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Step into the soulful atelier of Bea Jareno, a jeweller whose Spanish roots and London residence culminate in a unique alchemy of creativity and ethical craftsmanship. With a career spanning over 15 years, Bea has not only honed her skills but also enriched her ethos towards making jewellery that is as sustainable as it is stunning. For her, each piece isn’t just a wearable item, but a kinetic sculpture that comes to life when it finds its rightful owner.

Immersing herself in the rich tapestry of cultures from Africa to India, Bea’s collections are thematic odes to the places and experiences that have shaped her worldview. Crafted meticulously in her Portobello Atelier, every piece is a story told through recycled precious metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Bea’s artistry is her sanctuary, her “flow,” an emotional state where creativity takes over, infusing each creation with a unique beauty borne from the celebration of natural imperfections.

Join us as we delve deeper into Bea’s artistic journey, her pioneering approach to sustainability, and her unwavering passion for her craft. Witness the seamless blend of ethical sourcing, traditional techniques, and global inspirations that define Bea Jareno’s extraordinary trajectory.

Bea Jareno

Can you tell us about your journey and how you became interested in jewellery making?

Certainly! I would be delighted to share my journey and how I developed a passion for jewellery making.

My story begins in 1998 when I was living in North London. I stumbled upon a jewellery studio/shop in Stoke Newton. This studio showcased collections of jewellery and also had a workshop at the back. It was called ‘Metal Crumble’, here I commissioned my first two rings.

I found myself irresistibly drawn to the world of jewellery making in that moment as I thought it was just amazing!

Eager to explore this craft, I enrolled in various jewellery making courses and workshops so my journey into jewellery making started. From there I graduated with Distinctions in Designed Crafts from Kensington and Chelsea colleague in 2004 and continued to St John Cass to do stone setting and hand-engraving  and a business development at the University of the Arts.

However, it was not just the technical aspects that fuelled my passion. I discovered the jewellery making was a way to express my creativity and tell stories through wearable art, the ability to craft unique pieces that captured the essence of individuality was deeply inspiring.

Exploring various cultural influences and inspirations and pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery making. It was in this fusion of creativity and innovation that I found my voice as an artist and a jewellery maker.

For me the art of jewellery making has become more than a passion; it is a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, creativity and the celebration of individuality.

It is an ever-evolving adventure that allows me to be in the present, what I call to ‘be in the flow’, to transforms dreams into beauty and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my craft with the world.

What inspired you to establish an ethical and sustainable jewellery brand?

What inspired me to establish an ethical and sustainable jewellery brand was a combination of my passion for Jewellery making and craftsmanship and a deep concern for environmental and social issues.
Working from my studio in West London, I create all of my pieces using 100% recycled precious metals and focus on bespoke, repurposing and restoring jewellery besides my Jewellery line.
Collaboration with local and Uk based businesses that share our values is an integral part of my brand ethos. By supporting family-run businesses, we contribute to a sense of community and foster a sustainable supply chain. Through these practices, I aim to create beautiful jewellery pieces that not only reflects my craftsmanship but also aligns with my commitment to ethics and sustainability.
At the core of my practice, honesty, trust and respect are fundamental values that guide my every decision. These values extend not only to the planet and the environment but also to the family and small businesses we collaborate with.
I believe in fostering transparent relationships built on trust and treating others with utmost respect. By upholding these values, I ensure that every aspect of my ethical and sustainable jewellery brand reflects integrity and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact

Could you describe the traditional jewellery-making techniques that you use in your Atelier?

Sure! At the Atelier, I employ a range of traditional jewellery making techniques that form the foundation of my craft. These techniques include cutting, bending, forging, soldering, filling, cleaning, polishing and stone setting. These fundamental skills allow me create exquisite pieces of jewellery.

