West Wycombe jewellery designer-maker, Justine Holliday, founder of Artisan Jewellery, shares her love for local life
Q. Hi Justine. Where are you based? “We’ve lived in Sands, just outside West Wycombe, for 40 years. My husband & I have two teenagers and two adorable spaniels who are my constant companions. I walk them before work every morning on West Wycombe hill and I’ve never been bored by my surroundings. I’ve had my jewellery workshop in West Wycombe village for over 14 years.”
Q. Did you enjoy school? “I went to school at Lady Verney where I discovered my love for all things art. I had a wonderfully supportive art teacher. I then went on to study art foundation and silver smithing, both at Bucks University which led me to start Artisan Jewellery.”
Q. What do you love about where you live? “The Chilterns has endless walks, stunning scenery, and beautiful tucked-away villages to explore. At the moment, my favourite walk is heading over to The Yew Tree in Frieth which does great beer and amazing food. Also, The Apple Orchard in West Wycombe is so worth a visit for a delicious lunch and the lovely garden.”
Q. What’s one thing you’d change? “I don’t often venture into High Wycombe town centre; I find it a little sad that we’re losing so many shops and have lost a lot of the beautiful architecture that made it a lovely market town.”
“It’s always so lovely to see all the faces – new and old”
Justine Holliday
Q. What are your favourite local businesses? “I’ve honestly got to say one of my favourite places is West Wycombe! I’ve been coming to the village since I was tiny: my family have been based here for generations. So many people just drive through but if you stop and wander around, there are so many things to discover: cafés, lovely country pubs, the village store and architecture that has been trapped in time by the National Trust’s careful conservation.”
Q. What highlights are you looking forward to? “I’m really looking forward to the festive fayre in the village because it’s always so lovely to see all the faces – new and old! It runs every year in West Wycombe on the first Wednesday in December with food and craft stalls too.”
Q. Where did your love of jewellery begin? “It all started with my lov e for metal while I was studying for my art foundation. This led me to a silversmithing degree. I realised how versatile and beautiful silver is to work with as a material. Eventually, this led to me working with gold and platinum which is where I am today. I’m lucky to work with lovely customers. I enjoy meeting people and finding out about their lives. Everyone has their own story and I like to think each piece I make for them becomes a part of that story. Specialising in redesigning and upcycling heirloom jewellery, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.”
Q. Have you had any remarkable projects? “Too many to mention! I work on so many commissions and have worked with many a famous face but because of the work I do, a lot of these are a personal journey for myself and my customer. Often jewellery is sentimental with deep emotional ties and I feel privileged
to be able to share that with people..”
Visit artisan- jewellery.com