Voice on the High Street – Alex Monroe

Tell me a bit about the history of the company?

It was set up by Alex Monroe after he had finished studying silversmithing at what is now the London Metropolitan university.

Tell me a bit about the kind of jewellery you stock?

Our bumblebee has become our signature piece, but that’s come off the back of most our jewellery being inspired by nature and the British countryside. When we first made our bee necklace the ‘save the bees’ campaign wasn’t such a prominent concern, but obviously over the years it has become one. We are currently linked up with Friends of the Earth and this year is the 10th anniversary of our original bee necklace.

What are some of the challenges the company has had to overcome over the past 20 years?

There are always little ups and downs here and there but I think we are usually quite lucky. Our main problem is actually meeting demands more than anything! Which is a nice problem to have.

What has been the biggest accomplishment in the company’s history?

I think overall it’s how we have tried to stay true to Alex’s roots and still continue to design and make everything ourselves, rather than just move our production overseas.

What are some of the main inspirations behind the designs of the jewellery?

Very much nature and English eccentricity, such as having humorous touches in our pieces.

What is your favourite piece in the collection range?

That’s always a tricky one! Alex Monroe says its always the last piece that he designs. We have always got new pieces coming through, so I really don’t think I can narrow it down to just one item.

How do see the next five years for Alex Monroe?

We hope to just to go from strength the strength really. We have an update for our website on our pipeline which hopefully will enable us to fund our overseas side of the business a little more, as well as looking at more retail premises to move into as well.

This article first appeared in the September 2018 issue of Jewellery Focus