About
Hello, my name is Chrissy Read, I’m a jewellery designer, wife, and mum to two gorgeous children aged 7 and 10.
Before starting my jewellery making business, my career started as a trainer and a teacher. Then after my firstborn, I became a stay at home mum for eight years which I loved but when the time came for my youngest to start school, I was ready to re-enter the workplace. Easier said than done though, as after years at home I lost the confidence to do anything other than talk Peppa Pig plotlines!
Returning to teaching wasn’t right for me at the time, so I began to look for something that I could do whilst still being a hands-on mum. The fates aligned and one evening in the summer of 2015 I enrolled myself onto a silversmith course at the local college. Simply put, it was amazing – I loved every minute, and not to sound too hippy but it was ‘soul food’. Here I discovered me, and that I had a talent for designing distinctive and bespoke jewellery.
I can lose myself for hours in this craft and it totally transforms my mood. I’ve discovered something that makes me happy but also makes me a living. So here I am, a custom jewellery and mood maker! Doing what I love and creating statement jewellery that can completely transform your mood too.
I have a love of stones, gems, crystals, the colours, the shades, and meaning. They can bring healing if you believe it, which I can confess, I do. For instance, Amethyst can help if you are feeling ill, Nuummite can boost energy and Malachite can bring a sense of balance. I use these powerful stones to create statement pieces of jewellery that can help and heal but also that can be treasured, forever.
How I work at the studio
I work in a small cabin at the bottom of my garden, perfect to balance my work with looking after my little ones.
I love my cabin; it is the only space that I have that is all mine. Having a separate area that is away from home is fantastic as it allows me to work in peace without little hands trying to play with the stones, gems, and crystals! Having said that, my children often join me in the cabin to make little bits of jewellery and I love teaching them how to use the tools and handle precious gems and stones.
When designing new pieces of jewellery my inspiration comes from the stones, gems, and crystals themselves; the way they look and how they make me feel speak to me. I love the different colours, textures, and unique properties that they display – these then inspire me to design, to accentuate their splendour with the different metals that I use.
The process of making jewellery is endlessly fascinating there is always something new to learn, in a timeless art of fire, hammers, saws and files.
Why Fawkes?
The name Fawkes Jewellery comes from the wonderful world of Harry Potter by JK Rowling. In the books one of the main characters, Albus Dumbledor, has a pet phoenix called Fawkes. The phoenix is a mythological creature, whereby, when one life ends a new phoenix rises from the ashes. This resonated with me as I felt, after becoming a mummy, I had changed and that my previous life was over and I needed to evolve into a new life, rising from the ashes.
Ethical Sourcing
I endeavour to make sure that all my resources are ethically sourced. The precious metals that I buy are from a company who are part of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), this is a standards-setting organisation that has been established to reinforce consumer confidence in the jewellery industry.
They do this throughout the jewellery supply chain by:
- Being responsibly ethical
- Ensuring human rights
- Abiding by social and environmental practices
The RJC and its members are opposed to activities which directly or indirectly finance, benefit or facilitate armed conflict, extreme violence, and human rights abuse.
I purchase stones from companies that not only source in the same way as I do but also promote recycling and fair trade in their products, I also like to buy from small local businesses.
Testimonials
I recently discovered Fawkes Jewellery and I am now a massive fan! I asked Chrissy to design two pieces of unique and great quality jewellery. She took my ideas and literally turned them in to reality. I am now the immensely proud owner of a ring and matching necklace which are totally unique to me.
I have bought several pieces of jewellery from Fawkes over the years’; each one is stunning, and they’re always being commented on. Chrissy is so helpful and has assisted me with choosing items - not only for me but for gifts too. She’s produced stunning pieces of jewellery, even better than I could have imagined!
An extremely talented lady who guides you through the design and stones ensuring the end product is perfect for you. I wouldn’t go to anyone else!
I wanted something personal to me and Fawkes gave me the opportunity to create a ring that did just that! Chrissy guided me through the stones and ring style, making sure that it was a really unique and special piece of jewellery. I am so pleased with my purchase.
#FAWKESJEWELLERY
Follow me over on Instagram @fawkesjewellery for inspiration and a glimpse into life at my studio.
