In the latest in a series of editorials focusing on Irish women in business, we spoke to jewellery designer and gemmologist Natasha Sherling.
We’re obsessed with her classically elegant designs: from ready-to-wear pieces that will slot in effortlessly with your everyday wardrobe to stunning bespoke designs that might appeal to your inner magpie.
There’s solitaire diamond earrings, versatile and dainty gold pieces that can be worn on a daily basis not to mention the statement one-off rings, perfect for occasion wear.
Here’s what Natasha had to say about her growing business and her success thus far.
What is your background?
I have a business degree from Trinity College. I always loved fashion, so upon graduation I began to intern for The Gloss Magazine. A few years on, and I was Assistant Editor, looking after the fashion and jewellery pages. Then I decided I wanted to focus on jewellery full time. So I moved to New York and studied at GIA, qualifying as a gemmologist just over three years ago.
What was and is your inspiration?
Strong women have always been my inspiration. How they wear jewellery, why they wear jewellery. Think about most of the jewellers in Ireland – they are run by men. But men don’t wear jewellery. So my pieces, designed by a woman for other women, have garnered an amazing response. I know what women want to wear everyday – as well as for special occasions. And that’s so important now that so many women are buying jewellery for themselves. I’m not designing for what men want to see on their wives or girlfriends – I think that’s quite old-fashioned. I’m designing for what women want to see on themselves.
Confisserie Baroque Pearl Gold Earrings
Why did you decide to build your own business?
Building my own business was just something I always wanted to do. I had that ambition niggling away in the back of my mind, and I knew that the quality of my work would stand up on its own. It was just about finding the right time.
Was it difficult starting out?
The most challenging thing to starting was actually making the decision to do it. To leave the security of a full time job that I loved was a daunting prospect but I’m so glad I took the leap! The satisfaction from seeing my business growing steadily is indescribable.
What challenges did you meet along the way?
I’m very fortunate in that my business has grown very organically – the fine jewellery industry is very much about word of mouth. By designing quality pieces using the best materials, I’ve had a lot of recommendations passed on – and it’s been that way since the beginning!
Where do you sell your product from?
The majority of my work is bespoke – it’s made to order. Clients come to my studio and during the consultation we establish what stones they’re looking for and what kind of designs they love. That’s our starting point. I then source the stones personally and draw up ideas for clients to approve. Every piece is finally set by hand here in Ireland. A select edit of ready-to-wear pieces is available on my own site,www.natashasherling.com, as well as at Coldlilies.com, Dublin’s MoMuse and BT2.
From Here To Eternity Bracelet in Yellow Gold
8) What’s the future of the business?
I’m focusing on the immediate future right now, and working away on some really special pieces for the second half of this year – I have some incredible stones just waiting to be set. I will also probably need to look into hiring some help soon as I’m getting so busy! I hope to expand my ready-to-wear line; there has been great demand for more piece to buy straight off-shelf.
Can you tell us anything about future Natasha Sherling collections?
Future collections will continue to include a mix of one-of-a-kind pieces, and wearable pieces for every day. Juicy gemstones will take centre stage and there will be a lot of yellow gold and platinum.
Have you any recommendations for buying jewellery, are timeless or trend-led pieces better?
I love costume jewellery, and always think an incredible jewelled bib or stack of bright bangles can transform an outfit. But my main recommendation for buying jewellery is to buy the best that you can afford, especially when it comes to pieces to wear every day. However, you don’t have to pay over the odds!
That’s why so many people like my Miniatures – they are perfect for every day, as they are tiny, refined, solid gold or sterling silver (I don’t use plating) – and they start at €55. They are also the perfect accompaniment to trend-led costume pieces: the Glow for Gold or Twinkle Twinkle earrings strike the perfect balance to an oversized neckpiece – the best of both worlds!
Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Earrings
To have a look (if you’re anything like us, you’ll have a list as long as your arm by the end) at Natasha’s gorgeous designs, visit natashasherling.ie here.
