Interview with jeweller marcus osbourne, winner of JewelFund 2020
Marcus Osbourne was one of the winners of JewelFund in 2020. He took his extensive experience in jewellery manufacturing and started working on bespoke and commissioned pieces in wax. We caught up with him to find out more about his jewellery business, how he’s been doing since winning JewelFund and what he included in his application to ensure he won
How did you learn to make jewellery?
I consider myself to be self taught, having worked in the casting/manufacturing side of jewellery making, my craft has developed and grown as a result of working in jewellery production for over 20 years.
However I did attend a very basic jewellery making course at the School for Jewellers & Silversmiths, in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, back in 1997-98.
How did you make the decision to turn that into a business?
After doing the odd commission alongside my work, carving bespoke models for friends and family, I realised there was a need for a personal bespoke design service. But the decision to start the business became my only option when the company I worked for ceased trading and I was forced to take redundancy in 2018,
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
My highlight so far has been teaching wax carving and helping students integrate into the jewellery industry with a level 2 City& Guilds in jewellery making.
What are your favourite pieces from your current collection?
Commissions have previously contributed to the directions of my designing, but I’m in the process of creating my first collection.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspirations come mostly from the almighty and forever changing Mother Nature. Particularly shapes and textures, animals and plants.
Textured silver ring, copyright Marcus Osbourne 2021
Ring, copyright Marcus Osbourne 2021. Diamond setting by @ds.diamondsetter
What was it like to win JewelFund?
Winning the JewelFund 2020 was a very special moment for me and totally unexpected. It came at a time when I was at a low point, so being chosen gave me a real boost in confidence to continue creating. The JewelFund allowed me to purchase some much needed tools (like engraving and polishing equipment) that would have taken me a while to accumulate, which would have delayed my progression.
What did you put in your application?
My application was straight forward and to the point. Explaining my situation as experienced in the trade, but a beginner in the business.
What things do you hope to achieve/what are your jewellery dreams for the future?
I hope to have my own do-it-all workshop one day
To be able to create without money or material restrictions
To allow individuals to express themselves in their unique way through bespoke jewellery
Also to teach and pass on what I have gain over the years.
How can people see your work?
My social media platforms are:-
On Instagram : @mybespokejewellery
On Google : My Bespoke Jewellery
Applications for JewelFund 2021 are now closed.
The deadline was Friday 30th July 2021
JewelFund was set up in 2018 specifically for jewellers wanting to launch or grow their jewellery business. You can apply for one of three £1000 grants to spend on a specific area of your business… and the greatest thing about grants… you don’t have to give them back (It is not a loan it is yours to keep). This is a great opportunity to get some additional funds to move your business forward to the next level.
Find out more and apply on the button below.