I imagine you’re here to learn a bit more about me so I’ll try to make it as interesting as I can! I’m Anna and I founded London-based label Anna Lou of London specializing in the finest quality, hand-made jewellery and accessories with a focus on sustainability, environmental ethics and innovative practices that deliver a luxury experience without sacrificing social responsibility. Pieces are custom made and crafted with the highest attention to quality fabrication. I started Anna Lou of London in 2004 with a stall on Portobello Market, making Anna Lou of London jewellery a quintessentially English brand. 3 months later Anna Lou of London jewellery was being sold in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Over the next couple of years the brand was being stocked in international department stores such as Isetan, Henri Bendel and Printemps. When my first child Wilbur was born in 2010 I wanted a piece of jewellery that had my sons initials to keep with me at all times. I started to create more jewellery pieces when my two other children Buzz and Esme were born. My children are my main source of inspiration and help me to create new jewellery collections.
It's taken years of perfecting my skills and working with other very skilled jewellers to do what I do today. I now work from my studio on the beautiful Taggs Island in Hampton Court, where I live with my 3 children and our Wippet called Chase. I also have the help of my dream team Matt and Furkan who are skilled craftsmen, Luisa and Jodie working with me on Social Media & Marketing and Lindsay and Leanne who handle the Customer Love and help me with all that comes with running a jewellery business , along with other super-duper packers!
My children are one of my main influences but London and the island where HQ Anna Lou is based has a huge impact on my jewellery. I moved to London 23 years ago and the people and vibe inspire me, there is nothing quite like it after all these years. The jewellery designs I come up with are pieces people want to wear and they help to make them feel happy and confident.
When jewellery is personalised it takes on a whole new meaning and importance in a person's life. It's a keepsake piece that can be handed down to your children. You can customise your jewellery with names, dates, initials and birthstones making Anna Lou of London the go to brand for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas presents and other sentimental gifts. Because of this I want to make sure the quality meets the standards the customer is expecting.
I imagine you’ve worked out that as well as the Britcentric jewellery and accessories my collection includes scarves, candles, hair slides, and handbags. I work with the best materials to ensure products last the test of time and even if it takes a little longer while we solder everything which adds even more longevity but I feel that it’s essential. Please do have a browse, come by the studio, or pick up the phone and have a chat with me anytime you want, and if I can’t answer it’s only because I’m busy with my children, but I will get back to you quickly.
We take our duty of looking after the planet very seriously and as such we aim to cut our carbon footprint wherever possible by choosing eco-friendly and sustainable means of bringing our jewellery to you.
All of Anna Lou of London's designs are created in London, UK and brought to life in Anna’s studio on Taggs Island. We also work with skilled craftsmen in Hatton Garden, and we are assisted by a wonderful family-run factory in Turkey. All of whom are as committed as Anna to using sustainable resources and materials to create our products.
We regularly meet with our manufacturing team to make sure that the highest standards are being upheld with regards to the way our jewellery is made, this includes ensuring standards are met from a health and safety perspective too.
We want to make sure that we are leaving the planet in a better place for the children growing up behind us. It is, therefore, a commitment by Anna Lou of London to continually check our processes and to make them reflective of the world we have to live in.
If you have any questions about our creation processes please do get in touch with us by email to hello@annalouoflondon.com
Hi everyone,
I want to tell you all about what we aspire to be as a brand and what we practice. Anna Lou of London jewellery strive to not only be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. I want my business to be a force of goodness! I’m looking at everything I need to look at, both internally and externally
Sustainable manufacturing is the heart and soul of Anna Lou of London, all of my jewellery collections are designed by me in my studio on Taggs Island and we manufacture the jewellery in both Hatton Garden, London, as well as in the studio on Taggs Island and I work closely with a family of artisans in Istanbul and ensure we offer the most transparent production possible. I work with an extraordinary family of artisans employing centuries old heritage and skilled craftsman. My company which has been around for nearly two decades, strives to provide quality products, redefine originality, and inspire people. We guarantee that every element of your jewellery is totally traceable and ethically produced.
