recommend a book and a podcast for us?
Book : All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Podcasts: I love them and am currently listening to:
Down the Rabbit Hole with Tess Ward