Designer's sleek, stylish and stunning jewellery – inspired by the Cumbrian countryside

Since moving to Kirkby Stephen, Finnish designer and jeweller Katijaana (Kat) Clow has been adding the finishes touches to countless customers’ outfits, creating a range of unique silver jewellery for all to wear.

And while Kat would usually be featuring her pieces in shops and galleries across the North at this time of year, Covid has put a stop to this, with the entrepreneur instead turning to the virtual world.

“I miss the opportunity to talk to customers and see their reactions to my designs,” she said.

“Selling online is a totally different concept to selling in person – you have to find other ways to have those little conversations about the materials and especially gemstones, ideas of the designs, people’s heirlooms and accessorising tips.

“To do this an enormous amount of time is consumed with social media activity and being a pre-Millennial this does not come naturally to me!”

“It has been just another skill set to be learnt in addition to designing and making the jewellery, creating a brand and the art of selling on line.”

She continued: “It is also challenging for the customer – not being able to see the piece in real life and have to base their purchasing decision on a photo or a video clip in a web shop.

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to exhibit my collections again in more galleries in Cumbria, and to meet customers once the pandemic is over.”

The former London woman’s love of jewellery started more than 30 years ago, with her search for the perfect, unique piece pushing her towards creating her own.

She said: “It all started with clothing design – I couldn’t find anything that really excited me or if I did, my budget wouldn’t stretch to it.

“I didn’t want anything mass-produced that thousands of others were wearing and brand has never been a buying criteria for me. I’m more after individuality, uniqueness and something quirky so I ended up making my own clothes.

“Then the next step was the jewellery!”

She continued: “I fell in love with the whole process of turning a lump of metal into something shiny, beautiful and wearable.

“When orders started to come in, I realised I could actually make a business for myself from my passion.”

And so in 2018, Kat took the plunge and set up Dotting the i’s – her very own jewellery business, striving to offer modern and timeless pieces for the people of Cumbria and beyond to wear.

The collections are characterised by the raw, unpolished feel of Scandinavian minimalism, mixed with inspiration from the unique scenery of Cumbria, with every piece handmade by the proud businesswoman.

As well as being passionate about her designs, Kat is also concerned about the sustainability of her jewellery.

She explained: “All the materials are supplied by responsible and sustainable sources. I can therefore provide my client with a certificate of origin and authenticity for the gemstones and precious metals if requested.

“Most of my pieces are made-to-order, which helps to keep the stock small and also minimise the wastage of silver.

“Any ‘waste’ is collected carefully and sent to be melted and reused in next piece of jewellery.”

As an artisan jewellery designer, Kat faces fierce competition from international brands, and the comparison of her work in solid sterling silver Argentium ® silver, which is entirely safe even for the most sensitive skin.

And with her business proving a success, and plenty of delighted customers wearing her pieces throughout the county, Kat couldn’t be more pleased – or more grateful for the priceless support.

She said: “There is nothing more rewarding than that feeling when people buy your product and leave you genuine feedback.

“That encourages you to brush the worries aside, and continue doing what you are doing with a little smile.”

To find out more, or treat yourself or a loved one to a unique piece of jewellery, visit Kat’s Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/dottingtheis, or follow her Instagram and Facebook page.