Freshwater pearls

Claudia Bradby makes fantastic use of freshwater pearls, which are now considered the equal in quality and lustre of the famous Akoya pearls which come from the sea.  Creating freshwater pearls is no shortcut though, for whereas saltwater pearls may take 18 months to become mature, freshwater pearls will take between 4 to 6 years before they are ready to harvest.  During this time, all sorts of issues can arise, damaging the pearls due to disease, weather or extreme temperatures.  The finished result is very much worth it - the variety of beautiful, fascinating colours that can now be produced is so exciting and Claudia Bradby uses them to breathtaking effect in her creations.

Claudia Bradby necklace created with Kate Middleton to be made available again.

The future British queen - who announced her engagement to Prince William in November 2010 ahead of a wedding in April 2011- has previously worked at the  retailer Junior Jigsaw.  During that time, she collaborated with Claudia Bradby to design a pendant necklace, which will once again go on sale to commemorate the  upcoming marriage.
Jeweller Claudia Bradby told People magazine: "Kate was very clear in what she wanted. She wanted a very simple bean pendant that a mother and daughter could both wear together. It was completely her initiative because she thought there was a gap in the market for something real and sophisticated, that had longevity for that age group.
"She is a classy girl and I genuinely remember thinking that William was very lucky to be going out with her - I thought she would be a huge asset to the royal family one day."

The Jewellery Wardrobe

Claudia Bradby is a jewellery designer with a very clear vision of what her gorgeous jewellery collections set out to achieve. She sees jewellery as an essential part of feminine self expression and something to be collected, retained and loved.

Claudia Bradby refers to this concept as the 'jewellery wardrobe' and elevates jewellery to a more substantial status than many may have given it credit for. The Claudia Bradby range of designs is as diverse and adaptable as 21st century living requires.