Up Close in Frodsham: we chat with new jewellery business, Juel Charm

By The Editor 19th Apr 2021

Local News by The Editor 19th Apr 2021

At a loss for birthday or anniversary present ideas? Never fear: newly launched Frodsham-based jewellery company, Juel Charm, is here to help!

Juel Charm, founded by Carmen Goulden, produces made-to-measure bracelets using semi-precious gem stones and silver-plated charms: unique gifts created with a personal touch.

And what's more, Carmen's charms are detachable, meaning that you can easily mix and match different colours and styles depending on your mood.

"At Christmas you could have a Christmas tree, then swap it over for a heart around Valentine's Day, then a pair of sunglasses in the summer and a champagne glass to celebrate your birthday," she says.

With pieces in rose quartz, aquamarine, amethyst and more, and charms depicting everything from sausage dogs to seahorses to sewing machines, there really is something for everyone!

Carmen is even in the process of developing a men's range using larger beads of black onyx, jasper, tiger's eye and hematite.

"I was drawn to jewellery making through my Nan," Carmen explains. "She was always doing something craft-related and taught me how to make little clay animals and birthday cards, sew letters with different coloured threads and beads onto hankies.

"I loved just sitting by the fire with her and using my hands to create beautiful things."

After attending a jewellery-making evening class 15 years ago, Carmen started making pieces for her friends and family.

"I think jewellery is so important because it holds memories," she says. "When someone you love treats you to a beautiful piece of jewellery, you feel happy, loved and special, and that memory stays with you for a long time.

Carmen also enjoys working with her semi-precious stones, whose lovely colours and patterns lend her bracelets an elegant and calming feel.

As her love for jewellery-making grew, she dreamt of sharing her creations with the wider world.

"I've worked in administration for many years but never enjoyed it," she says. "I worked like everyone else to pay the bills.

"Now at the age of nearly 50, I stopped to think of what I would like to do instead of worrying about the money side.

"My part time job ended in January 2021 due to Covid and that's when I started to really think about turning my hobby into a successful business. And as of 6 April, I am now officially a business woman. Yay!"

Carmen's bracelets have already proved very popular, with orders flooding in for her most popular designs.

"My most sought-after combinations are the rose quartz with the unicorn charms and the amethyst with the sunflower charms," she says. "As soon as my family and friends saw these, I had orders coming in for a week!"

Now that Juel Charm has officially been launched, Carmen is turning her attention to future projects.

"There is lots in store for Juel Charm," she says, "including the concept of 'build your own jewellery."

"All the charms will have a clasp so you can use them to clip onto your bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and anklets."

"Watch this space!"

You can browse through Carmen's bracelets on her

Etsy, Instagram and Facebook pages.