I focus on the people. I also have a strong partnership with the family of artisans we work with. We are committed to treating people, communities and the environment as they should be treated: respectfully, sustainably and ethically. Ethical sourcing means protecting the environment and human rights, which is why we hold independent audits on our workers and their environment.
There’s an African proverb I love: If you want to go fast you go alone, if you want to go far you go together.
From the starting material to the end product, making sure we don’t dig anymore holes in the ground and using recycled and Fairmined silver and gold all the way through to the packaging and recycling.
No one knows the answers. None of us have the clear step by step perfect sustainability action plan. But we at Anna Lou of London are going to try this and work alongside Nest and actually I don’t know everything but I’ve invited in the Nest experts to help! https://www.buildanest.org
Almost all jewellers claim to offer ethically sourced jewellery, but dig a little deeper and it’s almost never the case. Anna Lou of London guarantees every element of your jewellery is totally traceable and ethically produced. Sadly Greenwashing is still happening .How Can You Tell If a Fashion Brand is Greenwashing? The cheap fast fashion and jewellery brands that encourage throwaway culture with clothing and jewellery can never be truly sustainable. When brands like these talk about reducing waste, without changing their business models, then the greenwashing alarm bells should be ringing.
Anna Lou of London have no luxury mark ups. The prices are fair and we produce exceptional quality pieces. I would like to remind people that apart from the craftsmanship there’s a lot of others costs such as researching, developing, designing, planning details, choosing materials, testing materials, taking product photos , calculating pricing, writing website listings, promoting product, compiling inspiration, postage costs, answering customer service questions, vat 20%, profit to keep us going! I also do small batch, made to order or one of a kind designs which is kind to the Earth.
Brands should be addressing their supply chain, production facilities, transport and shipping methods and the environmental impact of source materials as a priority if they want to be truly sustainable.
There a difference between ‘corporate social responsibility and ‘responsible social corporations’. What I think what needs to be done is a different type of communication. It’s not about telling you what will be done, it’s about a mindset. I truly believe in an honest sustainable journey.
Customer Service:
Please do feel free to reach out to me if you have any order queries or if you want some advice on a new jewellery making project you may have whilst staying at home! It’s always lovely to chat.
Our future:
Running a teeny tiny business, I am so grateful for your continued support during this difficult time. We all really must come together and support each other now more than ever before. Please take care of yourselves and others, especially those who may be older and more vulnerable.
Final Thank You!
We can do this. We are in this together. There is hope and thank you for all your support. Don’t forget that wearing a piece of jewellery is always comforting. Do it for yourself even if you aren’t leaving the house!
Thank you for your orders!
It goes without saying but I’ll repeatedly say a massive thank you to everyone who is working through this pandemic. Everyone with front line jobs and all the key workers. NHS workers, teachers, delivery drivers, supermarket staff and SO MANY MORE. You’re all amazing and thank you so so much!
I hope that’s helpful and answered some of your questions. Keep up the strength and positivity and stay safe.
Anna x
Founder and Creative Director
certification:
Anna Lou of London jewellery strive to not only be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. Sustainable manufacturing is the heart and soul of Anna Lou of London, all of my jewellery collections are designed by me in my studio on Taggs Island and we manufacture the jewellery in both Hatton Garden, London, as well as in the studio on Taggs Island and I work closely with a family of artisans in Istanbul and ensure we offer the most transparent production possible. My company which has been around for nearly two decades, strives to provide quality products, redefine originality, and inspire people. Almost all jewellers claim to offer effically sourced jewellery but if you dig down a little deeper it’s almost never the case. We guarantee that every element of your jewellery is totally traceable and ethically produced.
We are committed to treating people, communities and the environment as they should be treated: respectfully, sustainably and ethically.
We use certified fair mined silver and solid gold. Each product has a story, a season, and a rich heritage in craftsmanship. Opt for jewellery that match your values!
Jewellery is a gift to be treasured, so, it’s important that when you do make that investment – it is a piece of integrity.
