All about Woo

About me

I’ve always been curious and creative, from model making in early childhood to engines in my teens, there’s always been a fascination with how things are structured and built.

On leaving school, I couldn’t wait to get into work and began with an apprenticeship in reprographics. My career path took many turns and led me to managing a company specialising in bespoke product branding. However, working in a corporate world left me yearning to explore my creativity.

After being persistently told by my wife that I would enjoy making jewellery, we attended an evening class together. I may (or may not) have been responsible for melting a new heat mat in the first session, but the interest was sparked. I began dabbling at home and essentially ‘stole’ my wife’s small workshop at the end of the garden.

Over time, the spark became a mighty flame. Many hours were spent developing my craft, and the contents of Stace’s jewellery box grew with each make. Though she did joke she was also keeping an eye on all her treasures to make sure I didn’t try to ‘repurpose’ anything without her knowledge!

As I began to be asked more and more by family and friends, then their family and friends, to create handcrafted jewellery for them, ‘Woo by Design’ was conceived. I enjoy visualising and developing my own designs, but working with others to draft and create a treasured piece of bespoke jewellery for them brings great joy.

Over time, I have refined my skills, attended workshops at the British Academy of Jewellers, and been trained by industry leading jewellers and stone setters to sculpt unique and timeless jewellery. This enabled me to progress onto more complex engagement, eternity, and occasion rings. My proudest moment as a jeweller will always be when my eldest son asked me to make an engagement ring for his wonderful partner (now fiancée). (case study link)

I think it was always inevitable I would make the decision to completely step away from the corporate world and focus full time on jewellery. At Woo by Design, my aim is to create unique pieces designed for any budget. I believe that bespoke doesn’t have to mean out of reach, and original designs can be made in a variety of ways to reflect how much the customer wishes to spend.

Together, we can repurpose old jewellery or source specifically for your needs to ensure every detail has the desired effect. Whether an engagement ring is crafted in silver and cubic zirconia, or platinum with a diamond solitaire, I will dedicate the same attention to detail and pride in the finished piece.

When you contact me to discuss your bespoke jewellery requirements, you will have the opportunity to chat through your ideas without any pressure to commit. I can offer design services, as well as advice about precious metals and gemstones to enable you to decide on the ideal materials to bring your brief to life and suit your budget. Depending on your location, we can meet via video call or in person, and I will provide full clarity on timescale and cost before you decide whether to go ahead.

So, why Woo?

The name was inspired by our nickname for our youngest son, Wes, who we’ve always affectionately called Woo. My two sons are always my motivation for everything. Wes also supports me in my endeavours and spends hours scaling our local beach at Gurnard in search of sea glass treasures to use in my jewellery.

Of course, ‘woo’ is also synonymous with the endeavour to gain a person’s affection or love. And you could be wooing that special someone with the gift of beautiful bespoke jewellery!

Everyone should experience the joy of jewellery unique to them, and bespoke handcrafted pieces can be accessible for the same budget as manufactured high street brands.

If you choose to work with me, every piece will be carefully crafted in my workshop at the end of my garden on the always sunny (honest) Isle of Wight. Contact me to find out more.

Contact me

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