Poppy Treffry
Turning Passion for Embroidery into a Vibrant Business Rooted in Cornwall.
FOUNDER STORIES
Inspired by vintage jewellery and shaped by modern design tools, Sarah Heulwen Lewis creates bespoke pieces that honour personal stories, treasured materials, and the idea of jewellery as something to be worn, loved, and passed on.
I have always had a creative soul. Inspired by my Grampa, who was an amazing artist, I explored my creativity throughout my childhood and eventually graduated from the North Wales School of Art with a degree in Jewellery Design. I furthered my studies with a Master’s in Fashion Artefacts from London College of Fashion and set out into the jewellery industry.
My main source of work was as a CAD designer for both large and small companies. This was a skill that I taught myself, and it has defined my career, eventually leading me to start my own brand. Heulwen Lewis Bespoke was born in 2017, with a focus on quality, precision-modelled, bespoke pieces that would last several lifetimes.
My perfectionism found its place in creating unique designs driven by my client’s stories. Over the past 8 years, I have developed my design skills and carved out a reputation for vintage-inspired design, incorporating hidden details and fine finishing, and always client-focused. I pride myself on making future heirlooms; often utilising my clients’ unworn or inherited gems and metals to craft something new and wearable that can then be handed down to continue its story.
As many small business owners know, I have had to wear all of the hats in my business. Ably assisted by my cute King Charles Cavalier Alife! I started as chief designer, marketer, CAD modeller, quality checker, and more. Over the years, I have developed incredibly strong relationships with amazing craftspeople in studios across the UK who bring my designs to life.
Recently, my team has expanded to welcome my design assistant, Steph, who helps me with social media, marketing, and the practical aspects of the business in order to free up my time for designing. It is a sad truth of creative businesses that so little of your time is actually spent doing the craft you trained in. This balance is something that I am forever seeking ways to redress, especially when I am blessed with a long list of clients. The Bespoke journey is personal to everyone and cannot be rushed. No matter how busy I get, client consultations are never something I will cut corners on.
I am based in a small design studio in the calm surroundings of Thrales End Farm, Harpenden. The farm is home to many other small businesses like mine, many of whom are my friends and clients! My journey to work takes me away from the bustle of the nearby town and past green fields. I have been careful to create a calming studio space in which to design and meet my clients.
I am a lover of music and never design in silence. I have a wide-ranging taste in music and will listen to different tunes depending on my mood. Particular favourite Spotify playlists at present are Ambient House Lounge Mix, Fleetwood Mac Radio and Indie Mix.
I have always found inspiration from vintage designs of the early 20th century. I love design that celebrates the beauty of gemstones and that are made to last. A lot of modern jewellery trends have limited longevity due to the style of stone setting or the stones used (for example, pearls in engagement rings). I always advise my clients to steer away from being led by trends and to focus on what they truly find beautiful, these designs will always be timeless.
Core to my business is the idea of creating future heirlooms, items that are inspired by the past, made with the technology of now, and crafted to last beyond one lifetime.
My design process embraces the values of traditional jewellery making while using the tools of modern technology. I CAD model all of my designs, which means I create a 3D model of them on a computer programme, which is then used by the workshop to 3D print the final piece to the exact specifications of the model. This allows for precise design placement, setting, and finishing.
A lot of jewellery designers will use this technique, but will outsource the modelling to another designer; this means that there is room for re-interpretation within the design that may stray from the original vision. I ensure that I complete all of the CAD modelling myself, which means there is only one design and only one designer involved, ensuring that the idea for each piece is realised in its entirety from page to metal.
I value quality above all else. I am a perfectionist by nature and will only hand over a piece to my clients if I would be happy to wear it myself. Jewellery is made from non-renewable material; there is only so much gold in the earth, and as seen in recent years, the price of this precious product can rocket. So if we use this material, it needs to be for something that will be loved and worn for my client’s lifetime and beyond.
A lot of the jobs I take on are called remodels, which is where I use my clients’ inherited or unworn items to create something new. This is the most sustainable and affordable way of creating bespoke fine jewellery – not only does it recycle material, but you retain the sentiment and memory that the remodelled item holds in its reincarnation.
Whilst creating sustainable future heirlooms will always be the core focus for the business, there is an exciting year ahead for Heulwen Lewis Bespoke Jewellery.
Limited ‘ready to wear’ collections are in the pipeline, from new Bridal ButtonsTM for brides/grooms to recycled gold, vintage inspired wedding rings.
Not only that, my partner and I are due to be married towards the end of the year – I am so excited to be collaborating with fellow artisans within the wedding industry and of course, to creating our wedding jewellery!!
I am so grateful, that the business continues to grow month on month, year by year. Hopefully one day soon, I will be able to bring on more helping hands and move to a slightly larger studio – keep your eyes peeled!
As her business continues to grow, with new collections on the horizon and personal milestones ahead, Sarah remains focused on what matters most: creating jewellery with intention, integrity, and a story that will continue long after it leaves her hands.
Keep an eye on The Artisan Founder Journal for more stories from makers who are quietly building meaningful businesses, one thoughtful piece at a time.
Do you have a founder story to share? We’d love to hear from you.
Submit your website and we’ll be in touch.
Turning Passion for Embroidery into a Vibrant Business Rooted in Cornwall.
Launching a fragrance brand with values rooted in home and family.
ADVERTISEMENTS
MAY contain affiliate links