Emily Collett Photography
“A beautiful piece of jewellery becomes a part of a person’s life story.” Erin Cox Jewellery
Devon-based jeweller, Erin Cox, is celebrated not only for her unique blend of hand-picked materials, from Fairtrade and eco (recycled) gold and platinum to rare and untreated stones, but for the magic she weaves throughout her organic jewellery pieces. Offering up a treasure trove of unique designs, an Erin Cox jewellery piece is something to be worn and cherished forever, and is therefore the perfect brand to turn to when it comes to finding an engagement ring or glittering wedding band.
Eternally inspired by the idyllic surroundings of the Devonshire countryside, it is this natural influence mixed with the innate skill and creativity of the maker that makes Erin Cox Jewellery a truly inspirational jeweller.
Your Day caught up with Erin to discover more about the history of the brand, her career path and the ethos that lies at the heart of what she does.
#1 When did you decide to launch the jewellery label Erin Cox? Tell us more about your career…
“I studied at Sir John Cass Department of Art at London Guildhall University where I learnt the fundamental skills of jewellery making and silversmithing. This rigorous education in traditional skills means that all my work is made to the high standards instilled in me by some wonderful, well respected and inspirational jewellers. Having grown up in Devon and having a thirst for travel my work is very much inspired by the landscapes around me. The Dartmoor Tors, winding rivers and shimmering sea’s are all inspiration for me.”
#2 What ethos lies at the heart of Erin Cox Jewellery?
“I often use the line ‘honest, humble and made with integrity’. I am very much a believer that jewellery should be worn and enjoyed and I do not want what I make to leave a large imprint on the earth and so I am proud to work with ethical and sustainable materials as well as Fairtrade gold.”
#3 What design elements are signature to an Erin Cox design?
“The Molten texture to my work is my signature style. Through playing with metal and pushing it to its limits while in its molten state I create a refined, fluid texture which has developed over years of perfecting.”
#4 Talk us through your latest pieces and what inspired these.
“Designs are often driven by the precious stones I hand select. I use them as a starting point to drive a design. When not working on customer commissions I like to experiment with different setting styles and develop ideas I’ve sketched out. One of my most popular designs is the Tor’s rings where each of the stones are set to fit the width of the undulating band and then carved around to give a granite appearance of the Dartmoor Tors.”
#5 What kick-starts your creative juices when it comes to designing a new piece of jewellery? Can inspiration sometimes arrive in unexpected forms?
“I love history and so I always love looking at jewellery design through the ages and from different cultures. Also often in dreams – yep, I dream about jewellery!…and when walking in nature, I love to photograph details of flowers and water – these can often be starting points.”
#6 Do you offer a purely bespoke service when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands for both the bride and groom? If so, what does the experience entail? How does the process work?
“Yes absolutely. It’s wonderful to offer such a personal experience. All commissions start with an appointment with me. During this time we can discuss the clients lifestyle, how the rings will be worn etc. and budget. We look at some of the items in stock to get an idea of stone size, ring weight and stone settings etc. I draw out a design and source materials as needed. I also often work with customers’ own sentimental material – remodelling them into something new.”
#7 Talk us through Erin Cox Jewellery’s sustainable credentials…
“I am very aware of the impact of mining on the earth and so I choose to use eco recycled gold and platinum as standard. I am also credited to work with Fairtrade gold which is newly mined but in an ethical way, where the miners are paid a fair wage and have better working conditions.
The stones I select are natural and not treated in any way and come through gem dealers who are registered with the National Association of Jewellers. My packing is made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.”
#8 Where can brides discover and buy pieces from Erin Cox? Where are you based?
“We are based in Topsham, Devon but have clients worldwide. I have carried out online bespoke appointments and am regularly updating the website with new stock which means it doesn’t matter if you are unable to visit.”
#9 In your opinion, how far in advance should brides and grooms be looking to start their wedding band design journey if they’re after something completely bespoke?
“I get very busy and so once a design has been agreed there is a 15 week lead time. This means if you are looking for a completely bespoke wedding ring it is best to book an appointment at least four months ahead of your wedding date. I do have an online made to order collection called the ‘Molten Wedding Ring Company’ – these can be customised but only need a couple of months to make and do not necessarily need a commission appointment with me.”
#10 We love the rustic, textured surface of your mens wedding bands – how do you go about creating this?
“Top surface to rings is quite an art! It involves melting only the surface of the metal and moving it around with the heat of the blowtorch. Too much heat and the whole ring will collapse. It’s a really beautiful texture and each ring will always be different due to how the metal flows.”
#11 Have there been any key defining moments for the business so far?
“I opened my first shop in the middle of a recession! I started with mostly silver but now two moves on I feel I’m in my forever home working exclusively with gold and platinum. I’m so proud of how far I have come and the space we have made in the new shop.”
#12 Your favourite jewellery piece you’ve made? And why?
“I was commissioned to make a huge opal necklace. It was set with bubble sections and the chain set with diamonds. I adore opals and it was amazing to work with such a big piece. It was the first time I set a stone with bubbles and this has lead to experimenting with setting smaller stones for rings in this way.”
#13 What does a typical working day look like for you as the designer?
“Coffee! Ha ha! Every day starts with a good coffee! When I come in in the morning I generally get the workshop ready, take a look at my commissions board, and plan out upcoming work. I try to set some days aside for making, others for designing and some for consultations.”
#14 Who in the wedding industry inspires you?
“Oh gosh, I have worked with some incredible photographers, florists, dress designers, accessory designers and stylists – it would be so hard to pick just one. I find the work of stylists absolutely mind-blowing – how they can take an idea and pull together a whole host of suppliers to bring a vision to life. They constantly dream up new inspiration and curate exceptional spaces.”
Rapid Fire Questions
#1 The last book you read? “A book on the history of Brazil.”
#2 The most unusual request you’ve had? “*laughs! Oh my there have been some interesting ones – you would not believe! I dare not say!”
#3 An industry name you’d like to work with? “So hard! I feel really privileged to have already collaborated with so many incredible suppliers in the wedding industry.”
#4 Perfect mini break destination? “Anywhere remote.”
#5 Favourite way to relax? “Knitting.”
#6 Favourite artist? “When I was young I was very moved by Turner and the way he used light and colour. I love evocative paintings which stir a feeling.”
#7 Beverage of choice? “Dry martini, two olives please.”
#8 Favourite restaurant? “The best meal I’ve had recently was at the Salutation Inn in Topsham. I want to get out and explore more restaurants now restrictions have eased.”
#9 The movie you can watch over and over… “Dodgeball.”
#10 A memory you’d like to relive… “I’m afraid that is something for my memory and not to share.”
Discover more incredible engagement rings and wedding bands from Erin Cox Jewellery.
For more wedding jewellery inspiration and advice, head back to Your Day.
