Meet the Factory Girl of Factory Floor Jewels

I call myself a Factory Girl, with more than forty years of fascination for industrial buildings and the creations that emerge from them. My love of engineering began in childhood, spending Saturday mornings with my dad in his office above the factory floor. He was one of the last great packaging engineers, and to me, my hero. He passed away over twenty years ago, but his influence is everywhere in my work. Some of his tools still sit on my bench today; holding them, with the imprint of his hand beneath mine, is incredibly special.

The name Factory Floor Jewels comes from the materials themselves. Many of the objects I use are found on the floors of trade suppliers, manufacturers, instrument technicians and luthiers in the cities where I live and work. These finds are re-imagined into jewellery — sometimes pared-back and simple, sometimes striking and unusual — but always rooted in the spirit of industry.

My jewellery journey began without any formal training. Early pieces were bold and oversized, but I soon realised I needed more technical skill to achieve what I imagined. That took me to the London School of Jewellery in Hatton Garden, where I learned the craft that underpins my collections today. 

Life took a turn when I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a progressive illness that took years to manage. At one point, I could no longer cope with the physical demands of markets, so I shifted focus. I created my first wholesale collection and found stockists at my very first trade fair, including Tate Modern and Tate Britain. For several years I concentrated on trade shows and supplying retailers. Then lockdown arrived, coinciding with a new treatment regime that made me immune suppressed, and I also became a full-time carer. Jewellery had to pause while life demanded my attention elsewhere.

By 2024, things had settled. I’d adjusted to the rhythm of treatment, I was no longer a carer, and I was ready to design again. Returning to markets, creating new collections, and reconnecting with retailers has been a joy. I’m especially delighted to now be stocked by Naomi at Wild Venus, as we first met trading side by side at markets and fairs.
Every piece of Factory Floor Jewels is handmade in my Liverpool studio, inspired by the city’s engineering and maritime history, and by my father’s legacy. I work with recycled silver, steel, brass, copper and repurposed materials, combining them into timeless designs with clean lines and classic silhouettes.

My jewellery is made to spark conversations, to be worn for years, and to be gifted with meaning.

Not only can you find a selection of Factory Floor Jewels at Wild Venus on Brown Street in Burnley, Lancashire, but you ca shop Kates whole collection online from her own website here.