Former Hatton Garden jeweller returns to roots to launch new workshop in Harrogate

A former Hatton Garden jeweller is returning to North Yorkshire to set up a new workshop in Harrogate.

Angela Clemmet spent more than a decade designing and making jewellery by hand in the world-famous London jewellery quarter.

Now, with her own studio on Cheltenham Crescent in the centre of Harrogate, Angela is offering what she calls a “private customers an alternative to the traditional styles of ring and other jewellery.”

Angela explained: “Jewellery is very personal and I’m keen to offer something for people who want to break with tradition and choose a unique piece for a special gift or occasion that simply doesn’t exist on the high street.”

As well as making bespoke jewellery to order, Angela is developing her own Art Deco style capsule collection which she hopes might attract the attention of high end retail outlets.

Angela also commented on establishing a jewellery career relatively late.

She said: “I was working in IT for an animation company at the time and it just wasn’t the right career for me. I wanted to do something creative and to work with my hands. I was very fortunate to be offered an apprenticeship with a fantastic jeweller in London in 2003.”

Six years later, Angela launched a workshop with a friend and went on to create bespoke items for clients across the UK and beyond.

Despite her background in IT, using computers for design and manufacture is something Angela has always resisted in favour of more traditional methods.

Angela added: “Hand-making the jewellery is really important to me. It’s my passion and what I came into the industry for.

“There’s no substitute for working directly with the materials you’re using and adding that personal touch that only comes from making everything yourself. I can’t imagine moving away from using my hands every day in my work.”

“Everyone’s taste is different and the same designs won’t appeal to everyone,” she said. “I don’t believe anyone should wear something they don’t like just because fashion or society dictates it.

“My philosophy is simple: wear the jewellery you love in the way you want to wear it.”