In Conversation With : Alice Philpott Jewellery

I sat down with my very close friend and incredibly talented jeweller, Alice Philpott in her lovely home studio accompanied by her cat Mr Biggles. An insightful conversation that dives a bit deeper into Alice’s life, practice and the things she’s loving at the moment. 

The Old Brick Studio (TOBS) : Hey Alice, to start, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do in your practice?

Alice Philpott Jewellery (APJ) : Im 28 and apart from a brief stint in London I have lived in Cornwall my whole life. It was actually in London that I started my jewellery journey doing a short course in Covent Garden, and then when I moved back to Cornwall I decided to do a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Truro College. During my third year I managed to land my dream job, working as a workshop assistant at Emily Nixon Jewellery, based in Hayle. It’s been a fantastic place to work and I’ve learnt so much so fast. Along side this I also work on my own business, Alice Philpott Jewellery, where I design and make my own jewellery. My style is dynamic and playful with a focus on experimenting with different shapes and forms. Although I currently only work with silver I am planning on releasing some pieces in gold soon!

TOBS : That’s so exciting that you’re looking to introduce gold to your collection, i’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that. With a focus on creating aesthetically beautiful pieces that are appropriate for everyday wear, your jewellery holds a simplicity and originality that is super recognisable to your brand. Where do you find the inspiration for these pieces?

APJ : Cornwall is a great place for inspiration, I just have to go for a coastal walk to feel inspired by the shapes and textures. Also, books! I have some wonderful books, for instance, one the looks at jewellery through the Medieval period, another that documents jewellery throughout the history of Vogue magazine and another that showcases all of the rings from the V&A museum’s collection. If I’m ever stuck for inspiration flicking through these usually helps!

TOBS : Your pieces lean toward the contemporary style so it’s really interesting to hear you find inspiration in jewellery from these different time periods, I love that you’re creating a connection between old and new. On the topic of books, are there any books or podcasts you’re loving at the moment? 

APJ : I have just started the audio book Ikigai, about the Japanese concept ikagai, which means your reason for being, or, ‘the reason for which you get up in the morning’. It say’s that if you can find something that you are good at, that you also love, that the world also needs, and that you can also be paid to do, you will have found your ikagai. It’s all about how to live a long and happy life and so far I’m finding it extremely insightful!

TOBS: What a lovely concept, that seems like an amazing life meaning to aim for and live by. So, what makes you happy when you’re not working? What can we find you doing on your days off? 

APJ : On my days off I love to take things slow and be reflective, ideally starting the day with a big mug of coffee and some pancakes (American style)! I love spending time with my family and friends, whether that’s going for a walk or going for a cuppa tea/ glass of wine! A cosy evening in with my fiancé Alfie is how I would finish the day, we like to put the fire on and then watch a good film.

TOBS : That sounds like the perfect day off. Oh yes, HUGE congratulations to you and Alfie. So so happy for you both (and the ring is absolutely gorgeous). Staying on the topic of time off, have you got a top destination you’d like to travel to next? 

APJ : Japan, hopefully for our honeymoon! I love the culture so much, and the food is amazing, as is the scenery. Also it’s the one place that seems to love cats as much as I do, there’s even an island full of them! Japan is also known for its exquisite craftsmanship, from ceramics to knives, and I think I would find a lot of inspiration in that for my own practice.

TOBS: I think you’ve made a top travel choice there (and very appropriate to you both). Very jealous, I've always wanted to visit. Maybe we’ll do a conversation pt.2 with all your inspiration and findings from your trip!

TOBS : Where do you see the business going in the next few years, have you got any new products in the pipeline that you can tell us about?

APJ : I have just been investing in some new equipment for sand casting which is super exciting! This new technique will allow me to experiment a lot more in the workshop and hopefully lead me to some new weird and wonderful designs. I also hope to make our own wedding rings using this method which is rather exciting!

 As mentioned before I hope to bring gold into my work. I am also planning to start working with precious stones, which I’m sure will lead to engagement rings and that whole side of the jewelry design business.



TOBS: So much in the pipeline! This is sounds exciting! You’ve achieved so much with Alice Philpott Jewellery so far and it’s clear hard work pays off! For those getting into their creative career or looking into starting, what advice do you have for them?

APJ : Just go for it because you really don’t know until you try things out! I actually never thought of myself as a creative person and so had kind of written off any kind of creative career. But luckily I decided to take a leap and enrol on that short course in London and I absolutely loved it. Also remember everyone has bad days where your creativity doesn’t flow and you doubt yourself, don’t give up! :-)

TOBS : And I’m so glad you did! Your work is so lovely (I wear my Gabrielle hoops everyday) and your work is always a joy to see on my instagram feed. Thank you so much for taking the time with me, it’s so nice to be able to share with everyone more about you and your business. As well as your own, are there any other creatives/businesses you think deserve a shout out? 

APJ : Always! Yourself of course, I absolutely love the work you’re putting out at the moment. Also Loveday Distilling are smashing it! Their gin is so tasty and they are such a lovely group of ladies!

TOBS : Thank you so much! And finally, tell us about mr Biggles, your cat

APJ : Ah Mr. Biggles! He’s such a legend, he brings me and Alfie so much joy! We adopted him from Cats protection in 2018 as an indoor cat. He’s indoor because he has FIV, meaning he has a weak immune system, but in all other regards he’s a very healthy and happy chap. Because he’s an indoor cat he just loves attention and spends most of his time chilling, on us or around us. He’s totally our little life companion, just like a dog, and anyone who say’s cats are cold or disloyal hasn’t met Mr. Biggles!

Huge congratulations to you and your fiance! You’ve got big things coming - both in your personal and professional life and I can’t wait to follow you along the way! This journal is being released on International Women’s day, and you’re definitely a woman worth celebrating, as a friend and a creative. 

You can find Alice’s work on her website and over on Instagram.