THE STORY
I started my jewellery business in late 2013 in Dubai years after quitting my job as a flight attendant with a middle-eastern airline. What started out as a hobby soon turned into a passion and then into a business. It all started with one YouTube video. I watched one of my favourite you tubers make a silver ring and I just knew I had to try it out. The next day I went and got myself the necessary tools and got started. It was as epic fail! For as long as I can remember I ended up either melting silver or the solder would form into a little ball and refuse to melt (Jewellers would understand the frustration). So I did give up after trying and ruining every metal I could get my hands on. I then tried sewing (failed), making cosmetics (failed) and then decided to give silversmithing another try as I was intrigued by being able to make something that would last me more than a lifetime...
...So I placed a huge order for the exact same materials, tools used by the you tuber from the states. While I was waiting for my package to arrive I did read up on some jewellery making/silversmithing books. I manged to make myself a “not so visually pleasing “ finished silver ring. I was thrilled! I knew I was onto something and didn’t stop there. I kept learning and everything I knew back then was self-taught. I made rings with silver, silver with stones and hand stamped jewellery. Everyone I knew was gifted handstamp jewellery, keyrings or cufflinks whether they liked it or not. I was advised to participate in the local Farmers market called The Ripe market and sold out on my first market. It was no looking back then. I called my brand initially Rae Savia Jewellery...
WORLDWIDE
...7 years, over 600 markets/exhibitions, an online store, 3 retail outlets later, with encouragement from my beloved Mother I applied, got through a HND course at a popular Jewellery design & silversmithing university in the UK and moved here. Months before I could move from Dubai to the UK, my Mother passed. Once I moved to the UK I decided to re-launch my brand here. I started an Etsy store and renamed my brand to Lorraine & Rae Jewellery after my late Mother (Lorraine). Whilst I handmake around 70% of my pieces, being based in the famous jewellery quarters, I now will be able to work with other local artisans which will enable me to bring you new designs and fulfil your orders quickly. All our packaging & raw material (Gold, silver, precious stones) are all sourced locally keeping in mind ethical and sustainable practices.
Sounds Cliché but it has been a journey. I am so thankful for my loyal customers, to be trusted as jeweller and be remembered on all your special occasions to make all your meaningful jewellery pieces. I am so grateful and absolutely love what I do.
I have been working on this store for a while now and I am always making small twerks and changes to my business. I really hope you like my new online store and designs. I am so pleased to be able to finally click “Launch”.
Happy shopping!
Rae x