A Stockton Heath mum who juggled launching a new jewellery brand inspired by nature just before lockdown followed by homeschooling has relaunched her online store based in Warrington.
Inspired by natural jewellery Claire de Bézenac created a range of modern, high-end jewellery, made with just wood and silver and launched her online business Silverwood jewellery.
Claire said: “Launching a business like this just before all the Covid shutdowns was definitely not ideal and was quite an initial blow. But it has given me the time, between being a full-time mum and teacher for a few months, to work on the brand, tell my story, and prepare my online boutique.
“The idea of Silverwood came as I was looking for “natural” jewellery, with pieces that were sustainably made, unique and bold, that I could wear season after season.
“I found wooden jewellery and loved it. But I could not find wooden jewellery with a contemporary feel and a high-end luxury finish, that only used precious metals.
“So when I found nothing to fit the description, I created Silverwood, which has resulted in the niche execution of a simple concept, within an otherwise very competitive space.
“One of my biggest concerns as a fashion lover and designer is the impact of fashion on the environment, so I wanted to build a business that would be responsible and concerned about this from the beginning. I am doing my best every day to do this, in the small ways we all can.
“My aim is to create uniquely beautiful, natural, and honest jewellery that is responsibly sourced and handcrafted. It has taken me over 2 years to bring these collections to life. Combining wood and silver in simple designs is surprisingly challenging but I am excited about what we’ve accomplished. All the jewellery is also vegan. This could seem obvious, but it means we only used vegan polishes, waxes and glues.”
“The jewellery is available predominantly online, with some pieces made to order at the moment. I hope people will understand the values of this slower approach to fashion production, with every piece taking the time of expert local craftsmen and jewellers.
Using just sterling silver and sustainably sourced wood, Silverwood® is introducing a new approach to modern and high-end jewellery, combining these materials into designs that are both distinctive and luxurious. The jewellery is contemporary, minimalist, elegant but extremely bold!
Silverwood® has been brought to life for the super fashionable and confident women, and men, who shine with their own individual sense of style. The new collections offer timeless pieces that embrace individuality and personality, in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
Claire added: “Our aim is to create uniquely beautiful, natural, and honest jewellery that is responsibly sourced and handcrafted. It has taken us close to 2 years to bring our collections to life but we are extremely happy with what has been accomplished.
“I’ve been inspired by strong, confident men and women who love to express themselves through their fashion choices. I am pleased to offer them products that are naturally beautiful, tactile, authentic, sustainable, and high quality”.
The brand embraces a “slow” approach to fashion and jewellery, focusing on quality, as well as responsible, sustainable, and respectful production. To reinforce this, the jewellery is handcrafted by local artisans and jewellers in the UK. The wood is responsibly sourced and polished with plant derived carnauba wax or other vegan polishes.
For Silverwood®, there is no compromise. Sustainability does not need to be boring! This also means that the designs need to go beyond following trends. The focus is on lasting style to create pieces that can become an integral part of a good capsule wardrobe, staying beautiful and relevant season after season, year after year.
Claire home schooling and launching an online business
