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About Iona Buxton Jewellery
Jeweller and gemmologist crafting timeless jewellery and bespoke engagement rings for thoughtful people who want heritage jewellery they can wear today and proudly pass down tomorrow.
Hello! I’m Iona
(Oni to my friends)
Jeweller, gemmologist, straight-talker… and a bit of a romantic (just not the cliché kind). To me, romance isn’t grand gestures, it’s the way someone remembers how you take your tea. The inside jokes. The quiet things only you would notice about them. These nostalgic flutters are what I try to capture in the jewellery I craft.
I’ve always worked with jewellery, from the fine jewellery shop I worked in whilst training to be a GIA Gemologist to sourcing stones (A LOT of them) in Hatton Garden, it’s the stories behind each gem that keep me hooked.
From my studio in Durham, I design bespoke jewellery for clients across the UK and beyond, pieces that are made to be worn every day and passed down with pride.
Whether you’re planning a proposal or remodelling a family heirloom, I’ll guide you through every step with honesty, expertise, and a little tough love to make sure we get it just right.
Ready to take the idea and craft it into something beautiful?
Iona’s Approach to Bespoke Jewellery
Jewellery handmade with meaning
“For so many, they may only get one piece of fine jewellery in their lives, and it’s a really nice thing to be a part of” - Iona
Honest Take
You’re choosing between sapphire and diamond, and keep changing your mind. I’ll help you land on what matters, no upsell.
Tough Lover
They’ve fallen for a ring on Pinterest, but I can tell it won’t last a year. I’ll help design one that will without losing their vision.
Hommage
Your mum’s engagement ring is sitting collecting dust in a drawer. I’ll help you turn it into something you’ll wear every day and still call hers.
Intention First
You’ve been thinking about this for months but haven’t felt ready. That’s ok. I’m not here to rush you, just to guide.
Not Just Sparkles
You want something that won’t lose a stone in six months. I work with trusted goldsmiths, not factories, and it shows.
Connection Conversations
You’re explaining the way your partner always draws hearts on notes. That’s the detail infused into your design.
My Engagement Story
I would say that I’m romantic at heart, but cliches don’t do it for me…
I love telling my engagement story because, more than anything, it makes me laugh!
We were away on the island of Arran, and my partner encouraged me to go for an evening stroll. He seemed a little distracted, but I didn’t notice as I’d become distracted by a swing.
After allowing me to release my inner child, he ushered me a little further, and he turned, but before he could say ‘Will..’, I blurted “Is this… a pet cemetery?!’, we were surrounded by little pebbles with dates and paw prints.
We moved along. Quickly.
We reached the beach, the Holy Isles as our backdrop.
“You know how I’m really bad at keeping secrets…. Will you marry me?”
I turned to see him down on one knee. My tone, cheeky, “Are you serious?!”
He was! I was so excited! Thinking about it, I’m pretty sure he’s still waiting for me to say ‘Yes’. (We’ve been married for 3 years)
It was chaotic. It was us. It was perfect.
Ready to write the first chapter of your engagement story?
The Hommage
The story behind my remodelling service
Mum’s bracelet sat in the drawer for a long time. I wanted to wear it desperately, my nod to something that was hers. But… the style just wasn’t for me, it felt uncomfortable to wear, and it was dated (art deco is not my vibe). Leaving me feeling a little guilty,
So, I plucked up the courage and asked Dad and my sister if they would mind if I remodelled the bracelet?
“Of course!”
What? I was surprised by their response, but so pleased! I took mum’s bracelet and crafted it into a gorgeous ring that I wear on special occasions and use two of the diamonds as the side stones to my engagement ring that I wear every day
I understand that remodelling loved ones' jewellery is a big deal, and I would be honoured if you would trust me to redesign yours.
Jewellery is designed to be loved deeply, not forgotten.
