Discover How Clare Gladding Became a Successful Jewellery Maker After 23 Years as a Sculptor
Key Highlights :
Clare Gladding has been a sculptor for 23 years, but recently decided to take a course in jewellery making and become a silversmith. After taking the course, she expanded her range of animal-themed jewellery and decided to open her own shop, Mooki Jewellery, in Waltham. It has been a whirlwind of a process, but she is now ready to welcome people through her door.
Clare first got the idea for Mooki Jewellery when people asked her to make gold and silver jewellery, which she couldn’t do without having her own premises. After taking a course in jewellery making and teaching herself how to become a silversmith, she decided to expand. She then spent time in a number of collective shops in the area, before eventually deciding to go it alone in her own premises.
Clare said: “I came up with the name originally by mixing two words together, but I've since found out that it means strong and independent woman in some African tribes so I've stuck with it ever since. I've been a sculptor for 23 years and released a small range of animal jewellery a while ago. A lot of people liked it, but they said they can only wear gold or silver so I decided to go back to college and learn how to make more jewellery. After the course, I bought a load of equipment and taught myself how to be a silversmith. I absolutely loved it and decided to grow it into what it is today, I just wish I'd done it sooner.”
Clare started creating the bespoke jewellery from a workshop in her house before taking part in some of the collective shops around the area. Whilst on the hunt for a permanent home, she came across the unit in Waltham and just a month after getting the keys, got the place ready for opening. She said: “We've been working all the time to get it ready, the whole process has been a whirlwind to be honest. I'm just glad it's all come together and I'm so excited to finally get the place open. I liked being in the collectives, but people wanted to come and get measured or have their jewellery melted down and I couldn't do that without having my own place.”
Clare will be offering bespoke gold and silver jewellery as well as giving people the chance to have their jewellery altered or melted down and turned into something new. She is also focused on being sustainable and recycling materials where she can. With her new home, she says she's already living the dream.
Mooki jewellery opens on Wednesday, 21 June, on Waltham High Street. If you’re looking for a new jewellery shop that can breathe new life into your family heirlooms, then Clare Gladding’s Mooki Jewellery is the perfect place to visit.
