Daisy Knights’ jewellery features miniature skull, shell, ball studded and feather designs in 22 karat gold vermeil, oxidised silver and sterling silver.

The skull pieces have a feminine endearing quality. The designer cites nature, punk and rock ’n’ roll as influences for her work.

She founded her line while studying at London’s renowned Central Saint Martins College. The pieces are handmade using ethically mined gold and recycled silver.

I was honoured to interview Daisy (as seen in image above0, on her work and the nuances in between.

1. Hi Daisy, thank you for the interview. What inspired you to start your label while at college?

I always knew I wanted to be a jewellery designer and make pieces that were wearable and affordable, so I just decided to get on with it while I was at college and started my company in my spare time! I also wanted to have more than just my Central Saint Martin’s education when I got out of college; I wanted to have more of a stamp on the industry than just being a graduate. Paul & Joe were one of the first to sell my jewellery while I was still studying, and dealing with retailers in a business situation was a huge education for me too!

Daisy Knights Gold Vermeil studded wrap ring

2. Who is the Daisy Knights girl?

She is intelligent, strong, independent but also feminine, not afraid to mix metals and makes every look her own

3. If my readers were to purchase one piece from your collection which would you suggest?

The feather ring (from the Lornie collection) is my signature piece that sums up the Daisy Knights woman

Daisy Knights Oxidised Silver feather ring

4. If you were not a jewellery designer you would be?

I would probably be a sailor. But I have wanted to be a jewellery designer since I was 11, and in my heart I always knew it would happen so I didn’t really leave any other options open!

5. One great jewellery tip?

Don’t abide by ‘rules’ when wearing jewellery, go ahead and mix metals (gold & silver) and wear as much as you want! I always wear a tonne of jewellery when going through airport security and when I surf, I don’t think there is an inappropriate time to layer it up!

6. Why skulls?

The skull collection is inspired and named after my friend from Central Saint Martin’s, Kim. She was a bit of a punk but is so beautiful and delicate. Her hair is always a different colour, sometimes shaved, but she always maintained a really lady-like attitude which I love! so I designed some really girly but not kitsch skulls.

Daisy Knights Gold Vermeil skull bracelet

7. When you are not designing jewellery you can be found?
With my boyfriend and our dog Ace Ventura Pet Detective (ace for short) at home in the Cotswolds or most likely in the pub, either the Falcon in Poulton or the Village Pub in Barnsley

8. Which celebrities would you like to see in your pieces?
I don’t really design my pieces with celebrities in mind, but I’m lucky enough to have some very stylish ladies as fans. An early fan of mine was Lady Amanda Harlech, who works closely with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. Since then Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe and Poppy Delevigne have all bought pieces. It’s exciting when someone who’s style I admire wears my jewellery.

9. One random thing from your week?

My boyfriend just booked us a holiday to Cuba!

Daisy Knights Gold Vermeil antler necklace

10. The first piece of jewellery you ever designed was?

I made a ring for my friend Katie for her 13th birthday, it was a ring with a little silver flower on. She had to have it removed from her finger in the emergency room as it was so small for her, but she still has it today!

12. If your house was on fire, which jewellery piece would you save and why?

My grandmothers wedding ring that I always wear, my mother (Lornie) gave it to me for my 21st, it is my most precious piece of jewellery to me. I would also grab my dog and my favourite Mattthew Williamson dress!

13. Daisy Knights’s jewellery is synonymous with?

Nothing, there isn’t anything like Daisy Knights jewellery, its unique!

Daisy Knights tie bracelet with sterling silver skull

Click here for the Daisy Knights collection.

Kind thanks to Daisy.

All images courtesy of Daisy Knights.

Labels: dasiy knight, Five minutes with...

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