The techniques I use can vary depending on the project. For instance, I may utilise wax carving and lost wax casting or sand casting when creating a more intricate or sculptural design. These methods allow for the creation of more complex textures that may be difficult to achieve through traditional fabrication alone, like in my Plethora collection pieces.
In some cases, I also incorporate computer aided design (CAD) into the process. CAD is particularly helpful when working on custom or highly detailed projects.

Each project present a new opportunity for leaning and growth. The diversity of designs and techniques keeps me engaged, allowing me to expand my expertise and discover new possibilities. It fuels my passion for Jewellery making.

Indeed, pushing the boundaries of making and design requires courage. It takes a willingness to step outside of the comfort zones and explore territories to create something new and fresh. It is this spirit of innovation and experimentation that allows me to craft jewellery pieces that are truly individual and elegant. This I also believe to be a valuable approach to life itself.

The combination of courage, creativity and gratitude allows me to approach my work with a sense of purpose and joy. It is a continue journey of self-expression, both in jewellery and in life itself.

What is the significance of using recycled precious metals and individually sourced gemstones in your collections?

Using recycled precious metals and individually sourced gemstones holds great significance in my collections for several reasons.

Firstly, recycled precious metals aligns with my commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact. By utilising materials that have been previously mines and refined, we reduce the need to additional extraction and minimise the ecological footprint associated with mining new precious metals. It allows us to contribute to the circular economy by giving new life to existing resources. And with this I mean looking at the full circle of a product, not only the sourcing but also the lifespan and the repurposing aspect in the future.

Secondly, individually sourcing gemstones are carefully selected from trusted and ethical sources, I can trace their origins and are obtained responsibly, with consideration for both environmental and social factors.
Furthermore, individually sourced gemstones provide and opportunity to celebrate the diversity and natural beauty of each gemstone and Earth.

By doing all of the above I aim to create Jewellery designs that not only embodies elegance and style but also carries a deeper meaning. It represent a conscious choice to promote sustainability, ethical practices and the appreciation of the natural works, ultimately reflecting the values that are at the core of my brand.

Can you walk us through the design process for creating a one-of-a-kind limited edition piece of jewellery?

The design process for creating my work is one which starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether it is an object, a cultural tradition, a natural form, or anything that resonates with me, I draw from a vast array of sources to find that initial ideal that captures my imagination.

Moments of clarity often come during my meditation , specially after my yoga practice. When my mind and heart are aligned in the present ideas start to flow effortlessly. I always carry a notebook and my iPad mini with me everywhere, I often write down ideas, sketch quick drawings, take photos and write down any thoughts.

Back in the studio, I dive deeper into the design process. I take those initial sketches and ideas and explore them further. This is where the Jewellery begins to take shape, as I play with different forms, materials, and techniques to bring the concept to life, always putting a lot of attention to details.

All of my pieces are either one of a kind or part of limited editions. The availability depends on what I can source locally , the complexity of the design and the development of the collection.

This approach ensures that my customers can enjoy a sense of excitement and discovery, as there is always something new and exclusive within my collections.

The design process often involves a continuous cycled of redefining and refining. I am open to new ideas and sometimes introduce additional factors that enhance the uniqueness and elegance of the piece. It allows me to fine-tune the design until it perfectly reflects balance and the essence of my inspiration.

With all of this in mind I meticulously bring the piece to life using jewellery techniques and paying attention to every detail to ensure its quality and longevity.

Each creation is a unique celebration of beauty, individuality, and ethical craftsmanship. It brings me immense joy to present these exquisite pieces to my customer, knowing that they carry not only the mark of my art expression but also a deeper connection to the world around us.

How do you draw inspiration from different cultures and places for your collections?

Drawing inspiration from different cultures and places is a great source of creativity for me. For example, my travels to India, in which I immerse myself in the vibrant colours, the rich emotions, the captivating architecture and the evocative scents and experiences.

