Bij Fior, Jewellery with Soul ~ Rachel Feibusch
AT THYME
Rachel started Bij Fior last year when she decided to combine her passion and experience in the jewellery world to create a platform championing independent and family-run craftspeople from across the world. We are so excited to have Bij Fior adorning the shelves of the Shop this month, until Monday, 29th November, so we sat down with Rachel to hear about the talented makers that create these heavenly unique pieces.
What sparked the creation of Bij Fior?
I wanted to create a modern fine jewellery space for wearable works of art from family-run and independent brands. I worked in the jewellery buying department at Net-A-Porter and then as a fine jewellery consultant for jewellery brands; this gave me insights into both the retailer’s and the designer’s worlds. Bij Fior was borne out of the desire to celebrate and promote extraordinary craftsmanship in an ethical way.
Who do you work with, and why?
Bij Fior houses family-run and independent jewellery designers from around the world. From enamel jewellery made in the heart of Rome to golden works of art handcrafted in Japan, Bij Fior hand-selects the most coveted fine jewellery styles from lesser-known designers.
Working with small businesses and creators is at the heart of Bij Fior. Jewellery is an emotional purchase and personally I find buying from a smaller, independent jeweller is more special than buying from a larger more well-known, mainstream brand, because the pieces are rarer and handcrafted with such love and care. Bij Fior presents the finest, handcrafted jewellery from small, exceptionally talented designers and tells their stories.
Why is that important to you?
I love the emotional connection we have with jewellery - an earring, necklace, bracelet, or ring is often bought for love or celebration, and so our jewellery collections then come to hold the most memorable moments of our lives. When buying something so significant, the quality and ethical origin is of the upmost importance. Bij Fior guarantees delivery of the finest jewellery with ethical and honest origins and practices.
I love that I have the privilege and responsibility of safeguarding and finding these works of art their meaningful homes.
In a time of mass consumption, how does Bij Fior go against the grain?
Bij Fior cultivates a small, beautiful, curated collection housing hidden treasures - jewellery you will not find on google, amazon or big retail sites. Far from mainstream channels and mass-produced jewellery, I have created a boutique online space with a luxury service for truly special wearable art. I have hand-selected the finest, most coveted jewellery from designer’s workshops in Italy, India, Japan, Lebanon, Finland, and England. This jewellery is unusual, imbued with meaning, and made to last a lifetime.
What tips can you share for high quality jewellery seekers?
Search for a work of art that can become a part of your story. Always look for ethically made, high quality pieces from trusted retailers and always ask the seller any questions you may have. I believe it is so important to know the whole story of a piece before you make it your own.
As an independent female founder, what does your work routine look like?
I have the privilege of diving into this dazzling world of jewellery every day. As a female founder who loves what I do, I work as much as possible! Each day is different, I am always chatting to my designers, finding new pieces, working on orders and new projects.
What does ‘slowing down’ look like for you?
I love to get away to the countryside to escape busy, bustling London and ‘slow down’. I grew up in the countryside and am a country girl at heart – I find my solace amongst nature. Thyme feels like a home away from home, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and be peaceful.
What next for Bij Fior?
After our pop-up ends here at Thyme on 29th of November, we will launch our demi-fine jewellery section on site which includes five new demi-fine brands! I am creating my own designs under my name, which will officially launch at the beginning of next year. We also have a number of other events planned for next year too, partnerships and new brands onboarding!
