Quality jewellery that will have you raiding your bank account by Milena Kovanovic

The right piece of jewellery can make anyone feel fantastic and Milena Kovanovic’s creations might just have you draining your savings account.  We caught up with the lady behind the brand to find out just what it takes to come up with such stunning designs.

What makes your brand so different?

I think it’s my use of colour combinations of gemstones and making jewellery that also has a tactile quality about it.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Sometimes it can be from something I’ve read or an exhibition I’ve seen.  I’m very visual and take a lot of photographs of things that catch my eye.  I love to travel which is also a great influence for new ideas. 

How important has your education been?

My education has been a great foundation and starting point as it enabled me to develop my creativity. However life and experience is the ultimate educator as you’re learning something new every day.

How significant was training as a gemmologist?

It was really important for me and it gave me the confidence to create my first fine jewellery collection. I’d always had an interest in gems and minerals from a young age so it felt like a natural progression, especially after getting a degree in jewellery design. It has also benefited my career professionally, allowing me to use my knowledge to source stones and offer training and consultation to other sectors within retail and the jewellery trade.

What caused you to go into jewellery?

I came across jewellery design whilst doing my art & design foundation course. I really enjoyed working in metal and decided I’d apply to the degree course after my tutor convinced me I’d be perfect for it. Funnily enough, I also used to make jewellery as a teenager and sell it at Greenwich market to earn some extra cash, though I never considered it as a career at the time!

Who do you target your designs at?

I design pieces that I would want to wear myself as opposed to targeting a certain demographic.  Jewellery like fashion is so much about personal taste and is therefore massively subjective. 

What’s your favourite piece you’ve designed so far?

My favourite piece so far has to be the Sirena earrings from the Luxe Reef collection. They are a one of a kind statement piece of fine jewellery, crafted in 18ct white and rose gold and set with sapphires, blue diamonds and Spessartite garnets.

Any particular career highlights?

Probably being selected as one of six designers to design a couture piece of platinum jewellery to be showcased at London Jewellery Week.

Where do you see your brand in a few years?

I’d like to be stocked globally and maybe even have my own London store.

Ellie Owen

You can find out more about Milena here or follow her on Twitter here for all of the latest updates.