Soru Jewellery was founded in 2013 by two sisters; Francesca (me) and Marianna (little sis by 1.5 years).

Soru means sisters in Sicilian dialect and as we are both half Sicilian sisters (our father is from Sicily but we were born and have lived all our lives in the UK) with a passion for Sicily this is where the name came from. 

We have both always loved fashion (Marianna had a background in photography and I as a jewellery buyer) and at a point in our lives when we were both on career breaks due to having small children we found the opportunity and thought its now or never! So we went for it and set about creating Soru Jewellery. Not knowing where our journey would take us and now at 3.5 years down the line we are both very happy we took the chance we did.

We've asked each other questions so you can find out a little more about us and how we created Soru:

Marianna to Francesca:

1- What do you love most about your job?

That's a tough question because I actually love a lot of aspects of the job; the flexibility of working for myself, seeing customers joy when they love their new jewellery, working with my sister and watching our business grow from year to year. But the ultimate enjoyment for me is to create new jewellery designs and watch them come to life. Its so exciting and rewarding when you see the final sample of new styles that we have been working on.

2- What inspires you?

I have the most wonderful memories of childhood holidays in Palermo on the island of Sicily with our (very large) family, even the most run down, crumbling buildings were ornate. There is the most beautiful detailing everywhere you turn- down an unsuspecting street, behind a simple wooden door and this extends to the people of the island, down to every last detail would be thought about and they were extremely proud and glamorous at the same time. As a child I was in ore of all my aunties; beautiful, extravagant, happy, fierce and so chic all at the same time. These memories have always stuck with me and shaped my own style growing up. As well as these memories I have two more main daily inspirations; my daughter inspires me to be my best and nature inspires me to trust, be happy and enjoy.

3. What is it like working with your little sis?

So difficult! Only kidding... its changed our relationship quite dramatically though in all truth as we are not only sisters now but also business partners. However working with someone you are so close to has a lot of benefits; we can never really fall out because we are sisters, we can rock up to work in our yoga pants if we want to and we already know each other so well, we usually always have the same visions. Its also amazing to share the highs and the lows together on the roller coaster of having your own business.

4. What are your 3 favourite things?

If I'm not including family and friends which are my number one then it has to be food, shopping and reading in that order! (However I am also a total beauty junkie and health freak).

5. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Loyal, loving and hard working.

6. Where do you want Soru Jewellery to be in 5 years time?

Everywhere! 

Francesca to Marianna:

1- Best moment so far being the Co-Founder of Soru Jewellery?

When the Duchess of Cambridge wore our earrings. It was surreal, I couldn't take the smile off my face all day, to have royalty wear a brand that you have created is a truly amazing feeling.

2- Describe a typical day at work?

After dropping the children at school and (maybe) doing a workout, its off to the office to check emails and respond to customers. Package any orders, discuss future newsletters, promotions and collections with my other half (Francesca). My day finishes at 4pm when I collect the children, but there is often still bits to catch up on when they are in bed.

3. What are your 3 favourite pieces of jewellery?

I absolutely love the agate charm bracelet at the moment, its so beautifully made and its perfect with summer pastels. Also in love with the new skinny moon choker, its so cute and updates any outfit instantly. And the hoop earrings are having a moment, rightly so, they are fabulous! Im just as in love with them as everyone else.

4. Who are your favourite designers?

Its no secret that we both love Dolce & Gabbana for their Sicilian influence, the bright colours and prints are perfect for a Italian holiday. I also LOVE Gucci at the moment, everything they come up with is fabulous, they have made me see the colour pink in a whole new light. I love Sea New York for perfect summer dresses. Zeus and Dione- a Greek brand I discovered last year that I have become obsessed with, especially as I'm holidaying in Greece this year. Their pieces are made in Greece using beautiful textured silks and remind me of Greek goddesses- wearing them makes you feel a little bit closer to being a Greek goddess too!

5. Why is jewellery so special and important to you?

I love beautiful things, so if I can wear beautiful jewellery it gives me pleasure all day. A special piece can be worn forever and passed down or borrowed, it has a sentimental value. I aways remember as a child the jingle of bracelets on our Sicilian relatives wrists, they would wear jewellery all the time, not just for special occasions, the relaxed glamour and ease appealed to me then and still does now.

Along our journey we have met some wonderful people, one being Laura Wills of The Fashion Bug Blog. She featured us in her blog, so if you'd like to find out a little more about us you can read what we had to say here: http://www.thefashionbugblog.com/get-to-know-soru/ 

Read about how 'the Kate effect' helped to grow our business here 

Cesca & Mari Xx