Before Holly Oswald became a jeweller, she was on a different creative path. “I originally studied clothing production, fashion design and illustration,” she says. “I loved it, but the industry just didn’t feel like me. I always knew I wanted to create with my hands, I just hadn’t found my thing yet.”
While studying gemmology, a friend mentioned a jewellery apprenticeship – and everything clicked. “From the moment I sat at the bench, I knew it was right. I haven’t stopped making jewellery since.” That was in 2010. Fifteen years on, Holly has built a business grounded in passion, precision and personal connection.
She trained in a high-end handmade jewellery studio, where every piece was made from hand. “It was a traditional goldsmithing apprenticeship, and I’m so grateful for it. I learned how to work with raw gold and precious gemstones and transform them into something beautiful and lasting.”
After working for a few different jewellery businesses, things came to a head. “I was chronically stressed and really unhappy. I walked out one day and never looked back – it was like a giant weight lifted.”
Holly launched Holly Michele Jewellery in 2017. “I thought I’d find a part-time job and build HMJ on the side. But friends and family started supporting and sharing my work, and it just snowballed from there. I’ve been working for myself ever since.”
“From the moment I sat at the bench, I knew it was right.
I haven’t stopped making jewellery since.” That was in 2010. Fifteen years on, Holly has built a business grounded in passion, precision and personal connection.
What makes her work unique is her commitment to her handmade philosophy. “Everything I create is made entirely by hand in my little workshop. A lot of jewellers use CAD design or casting techniques these days, but I still do it the old-school way – melting, rolling, bending, filing and soldering. Each piece takes time and care.”
Most of Holly’s work is custom, with the occasional ready-to-wear piece in her small collection. “Every piece has a story. That’s the magic of it,” she says.
As a lifelong maker, working with her hands is where Holly finds joy. “I’ve always been creative – drawing, painting, pottery, sewing. I feel so lucky that I found a career that lets me keep creating every day. And I love people – I’m such a romantic – so making jewellery that celebrates milestones or love stories, that’s the most meaningful part of what I do.”
Lately, her inspiration has come from close to home. “The coast is always a big source of inspiration for me. I’ve been collecting shells and crab claws at the beach with my girls – it reminds me of my own childhood. I was always the kid with pockets full of rocks and shells, and now they are too. So I’m working on a coastal-inspired collection that captures those special memories.”
Alongside that, she’s creating custom pieces using heirloom gemstones, giving old pieces a new life. “I love the process of reimagining something sentimental into something wearable again.” She’s also preparing to launch her website. “It’s long overdue! I’m excited to have an online space that reflects the heart of what I do.”
Living and working in Newcastle feels like the perfect fit. “The people are lovely, welcoming and down-to-earth. There’s such a great creative community here – and it’s an amazing place to raise a family. I feel really lucky to be doing what I love, in a place I love.”
“The coast is always a big source of inspiration for me. I’ve been collecting shells and crab claws at the beach with my girls – it reminds me of my own childhood. I was always the kid with pockets full of rocks and shells, and now they are too. ”
