MICHELLE MILLS-PORTER
CHERISH JEWELS
How Cherish Was Born
My husband and I had been caught up in the Asian Tsunami in 2004. Spending some time as a refugee with no control over your situation gives you plenty of time to reflect. I had been a non-stop businesswoman focused on awards and addicted to success. Sitting in the burning sun, in the same clothes I had worn for a week, my life back in Old Blighty seemed so insignificant.
Amid emotions of devastation, loss and sorrow came a renewed appreciation for life, loved ones and my Mum in law’s roast potatoes.
With these new eyes, I saw the wonders of the world’s beauty all the more clearly and confirmed that the most amazing things that I have ever seen have been natural.
Back home and on the road to recovery, I was strongly advised to back off my business activity and to take up something more therapeutic. I wanted to make jewellery that was really meaningful, to show appreciation to those we care for with something unique to them.
Cherish was born: meaningful jewellery made for those you cherish, to always cherish.
I found that I was drawn towards all things organic and natural and my jewellery became centred around gems in their purest form. Sourcing from all over the world, I found pearls in all shapes and sizes, raw gem stones like rough uncut aquamarines, amethysts, quartz, moonstones and more.
For me, you can keep your facetted and polished gems, what could be more special than the way nature intended? Pearls are very special, too, the only organic gem in the world, each one taking seven years of nurture to produce.
By cutting out all the middle men, I was able to support small business in third world countries and by using gems in their natural form, I would by-pass the greed and subsequent conflict surrounding precious gems.
THE FUTURE
My dream is to form a small business in a disadvantaged area within a third world country, producing products for Cherish and encouraging self sufficiency. This dream is being realised. Watch this space….
Michelle x
Cherish – Meaningful jewellery - for those you cherish... to always cherish...
Gem stones and crystals are said to be the invention of jewellery and their bio-chemical properties and varying vibrations are said to have an effect on our emotions and our health for centuries. Did ancient man, attuned with nature, start wearing crystals and gemstones for these reasons, or just for adornment?
There is certainly scientific proof that when gemstones come into direct contact with skin, they produce an electromagnetic influence over human cells which are particularly sensitive to the electromagnetic radiation and result in a change of emotions and general wellbeing.
In this century, with our demands for immediacy, the entire science around crystals and gemstones is generally cut short to the very basics, which are easy to understand and accepted by most. For instance “Topaz increases mental clarity, removes mind fog and reduces depression. Flourite drives away negativity, Amethyst cleanses the soul and Haematite promotes courage, concentration and confidence…”
At Cherish you can design your own piece incorporating the crystals and gemstones that will address your emotional and physical issues, whilst flooding the stones with your own good intentions, and therefore altering your state of mind whenever in contact with the piece.
Alternatively, you can just send a design request and several pictures will be e-mailed to you prior to deciding on a piece to be made just for you.
You can also make a really special gift for a friend that shows them how deeply you care and how considered your creation has been. You can organise a workshop in your own home or at Cherish and it’s all specifically worked out to be cost-effective for you.
Earrings start from £5, bracelets from £6, necklaces from £14 and you can go as opulent as you like. Have a look on Facebook under “Cherish” or on the web site at www.cherishjewels.co.uk
Best Loved Business in Barnt Green 2010 and 2011 Winner! (Best of UK)
Best New Business of the Year 2009 - Winner! (Women in Business Conference - Go Woman)
