Twenty years, and plenty of making
Some makers draw you in with a particular piece. Others make you curious about everything that led to it. Emma-Kate Francis gives us both: jewellery with an immediately recognisable character, and a career that has taken her from Brighton to London’s jewellery district and on to Cardiff.
She trained as a silversmith at the Royal College of Art and established her first studio in Clerkenwell in 2004. Along the way, her work has included homeware for the Victoria & Albert Museum and collaborations with Marie Curie and Jersey Pearl. Today, her gallery and workshop in Roath bring that experience into a space where you can discover her collections, discuss a commission or try making something yourself.
The piece we’d try on first
For us, it would be the Silver Pearl Through Earrings. A freshwater pearl sits at the front of the ear while a fine silver chain threads through and falls behind. There’s something appealing about that combination: a familiar material, worn in a way that feels fresh. We’d pair them with an open collar and let the chain do the work.
Elsewhere, Art Nouveau influences give the Calla Lily collection its flowing lines, while the Daffodil designs bring a little Welsh character to the range. The diamond-set gold bracelet is a particular favourite: a yellow gold flower on a white gold double chain, with a small diamond at its centre. Two very different pieces, with plenty to explore between them.
Pearls with room for your own taste
Emma-Kate’s pearl choices are part of the pleasure of browsing. Several designs offer white, pink, silver-grey or peacock tones, so the same piece can have a different feel depending on the pearl you choose. It’s worth opening the product page and looking through the options rather than stopping at the first photograph.
If you’re buying a gift, that gives you something personal to consider. Would they pick a classic white pearl, or enjoy a darker tone against silver? Do they wear earrings every day, or save a favourite necklace for going out? The Silver Calla Lily Pearl Pendant offers those colour choices in a compact design. You can also compare her work with other makers in our pearl jewellery collection.
Imagine making the rings you’ll exchange
One of the most interesting things about Emma-Kate’s gallery is what you can do there. Couples can book a private workshop to make their own wedding rings, with her guidance through the process. The starting package includes silver rings, tuition, professional finishing and hallmarking; gold and platinum options can be discussed in advance.
There are silver jewellery and wax carving workshops too, including sessions suitable for beginners. Or, if you have an idea you’d like Emma-Kate to develop, her bespoke service covers engagement rings, wedding rings and bridal jewellery, with consultations in Cardiff, by phone or by video call.
We’re delighted to welcome a maker who offers so many ways into her craft. Explore Emma-Kate’s profile to find a piece, plan a visit or follow the links to her current workshops. Every purchase and booking goes directly to her.
