Precious qualities

Honey Willow is a family business based in Bath specialising in handcrafted, meaningful jewellery celebrating life's significant moments. Founder Rhiannon Hamilton tells us about the company and its values...

When did you start making jewellery?

I started making jewellery as a teenager, and then rediscovered it after to moving to Bath in 2007 with our young family. It was initially a hobby, and then I decided to open an online shop. It has been wonderful to be creative and to work flexibly around our children.

Honey Willow has been in Bath since 2010. How would you describe the journey of the business in this time?

The business has blossomed over the years and gone from my kitchen table to two premises in Bath with 25 team members. However, the ethos of the business remains the same –we still make meaningful jewellery right here in Bath and send it to customers around the world. Having named the business after our two daughters Honey and Willow, I wanted to make jewellery that represented loved ones –and 13 years on, that's what we still do.

What is the working Bath community like?

Bath is such a creative and entrepreneurial place, full of people who want Bath to be the best it can be. We work closely with other Bath businesses and creatives, supporting other local businesses as much as possible.

What do you look for in your team of makers?

We look for team players, who enjoy working with their hands, are happy to learn new skills and have good attention to detail. Appreciation for our customers is key; we are making jewellery that is treasured and worn every day. Many of them have a creative background and training; some have worked in the jewellery industry for years and others have trained in creative arts. We provide training for all levels and tune in to where people enjoy working most.

What precious metals do you use in Honey Willow jewellery?

Recycled gold, silver and platinum.

You pride yourself on everything being handmade. Why is this important for your business?

In making the jewellery ourselves we can ensure its quality, and in making it to order we make it just as the customer wants it. Our customers really appreciate knowing which of the team has made their jewellery. We also really enjoy the making process and it’s a pleasure to employ local people to do this. It’s not the cheapest way to manufacture jewellery, but it’s how we choose to do it!

You love making meaningful jewellery for your customers –how do you do this?

One of our earliest designs was mothers’ necklaces with children’s birthstones, and now we make a range of jewellery that represents loved ones, some of it personalised with initials or names. For over a decade we have made jewellery representing milestone birthdays and anniversaries. And we make jewellery that is hand-stamped with meaningful phrases that are personal to the wearer, or made with gemstones that are believed to have a significant meaning such as courage or well-being.

We also use packaging with statement quotes and each note inside the gift box is made to order, so we can include personal messages from each customer.

What are some of the most popular items in your jewellery range?

Our links necklace for milestone birthdays has been very popular for many years. At the moment our bridal range is very popular. One of my favourite pieces of bridal jewellery is the Juno earrings.

Can you tell us about your Bridgerton range?

As Bridgerton is partly filmed in Bath, we decided to create pieces of jewellery inspired by Bridgerton characters. Team member Hannah worked on the range and it’s really popular, not just with Bridgerton fans, but with those looking for jewellery for weddings and proms.

How do you make your business ethical and sustainable?

We employ local people, most of whom walk to work. We buy local as much as possible. We use recycled precious metal and conflict-free gemstones. Our jewellery is made to order, rather than in big batches. We also donate to the charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK through sales of our bestselling links necklace. I had Crohn’s disease for many years and now another of our team has sadly been diagnosed with Crohn’s. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to a better future for Crohn’s and colitis patients.

What kinds of customers do you have?

We have local customers who come in regularly for gifts for themselves or loved ones. We also have customers around the world and it’s so nice when overseas customers visit the shop, wearing their Honey Willow jewellery! n

Honey Willow, 8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath. Open Weds to Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 11am–4pm Tel: 01225 422 339 honeywillow.com