Joanne Gowan has been running her own business designing & making wonderful jewellery for over 40 years with the technical experience and knowledge to provide the very best quality.
In 1988 Joanne opened her own retail shop / workshop The Gowan Gallery in Sawbridgeworth on the Hertfordshire / Essex border, selling her own designs as well as those of selected other jewellers and designer makers.
In 2011 the shop premises were re-designed to include a clients consultation area, and with the decision to emphasise bespoke commissions, the shop was re named Gowan Jewellers.
In 2021 Joanne moved her workshop to her home in Essex and she has also set up a workshop in the North East of Mallorca at a family home.
Joanne completed her training at Central School of Art and Design, London in 1985 receiving a B.A.(Hons) Degree in Jewellery Design. She also learnt specialist techniques, such as enamelling and stone mounting, at the jewellery department of Sir John Cass College in London. In 1989 Joanne received a Theory Grade A in Gemmology from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, giving her the professional background knowledge required for working with a wide range of gemstones.
Joanne set up a workshop in Putney as soon as leaving College and sold her work via high quality fairs, exhibitions at British galleries and through private commissions.
Exhibitions have included the highly prestigious annual Goldsmiths’ Fair and Goldsmiths' North. Previously Joanne has taken part in the National Wedding Shows at Olympia and Earls Court, and has exported collections to Japan. Joanne Gowan sells a wide range of pieces, including one-off designs, from stock from her home workshop or at private exhibitions, and selected high quality contemporary design fairs at venues such as RHS Hyde Hall & Wisley Gardens and Hever Castle.
I design & make one-off pieces usually with a distinctly organic style and dramatic shapes, including my signature 'picture pieces', all handmade using the highest quality materials . Items can be made in 18ct Gold (yellow, white and red), 22ct Gold, Palladium and Platinum. Occasionally I use silver which is white or black rhodium plated.
Wedding, engagement and eternity rings are also made to order. Top quality Diamonds and a wide range of other gemstones are used.
A trouble-free commissioning process provides design sketches following consultation with the customer. Jewellery can be made to suit your budget and requirements. I can provide a selection of gemstones on approval so that you can choose your favourites. I can also use customers existing stones - whether bought abroad, from inherited or old jewellery - to create wonderful new wearable pieces. There is no additional charge for the designing process and a small handling fee of 10% (of the gems value) is made where customer stones are used so that these are fully insured against all risks whilst in my care.
I particularly enjoy producing pieces that are specific to each individual . The aim is to make jewellery which expresses the wearer’s own personality and will give them pleasure on every occasion that it is worn.
No obligation design consultation appointments can be made - please telephone or email to book your appointment.
Please enjoy browsing the website and contact me for any further information and advice.
But the best way to appreciate the jewellery is to try it on! - I look forward to seeing you soon.
Kind regards
Joanne Gowan
Gowan Jewellers 0740 717 7576 joanne@gowanjewellers.co.uk