'I began selling jewellery at parties 10 years ago - now I design my own bracelets and necklaces at my shop in Newport'

“MisGraceful started on people’s kitchen tables at house parties 10 years ago,” says Lorna.

“I had £250 and spent it on jewellery and scarves with a view to having parties at ladies’ houses.

“I also set up a Facebook group for local ladies and chatted with them on the platform and showed them photos and videos of the items then I would pop them in the post or deliver locally. The group has over 3,500 ladies in now.

“As I grew in confidence, I started doing country fairs, events and Christmas fayres and during Covid I built my website,” she adds.

While on holiday in Ibiza a few years ago, Lorna was inspired to start designing her own jewellery that could be worn around the clock.

“I kept seeing Spanish women swimming in the sea and sunbathing while wearing their beautiful gold jewellery. 

“I was taking my jewellery off so it wouldn’t tarnish or turn my skin green,” recalls Lorna, who lives in Shifnal.

Determined to discover their secret, Lorna spent time at Ibizan markets where she spoke to jewellers. 

She learned about the qualities of stainless steel with 18k gold plating as well as the PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating process that can enhance its durability – a method that has been used for decades by premium brands on their stainless steel watch straps.

Lorna decided to create a range of gold jewellery that could not only be worn all of the time but also didn’t break the bank.

Back home she began designing a few new pieces to add to the range of existing brands that she sold at markets and jewellery parties.

“That’s when the business changed and I started designing my own jewellery and working with factories abroad.”

Lorna specialises in designing jewellery that is tarnish-resistant, waterproof and perfume proof. 

“My jewellery is designed to mix and match and layer and stack. It’s for ladies who never take their jewellery off. It’s great for the gym, beach or just everyday life,” she explains. 

“You can be minimal by wearing one item or maximal by wearing three, four or five bracelets. It’s jewellery that works together,” adds Lorna, who sells a wide range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. 

In 2024, she decided to try selling her jewellery wholesale and now has 250 stockists in the UK, from ladies boutiques to gift shops and garden centres.

At the start of December, she opened her shop in St Mary’s Street, Newport.

“I realised I had totally outgrown the house and needed an office or showroom but I fell upon the shop in Newport and instantly fell in love with the exposed beams and old fashioned features.

“I’m not able to get out to as many events as I used to so the shop gives me the opportunity to still connect with my wonderful customers, understand what they like and want and develop ranges that people really want to wear and feel good in at a really affordable price point,” she explains.

Lorna has been delighted by the support she has received from the local community. 

“I opened the shop during the first week of December and it has been so welcomed by the people of Newport.

“Everybody has been so supportive and people have said how wonderful it is to have a shop like this in Newport.

“Lots of people have also shared stories of working in the shop in the past because it’s such an old building.

“It’s been so nice meeting my customers face to face,” she adds. She always encourages her customers to wear what they love and what makes them feel good. 

And Lorna keeps this at the forefront of her mind when designing new pieces for her MisGraceful collection.

“It’s not just about how the jewellery looks but also how it makes the person feel,” she says.

“Sometimes, we can’t afford a whole new outfit but some new jewels can totally transform our look and we get to wear it over and over again.

“I want my jewellery to make ladies feel good. I love it when they come in and want me to help them build a collection,” adds Lorna.

For more information, see misgraceful.co.uk or www.facebook.com/misgracefuljewels/