OD's Jewellers Brand Guide: Laura Ashley Jewellery

1. Brand Overview / Why Laura Ashley Jewellery Matters

Laura Ashley represents the enduring charm of British femininity—romantic, nostalgic, and quietly confident. Known for floral prints and timeless silhouettes since 1953, the brand's jewellery line continues this heritage through delicate, nature-inspired designs that celebrate craftsmanship and grace.

Created in partnership with [Gecko Jewellery] (a UK-based wholesale jewellery company and accredited member of the Responsible Jewellery Council), Laura Ashley Jewellery brings the brand's iconic textile prints and design ethos into wearable form. Each piece reflects over 70 years of design excellence, translating signature Laura Ashley motifs—florals, botanicals, bows, and nature-inspired elements—into elegant sterling silver and gold-plated collections.

For those who grew up with Laura Ashley's iconic patterns, these collections offer a modern way to reconnect with that legacy—wearable pieces of British design history that blend heritage styling with contemporary appeal.

Perfect for:

• Customers with nostalgic connection to Laura Ashley's heritage (1953–present)
• Those seeking romantic, feminine jewellery with British countryside aesthetic
• Gift-givers wanting recognisable British brand with ethical credentials (RJC-certified production)
• Collectors drawn to archive print inspiration (Camelot, Wild Meadows, Waters Edge)
• Eco-conscious buyers (recycled sterling silver options, RJC compliance)

What makes Laura Ashley Jewellery different:

• 1953 kitchen table £10 investment: Laura began screen-printing tea towels and headscarves in Pimlico flat
• V&A Museum craft exhibition inspiration: 1953 visit sparked Laura's textile career
• 31 Station Terrace, Dowlais birth (1925): Welsh heritage central to brand identity
• Princess Diana admirer: Royal connection cementing British cultural status
• Gecko partnership 2024: RJC-certified production ensuring ethical standards

2. The Laura Ashley Story (History & Heritage)

1925 – A Welsh Beginning

Laura Mountney was born on September 7, 1925, at her grandmother's home, 31 Station Terrace, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Though her parents lived in London, they returned to Wales to ensure their daughter would be born in her homeland. Raised in a civil service family as a Strict Baptist, Laura attended the Welsh-language Hebron Chapel in Dowlais, where she developed a deep love of Welsh culture and singing.

Educated at Marshall's School in Merthyr Tydfil until 1932, she was then sent to Elmwood School in Croydon. During World War II, she was evacuated back to Wales at age 13, attending Aberdare Secretarial School. At 16, she joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), where her naval uniform would later influence her design aesthetic.

1949–1952 – Post-War London

Laura married Bernard Ashley in February 1949. After the war, she worked as a secretary at the National Federation of Women's Institutes in London from 1945 to 1952, where she was exposed to traditional crafts and textile techniques that would inspire her future career.

1953 – The Kitchen Table Beginning

In 1953, inspired by a craft exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Laura decided to produce hand-printed textiles. With just £10 invested in wood for a screen, fabric, and dyes, Laura began screen-printing tea towels and headscarves by hand at her kitchen table in their Pimlico, London flat. Bernard assisted in the evenings.

The business was originally registered as Ashley Mountney, but Bernard changed the name to Laura Ashley because he felt a woman's name was more appropriate for their products.

1961–1985 – Growth & Legacy

Laura Ashley's first shop opened at Machynlleth, Wales in 1961. By the 1960s, the brand had become synonymous with romantic British design—floral cottons, Victorian-inspired silhouettes, and countryside nostalgia.

The 1970s became "the Laura Ashley decade." The brand expanded internationally, becoming a cultural touchstone for graceful femininity. Notable admirers included Diana, Princess of Wales.

Tragically, in September 1985, just after her 60th birthday, Laura fell and died from a brain haemorrhage on September 17, 1985. When the company floated in November 1985, it had 219 shops worldwide. Bernard Ashley was knighted in 1987.

