Carol Woolton talks us through her new jewellery collection
Vogue jewellery editor, Carol Woolton is putting her expertise into practice and has launched a collection at QVC.
Carol has created a selection of beautiful pieces that encapsulate the basics for every woman’s jewellery collection and we speak to her exclusively about it.
Tell us a little about your new jewellery collection
Each item is the jewellery equivalent to a white T shirt, signature blazer or little black dress - the classics in our wardrobe we all depend on whatever the season. Influenced by the jewellery I find the most wearable, I chose to make my first collection a series of simple, beautiful and stylish pieces that make up the building blocks of a jewellery wardrobe. I’ve found it a really interesting exercise switching roles from journalist to designer so I’m very excited to be launching it exclusively with luxury online retailer QVC on April 29th.
I wanted to create classic, timeless pieces that women can own and rely on as staple designs now and in the future. The gold plated hoops, drop earrings and string of pearls are pieces that all women can wear for any occasion, whether to work or a glamorous event.
From the start, I knew I wanted the designs to be basics and versatile so that people can mix and match the pieces into their own individual style. There is never enough time in the mornings to play around with putting a look together so I created jewellery that you can slip on without having to think about whether it goes with an outfit. The neutral colour palette means you can wear the pearl and black spinel necklace with the pearl drop earrings or black pearl long chain – it’s all designed to work together.
Where did your inspiration for the line come from?
I was very much guided by my own style and what I like to wear. The jewellery I value the most in my own wardrobe are the pieces that are versatile, classic and wearable, so I based my line on this. I love simple, clean shapes that don’t distract from the woman wearing them but complement each other and add sparkle to a complexion and lift any outfit.
I was also inspired by this season’s white and summer black trend because it’s both elegant and striking – you can’t go wrong wearing monochrome. You can see this influence throughout the line, particularly in the black and white agate diamond ring, which is a great statement 
piece.
What made you want to design jewellery?
I’ve been in fashion from the start of my career and have studied jewellery for many years - I am completely engrossed in the subject – my books have sold well on QVC so I leapt at the chance to add a new dimension to the relationship with QVC viewers as well as extend my knowledge of jewellery creation by taking on this fresh challenge.
Designing a collection from start to finish has given me a new perspective and given me more appreciation of the creativity and attention to detail involved in the design process.
Jewellery can transform an outfit in my opinion, why do you love jewellery so much?
I love the way a well-placed piece of jewellery can transform even a tired outfit into something glamorous. Jewellery can do wonders to lift your complexion – a glittering diamond or the subtle sheen of a pearl near your face can achieve more than an expensive anti-ageing cream in my opinion!
For me, jewellery is a thing of joy. A woman’s jewellery box can show you a lot about her life by telling her life story in a unique way. Jewels are records of sentimental moments, milestones, romances and fashion landmarks. I think jewellery can be a very special statement of somebody’s life.
What do you think are the must-have jewellery looks for SS14?
I recommend buying an ear cuff – one that you can twist up your ear so you don’t need several piercings – rising up the ear lifts the face. I’m championing bringing back fine jewel brooches. A key look this season is to pin a couple of vintage styles high on the shoulder or neck line. A long lean ring that emphasises elegant fingers and can be layered with other styles is also a must.
Statement necklaces are a strong summer look and there are so many striking designs available, both on the high-street and from designer brands. They are like fabulous glittering collars. A classic steel stirrup Ralph Lauren bracelet watch is well-worth the investment – it’s one of those classic, timeless pieces that you will be happy that you own.
If you were to advise us to buy only one piece of jewellery this season, what would it be?
That’s a tricky one! I’m going to have to say two pieces. The first would be a long armour-style ring – these can be worn day and night to revive a tired outfit and are very on trend this season.
My second tip would be to accessorise you’re S/S wardrobe with a plain pair of gold hoops. They’re my go-to piece if I’m rushing between work and an evening event as they go with everything from a basic casual t-shirt to tailored work-wear look and a glamorous evening dress. Keep them in a pouch in your handbag and add a slick of red lipstick – you’ll be ready for anything.
Can you ever wear too much jewellery?
Funnily enough, too much jewellery doesn’t add glitter; instead, each item cancels the others out. One well-chosen piece looks more chic. Jewellery needs to be paired in the right way - you don’t want a look to be too ‘matchy.’ A few simple, staple pieces that you can mix and match are essential.
I’m a strong believer that if you have a selection of key staple accessories, you'll never run out of styling ideas so I designed my own collection to be super simple, really clean looking and versatile. You’ll tire of a piece that screams ‘fashion’ but classics stay relevant for years.
Although, having said that, I would always rather be overdressed in jewellery than in clothes – jewellery is always a conversation point and people are interested in it because there is always a unique story behind each piece.
If you could only wear one piece of jewellery for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A pearl necklace is the piece of jewellery every woman should own – young and old – it can go with you through your life. It can be everything you want – elegant, sophisticated, demure or sexy. I’ve included a string of pearls in my own line and given it a modern twist with a sparkling black spinel T-bar clasp that can be worn at the front as a pretty feature or hidden at the back to draw attention to the timeless white strand of pearls.
I invest in pieces that have a touch of fashion, look modern and that I know I’ll always go back to and wear for years to come. At the moment I’m wearing a Diane Kordas rose gold long shield ring next to a simple rose gold ring by Raphaele Canot with a grey diamond hanging loose from the band. I love styling them together. I also want some large circular disc-shaped earrings this summer – I’ve got my eyes on a moss agate pair by Belmacz.
Where would you like to take your collection next?
I would love to experiment with colour. My first collection is inspired by this season’s monochrome palette, but I think navy and black is a really chic combination so I’d love to include those colours with a sprinkling of diamonds.
Carol Woolton’s debut jewellery collection has been designed exclusively for QVC and will be available online at www.qvcuk.com from Tuesday the 29th April.
Tune in to QVC at 7pm on Tuesday 29th April to watch Carol presenting her range live on-air for the first time.