March Meets... Julia Lloyd George

London jeweller Julia Lloyd George developed a passion for her craft at an early age. She trained at the Sir John Cass School of Art in London and apprenticed at Hatton Garden, learning traditional skills at the highest level when there were few women in the trade.

Julia went on to design jewellery for Garrard, later producing collections for them under her own name. She set up her own company in 1985, crafting elegant, highly wearable pieces inspired by nature and travel. This month, Julia celebrates a remarkable 40 years in business – and we were delighted to help her relaunch her brand and website to mark this achievement. We spoke to Julia about how she worked her way up in a male-dominated industry and sustained a successful business over the course of four decades.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your jewellery business, and how did you overcome it?

At school I was discouraged from pursuing a career in jewellery. I was told I would need O-Levels in chemistry and physics, which I didn’t have! However, I persevered and followed my passion, gaining a place to study at Sir John Cass School of Art and then securing a prestigious apprenticeship at Hatton Garden.

The jewellery industry was very male-dominated when I was starting out, and it wasn’t easy being one of only a few women in that environment. But I knew jewellery-making was the path for me, and I retained a strong sense of self-belief, trusting in my skills and vision.

"I’ve always worked hard to stay connected to my clients and provide consistently high-quality pieces, travelling widely to source unique and beautiful gemstones."

What key decisions or strategies helped you scale your brand successfully?

I embraced the digital world at an early stage. Building a website and establishing a strong online presence helped me reach a wider audience than a traditional retail setting at the time.

I’ve always worked hard to stay connected to my clients and provide consistently high-quality pieces, travelling widely to source unique and beautiful gemstones.

In terms of my aesthetic, I’m always open to evolving while staying true to my vision and style.

What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur starting out in your industry?

Stick with it! There will be moments of doubt, but trust in your ability. Always listen closely to your clients – what they are drawn to and what they respond to. It’s important to be open to feedback without losing sight of your own creative direction.

How would you like to see the world of work change for women in the future?

I’d like to see more women involved at every level of the jewellery industry – not just in design, but also in wholesale, manufacturing, and leadership roles. If women become more involved at management and board levels, the industry will benefit from new and diverse ideas, becoming stronger for it.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

I’m incredibly proud to have built a successful, respected jewellery brand that has lasted over 40 years. It’s taken hard work, resilience and reinvention, but I’ve maintained a loyal client base and continued to grow through different iterations of the industry.