New Year 2019

36 House of Solus is a bespoke jewellery company located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic and prestigious Jewellery Quarter. As one of the area’s most highly sought-after experts, LUXlife Magazine was keen to speak to the firm’s Creative Director, Gemma Perry, to find out more about their innovative work. Even among the Jewellery Quarter’s noted experts, House of Solus has forged an enviable reputation for creating custom-made pieces that exceed expectations time and time again. Indeed, as specialists in engagement and wedding rings – items of high sentimental value – they understand that care, clear communication and a dedication to detail are absolutely fundamental to long-term success and satisfied clients. To begin, Gemma takes a moment to emphasise these qualities and the truly bespoke nature of the company’s work: “House of Solus specialises in custom-made engagement rings, wedding rings and re-design pieces. Our design studio is the perfect environment to start a bespoke jewellery experience. Each client will receive a one to one experience with their own jewellery designer – which makes the entire design process personal and stress free.” “Ultimately, the service we offer is a first-class bespoke jewellery experience. Potential clients can look at our website and book an appointment that suits them; whether this be an initial telephone consultation, Skype appointment (especially handy for our overseas clients) or an appointment in our design studio. Once an appointment has been booked, a House of Solus designer will be in touch to discuss the needs and requirements for the jewellery that will be designed. This way the client and the designer is fully prepared before the appointment.” “We find that communication is key to our business. Once in a design appointment our client will be greeted with a refreshment before commencing their design journey with their personal designer. We make it our prerogative to listen to each and every client and make sure we deliver a fist class design that is appropriate to the client’s expenditure. From concept to design, our jeweller will be in touch throughout each process until the final piece is presented to the client back in the design studio.” More than that, the House of Solus match their client to the jeweller, utilising the area’s wealth of experts, ensuring that the finished product is Dec18543 nothing short of extraordinary and exactly what the client envisioned. “The House of Solus has one predominant jewellery designer who liaises with each and every client that is interested in a bespoke jewellery experience. Once a consultation has taken place and a design agreed, the designer will communicate directly with the relevant jeweller most suited to the job at hand to discuss the needs of the clients. All of our work is carried out within the Jewellery Quarter which means that all the manufacturing of our jewellery is kept local. House of Solus only use the best jewellers in the trade which is why we have always kept our work within close proximity.” Gemma moves on to discuss the greater industry, speaking on the potential challenges and trends as they move into the new year. “The jewellery industry has always been what we describe as a ‘rollercoaster ride’. The value of precious metals and stones increase and decrease with value all of the time. The industry is anticipating that Brexit will have an effect on the industry like most. At the end of the day, we always listen to a client’s needs and will produce a first-class piece of jewellery – it’s paramount to us as a business that the quality of work is never sacrificed when working with a client’s budget. Further, the importation of conflict diamonds within the industry is something that is on the increase: which is why House of Solus only deal with GIA certified diamonds. A GIA diamond is one which has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America. These are known as the best diamonds of certification.” “Our marketing team are always aware of the trend forecast in jewellery. However, as we specialise in bespoke jewellery our designs are really dependant on what the client wants. If a client is unsure of the design they are after we do suggest trends that are up and coming, however, we do advise not to be influenced too much by a trend as they are likely to change quite swiftly.” As we come to the end of the interview, Gemma comments on the future of the House of Solus. Specifically, how the firm are preparing for the challenges of the year ahead. “Over the next twelve months House of Solus are looking to expand the team of expert jewellers we have. As a business we are always supportive of fresh new talent which emerges in the industry. It keeps the design process exciting - watching and supporting local, talented jewellers. At the end of 2018 we launched a brand-new website, and this is something we will continue to evolve and develop next year.” Company: House of Solus Contact: Gemma Perry Address: Unit 4,9 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, B18 6JE, United Kingdom Website: www.houseofsolus.co.uk Jewels Custom-Made Excellence in Luxury Jewellery