Smiling woman sitting at a table with floral arrangements and jeweller's tools against a pink background. In front of her are a selection of pearls. She is wearing jewellery from her own collection.

Hello, I'm Ruth.

From my Birmingham based studio, I handcraft intricate pieces of jewellery in gold, silver and platinum and ethically sourced gemstones.

Meet the designer


From lace to precious metal


My journey started when I became fascinated with the three dimensional forms of lace. I developed a way to stitch original lace designs but gave them a twist: transforming the lace into solid precious metal.

A top-down view of a workspace. We can see a jeweller's hands stitching a lace design . Around her are different jewels and pearls. The paper underneath shows sketches of her designs.

These early ideas are still evident in my collections today.

Inspired by your story

If creativity and sculptural objects around me (and there are plenty in my studio) are one source of inspiration, meeting people like you and hearing your story is the other.

That’s why I love creating bespoke pieces of jewellery which are unique to the wearer and tell their story - the triumphs and tragedies that make them who they are today.

My greatest joy is having a deeply sentimental heirloom entrusted to me to transform — and seeing the tears of delight when I hand over the client's jewellery. Their jewellery encapsulates all the same memories, but has been transformed to fit in with their own style.

New life for much-loved gems

Unusually for a designer, I also enjoy repairing much loved gems that have often been declared unrepairable in the past. I enjoy the unique challenge presented by each piece.

An enamel ring fully restored and turned into a pendant. The central motif is a flower, set with precious stones. It sits on a dark enamel background, with gold edging and pendant loop.

I also get a little buzz from the feeling that I’ve helped someone keep a treasured item by repairing their jewellery.

How I got here

Nothing about how I became a jewellery designer and goldsmith, or how I approach my work today, is conventional.

I started out in a chemistry career, when I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. My life changed: I was collapsing 30+ times a day and sleeping around 18 fragmented hours each day. With my supportive husband at my side, I settled into a rhythm of being creative whenever I could, creating jewellery from materials around me and selling my pieces to family and friends.

However, with no other income streams, this quickly turned into a lifeline in other ways too. I gradually taught myself new skills to create the designs I envisaged, a journey I am still on today.

Stretching the boundaries of the possible

I never start with what is possible, but with what MIGHT be possible.

My science background enables me to be completely design led, before figuring out how to create the jewellery design. During bespoke consultations, clients get to share unfiltered ideas and I have the joy of streamlining them to create a piece of bespoke jewellery they will love.

Perhaps that’s why I’ve become known for designing for people who don’t know what they want. Then again, how can somebody know what they want if it doesn’t exist yet?

Invite Ruth to speak

I visit many groups to speak on all sorts of topics, drawing from my extensive experience in jewellery design and repair as well as my chemistry background.

Find out more

  • Explore the shop

    Browse the beautiful pieces in my online shop, each one made to order.

    Take a look 

  • Bespoke jewellery

    Do you want a piece of jewellery as unique as you are? Discover how Ruth's commissions are made.

    Find out more 

  • Repairing old jewellery

    Have your much-loved item repaired and wearable again. Start a conversation today.

    Email info@ruthmary.com