5 Questions with Claire Martin

Claire Martin launched L'Atelier de Claire in spring 2026, making handcrafted gemstone and pearl jewellery entirely by hand in England. She works quietly, carefully, and with the kind of conviction that tends to outlast the noise.

1. Sewing, jewellery, a French name for the label. Give us the origin story.

It started long before the business did. I grew up in awe of creative people, always watching, always absorbing. When my daughter was born I began sewing, and that opened a door I never really closed. One skill led to another, and the creative itch just kept getting louder. L'Atelier de Claire launched in spring 2026 because eventually you stop ignoring something that persistent.

2. The handmade jewellery market is crowded. What sets you apart from the rest of it?

I'm not trying to compete with anyone. I'm making things that feel unique and warm, pieces I'm genuinely proud to say I made with my own hands. There's no formula behind it, no trend-chasing. If something doesn't feel right to me, it doesn't leave the studio.

3. You mention that quality handmade jewellery doesn't have to be expensive. Isn't that a hard sell?

It's the myth I most want to bust. People assume handmade means premium pricing, but beautiful pieces using real gemstones and pearls can actually cost less than mass-produced alternatives from the high street. When you cut out the middlemen and make everything yourself, the maths changes. My customers shouldn't have to choose between quality and affordability.

4. Who are you making all of this for, really?

Mums, mostly. Women like me who want something thoughtful, something that doesn't look like it came off a conveyor belt, whether they're treating someone they love or finally treating themselves. I want every person who opens one of my orders to feel genuinely seen. I'm working entirely online at the moment, which means I can reach anyone across the country, and I put the same care into every single piece regardless of where it's going.

5. What's the hardest thing you've learnt since launching, and what keeps you going?

That building a business asks for a completely different set of skills than making beautiful things. The technical side, the patience, the trust in a process that doesn't always show results quickly, none of that comes naturally at first. My first customer review absolutely terrified me, because I'd put everything into that piece. When it came back well, something settled. My advice to anyone starting out is simple: keep going. You can't fail offering something beautiful.