An Interview with Miranda Price, jewellery designer and Mara company owner

Hi Beauties, 

Hope you're having a good week so far. Monday's over so things are looking up already right? :) 

I've got something else to lift your spirits too! The stunning Miranda Price, Jewellery designer and owner of Mara got in contact with me last week to promote her latest jewellery collection 'Charmed Life'. She is a UK-based business owner too, and I do love to support UK business so I took a look at her designs.... Fell in love! 

I was so interested by her 'about us' section of her site www.marajewellery.co.uk and how she got inspiration for her jewellery that I asked to interview her and here's how it went...

So Miranda, how and when did you first realise you wanted to become a jewellery designer?

It was years ago when I was living in Koh Samui, Thailand. It was definitely something I fell into without knowing it would actually become my passion and job years later. We travelled up to Bangkok and whilst looking for clothes in the markets I came across numerous stalls covered from ceiling to floor in strands of semi-precious stones. There were stones of every colour, they all looked amazing. I bought a few strands...I think I bought some coral and agate. I made a few simple necklaces and it started as a hobby first. It wasn't until I came back to the UK in 2012 that I really pursued it as a job and got my first website.

You are very well travelled! How have your travels inspired your work? 

I think it has probably inspired me more than I have realised. I have taken in so much over my years away...different cultures, places and styles. I think it has definitely been a positive thing for my jewellery. 

Can you tell us a bit about the process from conception to the finished product - how does a piece of jewellery get made?

I usually start by deciding what semi-precious stones to use for the collection. Once I know the colour of the stones I'm using I then shop around and find charms and beads that will go well together. I will already have ideas in my head for what I want some of the pieces to look like.  But with some of the stone bracelets and necklaces I just start off beading them together and see where it takes me. It can be quite fiddly because the stones and beads are so small. 

What would you most like to make that you haven't so far?

I would like to make some chunkier pieces of jewellery and perhaps some ankle chains and rings.

Are there any tips you can give readers when choosing jewellery?

I think its nice to have a selection of jewellery....with necklaces I have some long and some short styles. Its always good to have a couple of statement necklaces that you can wear on a night out and to buy jewellery with colour in as well as plain pieces.

And finally, what's your favourite piece of jewellery in your new collection and why?

It would have to be the Carpe Diem bracelet. I like the peach colour leather and the gold plated tube beads used in the design. You can wear it whether you are dressing casual for the day and also for nights out.

The New Collection 'Charmed Life' is on the website now to purchase. Go take a look! 

Or watch my review video of the 'For Keeps' bracelet on LuckyPrettyTV now!

Love

LauraClaire