182 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 Portsmouth-based company, Annalise Jewellery, now Featherlings has been making personalised jewellery to delight its clients since 2017. Taking the concept of the charm bracelet to the next level, Annalise Jewellery manufactures all its jewellery from its UK base. We speak to its Founder and Director, Matthew Rann, to find out more. The concept of the charm bracelet has been around in one guise or another since 600 BC. As you might imagine, in ancient times charms were symbols of superstition – believed to protect the wearer by warding off evil or bringing good luck. During the reign of Queen Victoria, charm bracelets became fashionable. The Queen herself was known to wear them and offer them as gifts. Interest in collecting charms seemed to wane in the 1980s and 1990s, only to be rekindled by Danish goldsmith Per Enevoldsen in 2000. His signature charm bracelet was the cornerstone on which the expansion of his company, Pandora, was based. Today, charm bracelets are more popular than ever. Finding unique ways of personalising charms is the stock-in-trade of jeweller, Matthew Rann. His company, Featherlings (previously Annalise Jewellery), specialises in handmade, personalised charms to fit popular bracelets by brands such as Pandora, and American company, Chamilia. Annalise Jewellery, now Featherlings began by mounting photographs and ashes of loved ones into charms in a range of shapes and sizes. The products proved so popular that the company was soon able to offer other pieces such as rings, cufflinks, and pendants. Offering completely personalised items, Matthew explains, “Personalisation is the difference between a good gift and a great gift. Our gifts are something the recipient will always treasure. Whether it’s giving a photo of your children to your partner or bringing back happy memories for friends and relatives. We can even add a personalised message.” Pet owners can keep a treasured memory of their companions by adding fur or ashes to a charm or piece of jewellery too. Standing out against its competition, Matthew tells us, “We’re based in the UK, that’s a definite Handmade Jewellery Specialists of the Year 2022 - Southern England May22057 advantage working in the UK market. Most of our competitors are overseas. Most people wouldn’t feel comfortable sending the ashes of their loved ones abroad. We’re committed to providing the best possible service for our clients.” Five years after starting the business, Featherlings has grown to a staff of five. Matthew says, “We’re small but mighty, our family-run business is made up of 2 full-time and three parttime staff. We do everything. When you buy from us you get our personal service. You’re not just a number on a sheet.” The company is upgrading its website to offer customers more options such as using children’s drawings and adding handwritten notes. Customers will also be able to see a live preview of their custom design. Matthew is always looking for new and innovative ways to personalise his jewellery. He explains, “We are going to start offering breast milk jewellery alongside our ashes and fur jewellery. This will take us to the next level of specialist charm makers.” With its unique practices and ideas, it is obvious to see why it has won this excellent award – long may its success continue. Contact: Matthew Rann Company: Featherlings (Formally Annalise Jewellery) Web Address: https://annalise.co.uk/
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