Meet the Jeweller: 10 Fun Questions with Erin Cox
If you’ve ever wandered into our Topsham shop or admired Erin’s handmade jewellery online, you’ve probably seen the name Erin Cox — but how well do you really know the woman behind the bench? We decided it was time to shine the spotlight on Erin herself with a quick-fire round of fun, behind-the-scenes questions. From her workshop snacks to her dream alternative career (spoiler: it involves potions), here’s your chance to get to know the jeweller, designer, and creative force behind Erin Cox Jewellery.
What was the very first piece of jewellery you ever made — and would you still wear it today?
(Was it wonky? Brilliant? Hidden in a drawer somewhere?)
I made a Fimo beaded necklace for my mum, and she still has it somewhere! I think I might’ve made a pasta necklace too… but shh, don’t tell anyone, I’m not sure it would help my reputation as a jeweller if I wore it today±If you could only wear one piece of jewellery for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
(Yes, even jewellers have favourites...)
I could never choose — that’s far too boring! My favourite thing is always the last thing I’ve made.What’s the weirdest or most wonderful commission you've ever been asked to make?
(Spill the sparkly secrets!)
I was once approached by an adult film company who requested some ahem suggestive designs featuring pearls… I politely declinedWhat’s your go-to outfit when you’re covered in gold dust and soldering things at the bench?
(Apron chic? Boiler suit glam?)
I love my apron from The Stitch Society — it not only protects my clothes but has giant pockets for all my jewellery gubbins!Where’s your happy place when you need a break from the bench?
(River swims, garden days, secret Topsham spots?)
On the rare occasion I take a break, I love a stroll along Topsham’s Goat Walk. I’m an avid avocet spotter — and still on the lookout for a spoonbill!What’s the one thing customers always ask you that makes you smile every time?
(Or roll your eyes a tiny bit...)
“Don’t you just stick them in?” Sadly, no! Setting gemstones is much more complex than gluing. I usually work under a microscope, using specialist tools to drill, burr and carefully manipulate the metal around each stone to hold it securely in place.If you weren’t a jeweller, what would you be doing instead?
(Be honest. Yoga teacher? Archaeologist? Bake Off contestant?)
I’d be a herbalist — or a full-time neighbourhood white witch — brewing plant-based potions in my cauldron!What’s your workshop snack of choice when the soldering gets serious?
(Biscuits, bananas or something totally unexpected?)
Being so close to Topsham Cakes and Cocolato is dangerous! I’m obsessed with Topsham Cakes’ carrot cake — and don’t even get me started on the almond croissant cookies from Cocolato…Do you listen to anything while you work — podcasts, playlists, guilty pleasures?
(Spill your studio soundtrack!)
It’s risky having music on in the shop — the Erin Cox team tends to sing with far too much enthusiasm to be considered sociable! Weirdly, I focus best when I’m plugged into a series. My all-time favourite is Buffy — I’ve rewatched it so many times I can recite whole episodes by heart!What’s one thing people are always surprised to learn about your job?
(We’re guessing it’s not all gemstones and glamour...)
I literally keep the dust from the floor! Because we work with such valuable materials, even the dust has to be saved. We collect all our hoover bags and once we’ve built up a stash, we send it off to be refined. You’d be amazed at the value of my dirty floors!
We hope you enjoyed this little peek behind the scenes with Erin! If you have a question you’d love to ask her, feel free to pop it in next time you visit the shop — she’s always up for a chat, especially if cake is involved ; )