An interview with the creator of Julia Burness Jewellery

Here at The Upcoming we love to find designers who create fair trade items. Julia Burness Jewellery creates strong, striking collections using only recycled metals and fair trade gold. Julia’s Lost Lace collection is a favourite with celebrities and style magazines alike, counting Donna Air, Amber Atherton and Eliza Doolittle among her fans with features in Vogue, Magpie Darling, Heat Magazine and In Style. Julia’s creations offer bespoke, dramatic, exquisite and incredibly light pieces, complimenting her commercial collection of cuffs, rings and earrings. Enchanted and intrigued, The Upcoming interviewed Julia about her career, upcoming projects and interests away from work.

What initially drew you into the wonderful world of accessories?

I have always been obsessed with accessories, both jewellery and handbags. It was always going to be a choice between the two eventually!

How did you go about creating your very first item of jewellery?

After studying at Sir John Cass doing Silversmithing and Jewellery Design, I worked in a casting factory where they taught me that the limits are boundless. That is when I first experimented with casting lace.

When you are designing a piece does it grow organically as you make it or do you prefer to design it on paper first?

My pieces definitely grow organically as I make them! I am not the type to systematically design on paper first.

We love how unique your collections are. Who/what is the inspiration behind your designs?

My designs are inspired by literally anything that excites me. Some things just catch my eye and I start thinking about it in terms of jewellery. I’m constantly on the look out for potential inspiration.

We absolutely love the cuffs from your Lost Lace collection! Which would you say is your favourite piece?

I don’t really have a favourite piece — but the cuffs from the Lost Lace collection are very popular. I think I’m currently loving the Olivia Necklace plated in black rhodium. It looks very rock star!

What is a typical work week like for you?

The beauty of my job is that I don’t have a routine. When I am inspired I’ll work away in my studio in Hatton Garden, otherwise you’ll find me busy sourcing potential stockists.

What do you like to do when you’re not designing jewellery?

I’ve just moved out of London to the countryside, I am in absolute heaven when I’m walking the dogs through the woods near us. I often find beautiful pieces of nature to cast whilst I’m out walking — so I’m always working!

Finally, what’s next for you? Any new projects or collections?

Yes, I’m currently working on a new project using animal skulls. A lot of the things I make are quite sculptural so I am thinking of expanding into objects for the home as well.

Purchase Julia’s amazing pieces here.

Louise Elsom