Jacquie Arnold’s jewellery line, Blush & Co, offers pieces that will delight rose gold lovers and is launching to trade this August.
The brand found its niche when Arnold failed to find jewellery pieces she liked in her favourite metallic hue.
“Initially, I found myself visiting local boutiques searching for rose gold pieces, both for everyday wear and special occasions, with little success,” she says. After her fruitless searching, Arnold decided to put together a few designs and trialled them on her friends and family.
“Word spread and piece after piece the response was overwhelmingly positive,” she says. “I wanted to create a collection of jewellery that embodied a playful, stylish and feminine spirit.”
To make her handcrafted necklaces and bracelets Arnold combines rose gold plated beads with mixed metal chains, crystals, howlite gemstones, black onyx beads and glass pearls. She has also added rings and earrings to the range.
“The pieces contain heavy metals and materials but still create a light and feminine feel,” Arnold explains. “Rose gold is at the heart of the brand and features in every piece. This is what sets me apart from the rest.”
Although Blush & Co began as an online store, Arnold was soon fielding enquiries from retailers including fashion-focused boutiques and gift stores about stocking the range, and it was a conversation with a stockist that inspired her to exhibit at next month’s Home & Giving Fair.
“I’m one to take risks and so after an inspiring discussion with one of my stockists in Adelaide, they gave me the confidence to give this fair a go, so here I am,” she says. “I truly don’t know what to expect but I’m hoping it will be a successful week and the reaction from retailers is positive.”
After making her fair debut Arnold plans to continue to build Blush & Co into a recognisable brand in the fashion jewellery market, with the aim of taking it nationally and one day across the globe. For now though she’s just enjoying the ride.
“The best and most rewarding part about running Blush & Co right now is experiencing a healthy work/life balance and having the flexibility to spend more time with my family, and creating jewellery that I love and have such a passion for.”
By Ruth Cooper
