John and Ariana Watling are proud to be following in the family tradition as second and third generation jewellers.
Ariana’s grandparents, John’s parents Graham and Jean Watling, were invited by the National Trust in 1972 to start a creative business in the medieval village of Lacock. Using tools passed down through the family, the flare for jewellery is clearly in the genes as both John and Ariana learnt their craft from young ages in their father’s workshops.
They now continue the family tradition in their new contemporary studio within The Tanyard behind the village church.
At the age of 16 John moved to London to continue his jewellery training and was honed with a traditional apprenticeship in London at the home of Boodles Fine Jewellery and perfected in the family business over the ensuing years.
John’s style is classical and timeless working in gold, platinum, silver and precious-stone set jewellery.
After leaving school, Ariana also moved to London and completed an art foundation and fashion degree at Kingston University.
It was whilst studying at university that Ariana decided she wanted to get involved in the family business using the design and creative skills from her training in London.
John and Ariana enjoy collaborating with each other and with their customers, to combine contemporary and traditional styles to create a truly unique “Watling piece.”
John and Ariana’s new studio, located in The Tanyard behind the village church, is the obvious progression to their careers, enabling them to take their passion for creating bespoke pieces to a whole new level.
This is a tranquil place where John and Ariana can spend one-on-one time with each client to translate their imagined designs into stunning, meticulously hand-crafted pieces. Customers are also welcome to browse the ready-to-wear collections within the contemporary but cosy studio.
