My Story

I Never Thought I Was Creative

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be designing and making my own jewellery, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

I've never really thought of myself as a particularly creative person.

Nellies London started simply as a hobby alongside my full-time job. I began making basic stretchy bracelets, just because I enjoyed it.

Then I started experimenting.

I discovered beads, gemstones, different colours, shapes and textures. One bracelet became another, and before I knew it, I was completely absorbed in creating jewellery.

Something that had started as a little hobby had become something I genuinely loved.

And that was the beginning of Nellies London.

It All Starts with a Gemstone

I've always been fascinated by gemstones.

I love that no two are ever exactly the same. Even stones of the same type can have completely different colours, patterns, inclusions, shapes and personalities.

For me, the gemstone is usually where the design begins.

I don't necessarily start with a piece of jewellery in mind and then look for a stone to fit it. I much prefer to find a gemstone that catches my eye and see where it takes me.

I look at its cut, its shape, its colour and all those little details that make it unique.

Then I start imagining what it could become.

Sometimes the result is simple and understated. Other times, the gemstone inspires something completely different from what I originally had in mind.

That's one of my favourite things about making jewellery — the stone often gets the final say!

One Pair of Hands

I run Nellies London alongside my full-time job, which means there are a lot of evenings, weekends and spare hours that go into making it happen.

I choose the gemstones. I develop the designs. I make the jewellery.

I finish it, photograph it, package it and send it to you.

There is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes that you don't necessarily see when you look at a finished piece.

But that's exactly what I love about it.

Every piece has been through my hands. Every order matters to me.

And every time someone chooses to buy something I've made, I'm incredibly grateful.

Learning to Work With Silver

As my jewellery making developed, I wanted to learn more.

I didn't just want to make beaded jewellery; I wanted to understand how to work with metal and create pieces from scratch. So I started taking silversmithing courses.

Learning to work with silver opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I could take the ideas in my head and start turning them into actual pieces of jewellery.

I'm still learning, still experimenting and still very much on the journey.

And that's something I want Nellies London to reflect.

I'm not interested in standing still.

Bespoke Jewellery

Some gemstones are just too special to become part of an ordinary design.

If you have a particular gemstone, an idea you've been carrying around for years or simply want something made especially for you, I'd love to hear from you.

Bespoke jewellery is a chance to create something together.

We can talk about the stone, the metal, the shape and the style you're drawn to, and I'll work with you to develop a piece that feels personal.

It might be something to celebrate a milestone, remember someone special or mark an important moment.

Or it might simply be a piece you've always wanted.

There doesn't have to be a reason.

Discuss a bespoke design

What's Next?

At the moment, I'm exploring wax carving, sand casting and the lost-wax casting process.

It's a completely different way of creating jewellery and one that I'm incredibly excited about.

Wax carving allows me to work much more freely with shape and texture, while casting opens up even more possibilities for creating unusual and completely individual pieces.

I'm still learning the techniques, experimenting with ideas and figuring out what I want my jewellery to become.

So watch this space. There is lots more to come.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Love this crystal bead bracelet ✨ It’s lightweight, well-made, and has a beautiful natural shine. Super versatile and adds a nice touch to any outfit 💎 Definitely recommend!”

— Louisa Bell

“I was so pleased with my beautiful handmade necklace that I just had to have a matching bracelet. Oh & some earrings that don’t match but I couldn’t resist the gold hoops. Such beautiful designs and quality. Thank you Nellie’s!”

— Faye Furey

Shop collection

“Amazing customer service, customised a bracelet for me that I am giving as a gift, and I know the recipient will love it. It’s so beautiful, thank you 🙂”

— Anonymous