Camden is full of talented, independent suppliers who make it such a special place to plan a wedding. From the people who create the pieces you will keep forever to those who bring the smallest details of a celebration to life, we want to introduce you to the people behind the businesses that make Camden’s wedding scene so unique.
In this series, we’ll be meeting the suppliers, makers and creatives who make Camden an incredible place to get married.
Today, we’re meeting Michelle from Krausz Jewellery, a bespoke jeweller whose work brings together fine jewellery, coloured gemstones, heirloom pieces and a love of original vintage treasures.
For couples discovering Krausz Jewellery, how would you describe your style and your world in a few words?
I create one of a kind bespoke jewellery, sourcing beautiful gemstones for clients to choose from, using any precious metal or silver. Bringing your ideas to life for engagements, weddings or any occasion. I specialise in re-modelling heirloom pieces, using your gold and gemstones. The other part of my business expresses my passion for vintage jewellery. I make one of a kind headpieces, hair combs, earrings and jewellery lovingly remodelled using only the most exquisite original vintage materials from 1930 – 1990s.
Your pieces feel very personal, with a contemporary style and a vintage influence. Where does that inspiration come from?
I grew up surrounded by eclectic art, jewellery and vintage treasures. With a fashion designer dad and an artist mum who collected gemstones on their travels. Studying fine jewellery seemed a natural choice, so in 2002 Krausz Jewellery was founded.
When a couple comes to you for an engagement ring, wedding ring or bespoke piece, how do you turn their story into a unique piece of jewellery?
Stunning bespoke fine jewellery starts with your ideas, which I can turn into reality. Working with you throughout the process, listening carefully to your desired outcome, whilst focusing on the smaller details. It’s an enjoyable experience from design development, drawings or models to collecting your beautifully finished and packaged jewellery.
Commission a unique diamond engagement ring, wedding ring or a timeless piece of jewellery. I specialise in sourcing coloured gemstones or diamonds for you to choose from, I can also use your own gemstones/gold to create an heirloom piece that is unique to you.
What advice would you give to couples choosing a piece they want to keep and love for a lifetime?
Buying and engagement ring/wedding rings is one of the most exciting and in many cases expensive piece of jewellery we will own. So where do you start?
Budget – Be realistic about what you can afford. One month’s salary was a standard guide but these days your budget is entirely up to you. There are many ways to buy a ring, from a shop, online or a bespoke ring from an independent jeweller. You can also consider vintage fine jewellery which covers all budgets but remember if you buy a 100 year old ring it will potentially show wear from its years of history.
Research is very important, the internet particularly Pinterest, Instagram and magazines are great resources to look at styles that appeal, and also very useful to see what you don’t like. When commissioning or buying jewellery you want to wear for a lifetime it’s best not to be influenced too much by fashion trends. They are great for ideas but will you still love your ring in 10 years time?
Whether you choose a Diamond or coloured gemstones the decision really comes down to personal preference and budget. Lab diamonds (man made diamonds) are currently very popular due to their lower cost and the fact they look identical to real diamonds, but if you have the budget I would still choose the real thing.
Gemstones come in a fantastic array of colour but some are quite soft and a jewellers guidance (or some personal research) can help you decided which would work best your ring. The choices can seem daunting but remember there are no hard and fast rules particularly when it comes to deciding on which metals to use, white or yellow gold or platinum, it up to you.
Meet the people behind CamdenWeddings
We love discovering the stories behind the people who help make weddings feel personal. Michelle’s work is a perfect example of that: pieces designed around individual stories, family jewellery given a new life, and vintage details that can become part of a completely new memory.
This is the first of our supplier interviews, and there are plenty more Camden creatives we can’t wait to introduce you to.