Make a wish with My Wishbone…
Recently I came across new jewellery brand My Wishbone, the brainchild of sisters Emma and Jo Riley. I loved the beautifully designed necklaces so much that I decided I wanted to find out more, and I hope you do too!
I interviewed Emma, who designs the latest must-have necklace!
How did you get interested in jewellery design?
I’ve always been interested by fashion trends since I was very little, which is one of the reasons I did an Art Foundation, followed by a Fashion degree. Jewellery is a fantastic way to change the look of an outfit, especially from day to night. A few years back I worked for one of the biggest jewellery groups and realised that if I was to take the plunge I would be creating some unique pieces with a very creative/thoughtful flair whilst making a positive ROI for a chosen charity to benefit from.
I love the design! Do you know much about your customers? Are they buying as gifts or for themselves?
It’s a real mix of treats for themselves or birthday/wedding/new-mother gifts for friends and family, the reasons are really wide and varied which is great.
The stylish wishbone pendant in Rose Gold (£105.00), Solid Silver (£95.00) and Gold (£105.00) |
It’s great that you have a family business. You are both marketers – do you find that you have similar ideas on how to market the jewellery. Do you disagree much?
Yes, (Emma) my background is in fashion and PR and Jo’s background is in marketing and economics so it works very well together. Disagree? We’re sisters of course we will have mixed ideas/thoughts on what is best, but the best concepts come from brainstorming, especially creative ideas 😉
My Wishbone creators Emma (left) and Jo |
Where is the jewellery made and how is it made? How did you decide on the metals etc?
Through my contacts we have chosen a very reputable manufacturer who also works with Links and Tiffany’s to name but a few…so our pieces are certainly made by very skilled hands. Regarding metals, I have attended numerous ‘industry trend events’ and adding that to the experience from past projects I have a good feeling of what is popular.
What was the idea behind the spinner pendant?
I love the idea of a secret message coming to life and enabling the wearer to create their very own unique messaging which resonates most to them.
Who are your jewellery/accessory idols? Which brands do you wear yourselves?
(Jo) I wear Alex Monroe and Tiffany and I love the high street shops for current trend pieces, (Emma) I love Solange Azagury-Partridge, Fred Leighton, LOVE vintage fullstop. I love going to Burlington Arcade and antique markets, I wear a mix of high-street, foreign flee-market designers, Tiffany, vintage, Marc Jacobs and Roberto Cavalli.
When are you planning on expanding the range and what are you hoping to include?
As soon as we can, we’re already in the process of launching a bangle and have so many designs waiting to come alive, watch this space….
Coming soon – the new Twisted Wishbone Bangle (Solid Silver and Gold)
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My personal favourite – the Rose Gold Twisted Wishbone Bangle |
How does the brand help those that are less fortunate? What is the humanitarian element?
We will donate 10% of profits to our chosen charity, War Child, and as time progresses we hope to increase this. This year is about laying the foundation of the brand and next year we will expand into others areas. (Emma) I am already putting together a book which will marry well with the humanitarian aspect as well as the positive message of never giving up, whatever the hurdle!!
Thanks for answering my questions Emma and wishing you much success with the brand!
Check out the website here
Follow My Wishbone on Facebook here
Follow the brand on Instagram here