Poppy Norton creates design-led, statement jewellery from her London workshop. Her work follows a pared-back, modernist approach, combining clean lines, smooth surfaces, and geometric shapes to craft precise, confident pieces designed to stand out.
Trained in Product Design at Central Saint Martins, Poppy worked as an Interior Stylist, Art Director and Trend Reporter for clients such as The Guardian, Grand Designs Magazine, Channel 4, and WGSN. Seeking new challenges, she returned to her design roots and began her jewellery training at Morley College in 2016. Her jewellery quickly gained recognition, championed by galleries, stylists and influencers alike.
When did your jewellery making journey begin?
Having originally trained in product design at Central Saint Martins and spending 20 years working as a stylist for interiors and architecture magazines, I returned to the workshop and began my jewellery design training at Morley College in 2016.
Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)
I take a lot of inspiration from mid-century design and designers, particularly the Bauhaus movement. More broadly, I’m constantly inspired by the architecture and design that surrounds us — especially the small, often overlooked details that others might not notice.
Is there a favourite project or assignment from your course that inspired you or proved pivotal to your final collection?
In 2022, I took part in Shine, a training programme at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, which proved to be a pivotal moment in my jewellery career. It taught me how to curate my work into a cohesive, meaningful collection, alongside providing invaluable business training.
As part of the programme, my Shape Stack Body Brooch was featured on the exhibition poster, which was displayed on the side of the building - a pretty incredible feeling, and a real sense of achievement.
How do you work - Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?
I design in the workshop rather than on paper, working with a limited palette of geometric shapes. I often construct pieces directly on the body, as I think it’s essential to understand scale, movement and how a piece feels when worn. Jewellery lives on the body, so its relationship to the wearer is central to my process.
Most designs go through multiple iterations, usually made in brass, before the final piece is crafted in silver. I then wear each piece for several weeks to make sure it works both practically and stylistically. If I don’t genuinely enjoy wearing it, it’s edited out of the final collection.
Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?
It varies, but I nearly always have the radio or a podcast on while I work. Favourites at the moment include Miss Me?, Off Air with Jane & Fi, Table Manners and A Thousand Facets. I work alone in my workshop, so it feels a bit like having people chatting away in the background What’s next for you and your brand? Like many jewellers right now, I think it would be naïve not to acknowledge the rising cost of silver. I’ll need to think creatively about how to continue making oversized statement jewellery that remains affordable, while keeping the same visual language and appeal.
Which is your favourite piece either historically or from your current collection?
I can’t pick a favourite — that’s like being asked to choose your favourite child! But both my Circle Ring and Shape Stack Body Brooch have been key pieces in my career. The Circle Ring was the first piece I ever made and is still worn and loved by many. The Shape Stack Body Brooch was featured on the side of a building for the Shine exhibition in 2022 and was purchased by The Goldsmiths’ Company in 2024 for their permanent collection — a real “pinch-me” moment.
Finally, for fun, what would be your absolute dream piece to make or person to create for?
I’d be pretty flattered if Iris Apfel had worn my work – I loved that she marched to the beat of her own drum and what a stylish drum it was! But I’m also incredibly lucky to have some truly inspiring customers who always look amazing in my pieces.
As a long time fan of Poppy's work, we are thrilled to exhibit her work as part of the exhibition. 'The Cut' ring is available in our 'One of a Kind' Ring exhibition. live online and instore if you'd like to pop by and try these on.
This collection celebrates artistry and craftsmanship. Every designer was asked to create a piece that is authentic to their own distinctive aesthetic and creative voice. From vibrant rainbow clusters to intricate details inspired by the coast, there is something to captivate every taste. Whether you are a collector or a jewellery enthusiast, we invite you to explore exceptional pieces by some of today’s leading independent designers.