The Brand Today – Over 70 Years of Design Excellence

Laura Ashley continues creating collections across home, fashion, and hospitality. The jewellery collection, launched in partnership with Gecko Jewellery in 2024, brings this heritage into wearable form.

3. Craftsmanship & Innovation

Laura Ashley Jewellery Partnership

The Laura Ashley Jewellery collection is produced under licence by [Gecko Jewellery], a UK-based company founded in 1991 and accredited member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). The partnership, facilitated by IMG, ensures ethical, sustainably-sourced materials and environmentally responsible practices.

Materials & Construction

• Recycled Sterling Silver (925): Many pieces crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver
• Sterling Silver (925): Traditional sterling silver hallmarked for purity
• Gold-Plated Brass & Alloys: Select designs with yellow or rose gold plating
• Gemstones & Embellishments: Cubic zirconia, freshwater pearls, mother-of-pearl, crystals, amethyst, peridot, and quartz
• AnchorCert Protect Certified: All pieces nickel-free and hypoallergenic

Heritage Collections

• Camelot: Botanical details from the iconic Camelot archive print
• Bows: Feminine designs available in women's and children's sizes
• Wild Meadows: Romantic pieces inspired by the Wild Meadows print
• Wildflower: English summer-inspired floral motifs
• Waters Edge: Moorland scenery with archive prints (Broadoak, Cathedine, Llanelli)
• Floral Romance: Timeless designs with nature-inspired motifs

4. Laura Ashley in Culture & Events

Cultural Significance

Since founding in 1953, Laura Ashley became a touchstone for British country style. The brand's influence peaked during the 1980s when Laura Ashley dresses were beloved across generations, from Princess Diana to modern stylists who revive vintage looks.

The brand remains a symbol of graceful femininity in British design culture—timeless rather than trendy, featured in nostalgic retrospectives by Vogue, the BBC, and the V&A Museum.

The Laura Ashley Legacy

Laura Ashley's life embodied the values her brand represents: Welsh heritage, practical beauty, connection to nature, and dedication to craftsmanship. Her designs captured a vision of idealised British country life that continues to resonate worldwide.

5. Size Guides

Bracelet Size Guide

Wrist Circumference (cm)	Bracelet Size	Fit
15–16	Small	Snug fit
17–18	Medium	Standard fit
19–20	Large	Looser fit

How to Measure: Wrap tape measure or string around wrist at widest point. Add 1.5–2 cm for comfortable fit.

Ring Size Guide

UK Size	Circumference (mm)	US Equivalent
J	48.7	4.75
K	50.0	5.25
L	51.2	5.75
M	52.5	6.25
N	53.8	7
O	55.1	7.25
P	56.3	8
Q	57.6	8.25
R	58.9	8.75

Necklace Length Guide

Length	Style	Fit Description
16" (40cm)	Choker	Sits at base of neck
18" (45cm)	Princess	Falls below collarbone
20–22" (50–55cm)	Matinee	Mid-chest length
24–30" (60–75cm)	Opera	Long, elegant drape

For comprehensive jewellery sizing guidance, see our [Master Jewellery Size Guide].

6. Care & Warranty

Laura Ashley-Specific Care

RJC-Certified Gecko Production: All Laura Ashley jewellery is produced by [Gecko Jewellery], an RJC-certified company ensuring ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing practices. This guarantees conflict-free materials and environmentally conscious production.

Recycled Sterling Silver Options: Many pieces feature 100% recycled sterling silver, reducing environmental impact while maintaining premium quality.

AnchorCert Protect Certification: All pieces are nickel-free and hypoallergenic, tested against common metal allergens for safe wear on sensitive skin.

For universal jewellery care principles, see our [Jewellery Care Hub].

Warranty

Standard Manufacturer's Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty period and specific terms may vary by retailer.

Not Covered:

• Accidental damage
• Normal wear and tear
• Tarnishing (natural oxidation)
• Damage from chemicals, water, or improper care

Warranty Claims: Bring proof of purchase to [OD's Jewellers] for assessment and coordination with manufacturer.

