In a new series to the Journal, Lou talks to inspiring figures about the things in their lives that - like good cashmere - evoke comfort, relaxation and happiness. In the first instalment, we take some time with friend and incredibly talented fine jeweller Bear Brooksbank.

Amongst her many accolades, Bear is a trained gemologist who has designed an increasing array of beautiful pieces and can count some rather high profile names amongst her clientele. With over a decade’s experience in the field and an exceptional creative eye, she is proving to be an exciting force in the dreamy world of fine jewellery.

L: Talk me through your work, what you do and what projects you’ve got lined up...

B: I own and run a fine jewellery brand called Bear Brooksbank. We are based in Shoreditch, just off the magical Calvert avenue. The heart of the business is bespoke commissions predominantly engagement rings but we also have collection based work too and a strong focus on antique and vintage. In the process of designing for some very special lockdown proposals and also planning to add a new ring to The Engagement ring series' which is a collection of our signature engagement rings available to buy.

L: What do you like to do to when you’re not working?

B: I have a little person, now 13 months old so that doesn’t allow for much leisure but as and when it does, family time, walking my dog Champ (the walks it would seem are for my benefit not his, he would happily remain horizontal all day), reading, buying plants/flowers and watching terrible telly is my best form of escape.

L: Tell me about your escapes to your home county of Yorkshire, what do they look like?

B: We are lucky to have the use of a cottage up there near Malton so try and get north whenever we can. Yorkshire will always feel like home to me. Like plugging in. Park cottage is set into the landscape so the perfect tonic from our super hectic and loud Hoxton flat. We walk, visit friends, chat to the local animals (my daughter is animal mad) see my folks, go to the pub. It’s heaven.

L: Any travel essentials?

B: I tend to over pack, something my family has always found amusing that and my intense sense of journey fever. I am usually at the station an hour early. As for travel essentials my laboratory perfume. I wear Amber having smelt it on a man in the Barbican. He was a little surprised by my enthusiasm for his scent.....It is unisex and delicious. Comfy pair of Ganni trousers and of course my Lou Dungate Esmond Blanket Scarf in Dove and Effy Wristwarmers in Charcoal. Oh and extra strong mints. I can eat a whole packet in 30 mins when left alone.

L: Favourite travel companion?

B: Stephen Fry. I owe him a great debt for his work on the Harry Potter books!

L: Top 3 places you’ve visited?

B: Sri Lanka, Mexico and Vietnam.

L: The next 3 places on your list (lockdown aside)?

B: Lisbon, India and Japan.

L: Current reading list?

I wish I had one of these. I MUST get back into reading more frequently. I am reading albeit it slowly The Farm by Joanne Ramos. A scary book particularly as a relatively new mother.

L: Current playlist?

B: I wont embarrass myself further. I think the Harry Potter revelation was properly enough. I have very dodgy music taste.

L: Quote to live by?

B: "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door" Milton Berle

See more of Bear’s beautiful collection and bespoke jewellery service here.

Home Comforts #1 with Bear Brooksbank