Welcome to my story
Hello, I’m Olja
Memorial & Sentimental Jewellery
Made with Love. Treasured Forever.
A little about me
Welcome to Lovely Oxford, where jewellery is more than an accessory: it can be a connection to someone or something you love, held close in a keepsake made personal to you.
I’m Olja (pronounced Olya), the maker, designer and heart behind Lovely Oxford. This is my personal story of creativity, love, family and heartbreak, and how they shaped the work I do today.
I run this small, independent, one-person business from South Oxfordshire. I’ve lived in three countries and speak four languages. I’m also an engineer, working four days a week, and I love the challenge of balancing that work with jewellery, family and all the little details of running my own business.
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family and Lucy, our two-year-old Springer Spaniel, who brings endless energy and happiness into our lives. I love being outdoors, travelling, and tending wildflowers and vegetables at the allotment. Nature and the changing seasons are a constant source of inspiration.
I personally design, source materials, carry out the personal inclusion work and finishing, photograph and package orders, and answer your messages. My jewellery settings are sourced; I don’t make every underlying setting by hand.
Where it all began
My dad first introduced me to handmade jewellery. He encouraged my creativity, and together we began experimenting with resin and ways to preserve flowers long after they had faded. Those shared hours meant so much to me.
I moved to Oxford in 2012 with a head full of ideas. In 2013, after a family holiday in Greece, my dad died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. I was in my late twenties. He was my best friend, and losing him was devastating. Our creative journey had only just begun, and I had to set those plans aside.
But those memories stayed with me: the ideas, the flowers and the precious time we shared. They became the first seeds of Lovely Oxford.
Family heartbreak and finding my way back
A couple of years later, I tried again with a small resin jewellery collection, but I couldn’t sell the pieces. Personal challenges, moving house and becoming a mum all took their toll, and the business had to wait.
My daughter was born in 2017, bringing a hopeful new chapter. Shortly afterwards, my mum’s breast cancer returned after 16 years in remission. It was terminal. My parents were my best friends, and now I was facing the possible loss of my mum too. During much of my maternity leave, I cared for her and stayed by her side. She suffered greatly in her final two years, and she died in 2019.
Losing both of my parents so early changed me. It is difficult to find the words for that grief. My family needed me, so jewellery took a back seat, even though my love of creating never went away.
Turning memories into something meaningful
A way back to making
When the world slowed down in 2020, I returned to jewellery. I repolished older pieces, experimented, and was surprised when people began buying them. Little by little, I rediscovered the joy of creating and began developing memorial jewellery as a tribute to my parents.
My own experience of loss gave this work a deeply personal meaning. A small, meaningful object can be a tangible way to hold memories close: a reminder of a person, a beloved pet, a wedding bouquet or another moment you want to remember. The love and memories remain part of us, and I feel honoured when someone trusts me with something so precious.
A new chapter
My work grew to include personalised wedding- and funeral-flower pieces, ashes, hair and pet fur, using different materials and techniques. Busy custom orders alongside my engineering job became difficult to balance. In 2024, I took a break to reflect, learn new skills and think about the direction I wanted Lovely Oxford to take. I’ve returned with fresh ideas and a renewed appreciation for this small, independent business.
Handmade with heart
Today, I create memorial and sentimental jewellery with a personal, delicate and timeless feel. I design each piece around the details that matter to you, and focus my hands-on work on the inclusion elements and finishing. I keep learning and refining my approach, and I’m proud of how far this journey has brought me.
One person, one passion — every memory matters
Thoughtful making
Care for people and the world matters to me. Wherever possible, I choose recycled sterling silver and gold, responsibly sourced materials and considered packaging. Most of my materials come from small UK businesses; most crystals I use are ethically sourced through a trusted UK supplier. I love glass and natural botanical elements as sources of inspiration.
One person, one passion
You’ll speak directly with me. I personally receive and work with ashes, a lock of hair, pet fur and dried flowers entrusted to me. I know how much trust that takes, especially during a difficult time, and I treat those stories with care. I want to make the process thoughtful and reassuring, so please ask questions or talk an idea through with me.
Each piece and its personal inclusions need time and attention; I don’t want to rush work that matters so much. If you have a special occasion or need a faster turnaround, you’re welcome to ask and I’ll help where I can.
What I hope my jewellery brings to you
Grief doesn’t disappear, but we can learn to live alongside it and the love we carry. Perhaps a necklace held close to your heart, a ring you touch, a small reminder of a much-loved pet or a detail from a wedding bouquet can offer a moment of comfort and connection. I hope each piece helps you keep close the people, animals and moments that mean so much, with love, peace and strength.
Thank you for being part of my story
Thank you for reading, and for every order, kind message, photograph and review. Each one means a great deal to me. When you support my small business, you support a real person, my family and a dream that has taken years to grow. I’m grateful for the trust you place in me and the memories you share.
Whether you’re remembering, celebrating, choosing a gift or still finding your way, you’re welcome to get in touch if you’d like help choosing. With love, Olja ♡
Founder & Maker, Lovely Oxford
Made with Love. Treasured Forever.
