Hannah Louise Lamb
This November, we are pleased to collaborate with North-Berwick based Jeweller Hannah Louise Lamb. Hannah has recently become a Certified Assay Assured Retailer, reflecting her commitment to consumer protection and high-quality craftsmanship. We spoke with Hannah to get some insight into her work, process and why hallmarking is important to her business.
Working from her studio in North Berwick, Scotland, Hannah specialises in creating bespoke jewellery that reflects life’s personal stories. Inspired by the rugged beauty of nature and the idea that jewellery can encapsulate the cherished moments of our lives, Hannah’s pieces reflect coastlines, skylines and landscapes of special significance to each of us. From intricate hand-piercing to painstaking cut-outs, Hannah consistently captures unique and personal stories with the highest level of craftsmanship and experience. As a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and The Royal College of Art, Hannah has completed commissions for The Bodleian Library, The Scottish Government and Scottish Opera as well as taking part in international residencies and workshops.
Can you tell us a bit about your design process?
My designing is always informed by my fabulous customers. I specialise in creating bespoke jewellery pieces that reflect life’s personal stories. My pieces represent coastlines, skylines and landscapes of special significance to each of us. I use hand-piercing to capture my customer’s unique and personal stories.
Why is hallmarking important to you and your business?
An essential part of quality craftsmanship within the world of jewellery is ensuring every piece meets the high standards carved out by the Edinburgh Assay Office. As a business, hallmarking stamps serve as my guarantee of the metals used in the creation of my handmade jewellery, providing assurance of authenticity and quality to my customers.
What materials do you prefer to work with and why?
My absolute favourite metal is 18ct yellow gold, it’s just gorgeous! But I love working with sterling silver, and all colours and carats of gold. I use 100% recycled, or Single Mine Origin metals for my designs.
Is there a specific part of the hallmarking process that interests you?
I love that all my pieces that are hallmarked have my maker’s mark, which is an oval with the initials HL, and the Edinburgh Castle, along with the other standard marks.
How do you engage with your customers about hallmarking?
As most of my jewellery is sold online, I have explained the marks on my website with a page dedicated to hallmarking.
What is the one thing you wish your customers knew about hallmarking?
Hallmarking is a guarantee of assurance that the jewellery the public are buying is made from that metal it is described as. A hallmark is made up of series of marks, representing the maker, the metal fineness, and the year. A 925 stamp on it’s own is not a hallmark.
Images by Hannah Louise Lamb & Helen Pugh Photography
