A Creative Thread
Jewellery has long been a way to mark life’s most meaningful moments, and motherhood is no exception. A first-time mum might receive a locket to hold a tiny keepsake, a daughter might wear a pendant passed down from her mother, and grandmothers may be gifted a piece that connects generations. Whether it’s a simple silver charm or a gold ring worn every day, jewellery carries memories of love, strength, and family.
With Mother's Day on the horizon, it can be time to put some thought in to a Mother’s Day gift. Customers to my shop have been searching for something that truly represents their bond—some picking out jewellery for their mum, others choosing a meaningful piece for a daughter who has recently become a mother herself. I love hearing their stories, the way a particular design reminds them of shared moments, or how a piece of jewellery can symbolise love in a way that words sometimes can’t.
The History of Mother’s Day
The tradition of celebrating mothers goes back centuries. In the UK, Mothering Sunday has its roots in the 16th century as a religious custom. It was a day when people who had moved away for work would return to their ‘mother church’—the main church or cathedral in their home area. Over time, it became a day for families to reunite, and as domestic service was common, it was often the one day a year when daughters and sons working as servants could visit home. Children would bring their mothers small gifts, often flowers picked along the way, a tradition that has evolved into the gifts we give today.
Mothering Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of Lent, which means the date shifts each year. In the early 20th century, it had started to fade from tradition, but a woman named Constance Penswick Smith campaigned to revive it, inspired by the growing Mother’s Day movement in America. The American version was founded by Anna Jarvis, who wanted a day to honour the sacrifices mothers made for their children. She was inspired by her own mother, who had worked to improve health and welfare for women and children. By 1914, Mother’s Day had become an official holiday in the US, and its popularity spread across the world, merging with older traditions like our own Mothering Sunday.
A Creative Thread
My mum is wonderfully creative—she sews, she makes baskets, her fish pie and treacle tart are legendary, and she has always had a way of turning simple materials into something both beautiful and practical. I don’t know if my path into jewellery making was a subconscious decision, but I do know that, like her, I love to create. Jewellery is different from sewing or weaving—silver is solid where fabric is soft, metal takes heat and hammering rather than needle and thread—but at its core, both are about making something meaningful, something that will last.
Jewellery is often given to mark a moment in motherhood, whether it’s a first baby, a growing family, or a mother seeing her children go off into the world. I love that so many of my designs have found their way into those moments. Some customers choose heart-shaped buttons as symbols of love, others pick nature-inspired pieces that remind them of childhood walks together usually on our beautiful Norfolk beaches, and some go for classic designs that can be worn every day. Jewellery, after all, is more than just something we wear—it’s a way to hold onto a moment, a feeling, a connection.
If you’re still looking for a Mother’s Day gift, I have a collection of meaningful jewellery to choose from. Whether it’s a delicate pendant, a silver charm, or a nature-inspired piece, there’s something to suit every story. And if you’re not sure what to choose, a gift voucher means she can select something she truly loves. Mother's Day this year is 30th March 2025, so don't leave it too late to make your choices!
This Mother’s Day, whether you’re giving a piece of jewellery, a bouquet of flowers, or simply a heartfelt ‘thank you,’ I hope you have a moment to celebrate the women who have made a difference in your life.