For instance, my Indian summer collection was inspired by my time in India and my love for yoga and meditation. The vivid hues, intricate patterns, and spiritual ambiance I encountered during my journey influenced me and my collection.
When I create Jewellery, I view it as an expression of myself and a reflection of what I have witnessed. My eye for colour combinations and the way something is structured allows me to translate my observations into unique and visually captivating pieces like the Indian summer beaded series.

In addition to immersing myself in different cultures and places, I dedicate time to thorough research, reading books and studying its rich history and traditions. This helps me gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism, motifs and artistic expressions that are inherent to the particular culture.

Through a combination of research, inspiration, and continues exploration, I create jewellery that honours the cultures and places that inspire me. Each piece becomes a fusion of tradition and innovation, resulting in a collection that is both timeless and contemporary.

What emotions or feelings do you aim to evoke with your jewellery designs?

Jewellery is my passion. To be able to make a piece of Jewellery and bring joy and meaning to the wearer is a source of great happiness to me and it is my purpose. when a piece of jewellery is worn it truly comes to life. It not only decorated the body, but it adorns the heart and the mind, allowing the wearer to connect with their own emotions, memories and aspirations. I believe every piece of jewellery I have made has found its rightful owner. For me, this is true magic.

How do you balance the use of contrasting colours, patterns, and textures in your work?

The balance of contracting metals, colours, patterns and textures is a vital aspect of my Jewellery designs.
When comes to metals, I enjoy the contrast of different tones and finishes. Combining warm and cool metals, such as gold and silver, or matte and polishing surfaces, adds depth and visual interest to a piece.

Colours also play a significant role in my work. I carefully select gemstones to create captivating colour combinations. Whether it is a complementary or contrasting hues, I am to achieve harmonious blends that evoke a sense of beauty and individuality. The use of gemstones with unique colour and patterns enhances the overall design, adding a touch of intrigue.

Patterns and textures are additional elements that I incorporate into my designs, adding tactile interest to my jewellery, inviting the viewer to appreciate the intricate details and imperfections which for me are perfect as they hold a unique beauty.

Achieving balance among these elements is a delicate dance. I trust my artistic intuition and I use my expertise to guide me in finding the right balance between metals, colour, patterns and textures.
Ultimately, through this delicate balance, I aim to create Jewellery that tells a story, captures attention, and reflects the unique beauty of contrasting elements. It is this balance that brings my designs to life and allows them to resonate on a deeper level.

Could you share a specific example of how you celebrate the imperfections in materials to create unique beauty in your jewellery?

Celebrating imperfections in materials is a key aspect of my Design philosophy. I believe that imperfections are what make each piece truly unique and beautiful. In particular, I draw inspirations from imperfections in nature, the perfect expressions of the Earth.

For example, I am currently working on a new series of Jewellery pieces featuring crystals. Crystals often possess inherent flaws, such as natural inclusions or variations in colour and clarity. I find these fascinating! And I embrace them as integral aspects of the crystal’s beauty. By doing so, I celebrate the inherent beauty that arises from the imperfections themselves.

I am excited to unveil this new series. Stay tuned for the launch of these pieces, as they will truly exemplify the unique beauty that arises from imperfections.

What is the most rewarding part of being a jeweller for you personally?

There are many rewarding things that comes with being a jewellery, for me personally is the freedom and fulfilment that comes with being self-employed.

Managing my own time and being able to dedicate my life to something that I love brings me true happiness. I wake up every morning feeling grateful to have a studio space where I can create and express myself.
I cherish the ever-changing nature of my work, each week brings new and exciting challenges, and I thrive on the unpredictability of what tomorrow may bring.

The sense of abundance I feel is fulfilling. I have built a deep trust in my craft and in the opportunities I have created for myself through hard work, consistency and courage. It is a rewarding feeling to see my efforts manifest in the form of beautiful jewellery pieces and the connections I make with customers who appreciate my work.

The ability to live a life aligned with my passion, the joy, gratitude and abundance that comes with doing what I love are truly invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue my craft and share it with the world and with you.

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