Taunton-based 2008 Middlesex University graduate, and gallery owner, Emma set up Olive Rose in 2015. The name, inspired by her daughters’ middle names.

She has a self-confessed obsession with the manipulation of a line. Using a Victorian lace craft called “Tatting”, she manipulates a single line of thread into a complex structure.

This intricate textile process involves knotting threads in particular ways, to form loops and lines. She stays true to the original technique, yet her designs have a contemporary feel. The lace is deceivingly tough despite there being nothing inside the tiny loops to give them structure.

All the silver elements are hand formed, soldered and hammered from a single line of silver wire to replicate the shape and texture created in the tatting process. These hard-silver elements beautifully contrast the delicate lace whilst also making them even more precious and wearable.

Each design grows and develops through making, the threads themselves and colour are her inspiration.

In January 2023 Emma and her husband took the plunge and opened up Olive Rose Contemporary Jewellery Gallery in Taunton, Somerset. It’s from this space she hand makes all of her jewellery at her gallery bench, where you can see her working away in the window. The Gallery also shows and sells a further 24 makers from across the UK.

With the opening of the gallery and more time spent making and playing Emma has launched some new collections including a development of the ‘Onda’ designs and a new ‘River Rocks’ collection. Both are influenced by her love of water and her new found gold smithing and stone setting skills! Just like her tatted collections, these have grown through play with materials, mainly recycled. Take a look at the ORJ Instagram page to see more