7. FAQs

Is Laura Ashley Jewellery sterling silver?

Yes—most pieces are crafted from 925 sterling silver (including recycled silver options), with some designs in gold-plated brass or alloy.

Are Laura Ashley Jewellery items hypoallergenic?

Yes. All pieces are AnchorCert Protect certified, nickel-free, and designed for sensitive skin. This certification ensures testing against common metal allergens for safe, comfortable wear.

Who makes Laura Ashley Jewellery?

The jewellery is produced under licence by Gecko Jewellery (UK), an RJC-accredited company specialising in ethical, sustainable jewellery manufacturing. The designs remain faithful to Laura Ashley's archival patterns and style ethos.

What is RJC certification?

Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certification confirms that Gecko Jewellery meets strict standards for ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and human rights protection throughout the supply chain. This ensures Laura Ashley jewellery is produced with integrity.

Can I buy replacement pieces individually?

Some collections allow single-piece replacements. Contact OD's Jewellers customer service for availability.

Do Laura Ashley Jewellery pieces come gift-boxed?

All purchases include official Laura Ashley packaging, ideal for gifting.

What's the warranty process?

Bring your proof of purchase to OD's Jewellers or contact us directly for repair or replacement assessment. We coordinate with the manufacturer on your behalf.

8. Why Choose Laura Ashley Jewellery at OD's Jewellers

Authorised Stockist

Genuine Laura Ashley jewellery with manufacturer warranty. We never stock counterfeit or grey-market goods.

Heritage Collections

Designs inspired by over 70 years of iconic Laura Ashley prints—Camelot, Wild Meadows, Waters Edge, and more.

Ethical Sourcing

RJC-certified production with recycled sterling silver options. Gecko Jewellery's accreditation ensures responsible manufacturing throughout the supply chain.

Hypoallergenic Guarantee

AnchorCert Protect certified, nickel-free—safe for sensitive skin with testing against common metal allergens.

Official Packaging

Beautiful Laura Ashley presentation boxes perfect for gifting.

Expert Service

Personal attention from independent jeweller with decades of experience. We understand Laura Ashley's heritage and can guide you through collections.

Warranty Support

UK-based aftercare coordination. We handle manufacturer communication and warranty claims on your behalf.

OD's Jewellers combines personal service of an independent jeweller with the trust of a beloved national brand—giving you confidence that every piece you buy is genuine, guaranteed, and beautifully presented.

9. Links & Authority

Official Resources:

• Laura Ashley Official UK Website
• Gecko Jewellery (Licensed Manufacturer)

Brand Heritage:

• Wikipedia: Laura Ashley
• V&A Museum: Laura Ashley Archive & Collections

Ethical Standards:

• Responsible Jewellery Council: www.responsiblejewellery.com

Shop at OD's:

• [OD's Jewellers – Laura Ashley Collection]
• [Contact OD's Jewellers]
• Visit: 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY

Link Placement Summary

Internal Links (6):

1. [Gecko Jewellery] – Section 1 (Brand Overview)
2. [Gecko Jewellery] – Section 3 (Partnership)
3. [Master Jewellery Size Guide] – Section 5 (Comprehensive sizing)
4. [Gecko Jewellery] – Section 6 (RJC-Certified Production)
5. [Jewellery Care Hub] – Section 6 (Universal care principles)
6. [OD's Jewellers] – Section 6 (Warranty Claims)

Additional Internal Links:

• [OD's Jewellers Laura Ashley Collection] – Section 8 (Visit Us) & Section 9
• [OD's Jewellers – Laura Ashley Collection] – Section 9
• [Contact OD's Jewellers] – Section 9

External Links (2):

1. Laura Ashley Official UK Website – Section 9
2. Gecko Jewellery (Licensed Manufacturer) – Section 9

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Guide Author: Chris O'Dea
Maintained By: OD's Jewellers, St Helens
Last Updated: October 2025