13 Questions With… Jeweller Olivia Smith

Founder of Olivia & Pearl, Olivia Smith, says the brand was borne out of her continued love for pearl jewellery, and is on a quest to reinvent an icon. She makes accessible luxury pearl jewellery for modern women which are stylish, ethically sourced and designed for a new generation of pearl lovers. From Oh So Fine to Aphrodite, each collection takes a modern twist on pearl jewellery.

1)      What is your name and where do you live?

Olivia Smith (or Livvy, Livs, Smithy). I live in Surrey & London.

2)      What is your favourite soulventure?

I love hanging out anywhere on the California coast with my husband and friends. Surfing, hiking, whale watching, good food, good wine and great music. I need to move there and live this soulventure every day.

3)      What’s something that no-one would guess about you?

I love dancing, especially tap (As a child I won a county wide MC Hammer dancing contest!)

4)      What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

To see my husband more often, he’s in the Royal Marines and often spends months away.

5)      If you could be doing anything, anywhere, right now, what would it be?

Hanging out with my friends. Now that we’re all adults (yawn), life has become so busy and we find it difficult to have that quality time together. When I say ‘quality’ time, I mean sitting in the pub and putting the world to rights, which is one of my favourite activities. I lived in New York for three years so many of my friends are international, I miss them and would love nothing more to be spending time with them right now.

6)      Of what are you most proud?

The wonderful friendships and relationships I have in my life – I couldn’t have achieved anything without the support of my husband, family and friends.

7)      Who do you most admire and why?

Anyone who works in the Emergency services in London and across the UK. They do an incredible job and save people’s lives every day. After seeing them in action in London I will always be in awe and admire their commitment to their vocation.

8)      Best kiss of your life?

The one I’ll have the pleasure of receiving in a few day’s time when my husband returns from a two-month trip away.

9)      What is a new skill you’d like to learn (and why?)

I fell off a horse when I was 10 and never got back on. I really would love to overcome my fear and learn to ride again.

10)   Woods, mountain, city or sea?

The ocean every-time, it’s where I feel my true self – wild, free and creative.

11)   If you could say one thing to lots of people, what would it be?

Don’t play by all the rules or you’ll miss all the fun.

12)   What makes you happy?

My dog Monty.

13)   What is your guiltiest pleasure?

The Real Housewives series, I don’t want to watch it but I can’t stop – it’s absolutely ridiculous and hilarious.