SCOTTISH jewellery brand Lily Blanche produces unusual pieces which are designed to surprise and delight in equal measure.
The label was founded in 2014 by Scottish designer and entrepreneur Gillian Crawford. Born and raised in Paisley, she has used her talents to take Lily Blanche from a small Scottish label to a UK-wide brand.
The company is based in Stirling, in a stunning stand-alone Arts and Crafts era studio notable for it’s eye-catching stained-glass windows.
The brand was named after Crawford’s grandmother, Lily Blanche Sheridan, who lived on the Isle of Skye. Much like Crawford, Sheridan was very in touch with her creative side, introducing her granddaughter to a wide range of craft activities.
Crawford describes her grandmother as someone who “lived an incredible life”, having travelled to India on her own with her four children (all under the age of seven) to join her husband who was stationed out there after the war.
Reflecting on her grandmother’s return to the UK, Crawford says: “Returning to Portsmouth, her home was bombed out while the family were in the Anderson shelter in the garden. She relocated to Clydeside, where my grandfather was serving, before moving to the Hebrides with my aunt who had married a crofter.”
Inspired by her family heritage, many of the Lily Blanche collections are based on vintage designs evoked by her grandmother’s jewellery box. Taking the designs as a starting point, Crawford puts a modern spin on her pieces, bringing them up to date for the 21st century.
The brand’s bestselling pieces are lockets. A particular customer favourite is the Lily Blanche Memory Keeper Locket, which opens up to reveal six secret photographs and is available in sterling silver, gold vermeil and rose gold vermeil.
Another popular range is the Birds, Bees, Feathers and Keys collection, which is made up of lockets, pendants, bangles and earrings in silver, gold and rose gold vermeil.
For the perfect finishing touch, Lily Blanche’s jewellery is hallmarked in Edinburgh by the Edinburgh Assay Office, using the hallmark designed specially for the brand.
Since its launch, the brand has gone from strength to strength, developing a loyal, highly valued customer base.
Of Lily Blanche customers, Crawford says: “We’ve been lucky to find a loyal customer base who share the same values and ethos as us – the importance of family and friends and the importance of celebrating life and marking the milestones.”
Crawford’s pieces have also taken the fancy of a few famous faces. Judy Murray is an avid fan of the label, sporting the Lily Blanche Birkin Handbag Locket on the cover of her autobiography Knowing The Score. Actress Hermione Norris was also spotted wearing the Lily Blanche Memory Keeper Locket in ITV’s latest series of Cold Feet.
The brand is also a recognised member of the National Association of Jewellers and has been shortlisted in the Scottish Fashion Awards.
Lily Blanche jewellery is available at selected Scottish stockists, including Edinburgh Castle’s Crown Gift Shop, Stirling Castle, Gleneagles Hotel’s Gifts From Gleneagles and the Scottish Parliament Shop.
www.lilyblanche.com
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