About
Minka Jewels
Minka was born of two remarkable women, my great-grandmother, Minnie, and my grandmother, Katrina. People often ask me where the name Minka came from. It’s a name made from two women: Minnie and Katrina. I blended their names together because, in so many ways, they’ve shaped the heart of this brand since day one.
Both Minnie and Katrina adored jewellery, not just for how it looked, but for what it held: memories, places, moments. And both of them loved to travel, collecting stories as naturally as they collected beautiful pieces. Their shared love of jewellery and adventure left an indelible mark on me.
Their collections were not simply beautiful; they were worldly, layered with stories of distant places and moments in time. I grew up surrounded by these pieces, rich gold, vibrant gemstones, and a sense that jewellery should feel both precious and personal. That spirit of curiosity and travel continues to shape Minka today.
After a recent house move, I uncovered some photographs that stopped me in my tracks. First: Minnie in Egypt in 1935, just before the Second World War, poised in front of the pyramids, mid-adventure. Next: Katrina with a friend, elegant and effortless. And finally: Katrina again, once the war had begun, a reminder of how much strength and style can coexist, even in uncertain times.
My grandmother’s favourite designers were Stuart Devlin and John Donald, both wonderfully modern and avant‑garde for their era, and masters of their craft. Looking back, it makes perfect sense: she was drawn to bold design, impeccable workmanship, and jewellery that felt of its time… and ahead of it. That spirit is what I try to honour with every piece I make: modern heirlooms, crafted with intention, designed to carry your story and to travel with you.
Minka is synonymous with colourful gemstone jewellery, defined by simple, considered designs with clean lines, modern settings, and a confident use of gold. Each piece is designed in London and crafted in the UK by highly skilled master craftsmen, using only the finest materials and traditional jewellery-making techniques.
Every design begins with the gemstone. Stones are selected for their colour, clarity, and individuality, chosen to feel alive and full of character. The result is jewellery that is both bold and timeless, created to be worn, loved, and passed on.
At its heart, Minka is a continuation of a legacy: of collecting, of storytelling, and of creating pieces that carry meaning across generations.
Meet Lucy
Lucy Crowther is a trained gemstone dealer and gemmologist, having studied with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. She is known for her ability to source exceptional gemstones from across the world, stones that stand apart for their cut, colour, and clarity.
Her journey began in Jaipur, where she worked at the renowned Gem Palace, where she first discovered the extraordinary world of coloured gemstones and antique diamonds. Watching master cutters at work and sitting in on private gemstone viewings shaped a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and rarity, and sparked a lifelong love of colour.
She later returned to London, where she trained as a gemmologist and went on to work as a stone trader in Hatton Garden. It was here that she honed her instinct for recognising truly exceptional stones and developed a deep understanding of quality and value.
Today, Lucy is known for translating remarkable gemstones into one-of-a-kind, wearable designs that feel both bold and timeless. Whether creating signature pieces or bespoke commissions, her process is always led by the stone itself.
Alongside her design work, Lucy is passionate about education, guiding clients to understand what makes a gemstone truly special and helping them choose pieces that they will treasure for a lifetime.
Our Collections
Each collection takes inspiration from Lucy’s travels and the beauty of the natural world, whether that be the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea, the changing seasons of Les Trois Vallées or Berlin’s jewel-like sparkle at night. Each piece tells a tale and truly emulates the beauty and meaning behind its design.
Bespoke
Offering modern twists on easy-to-wear, bold shapes, Minka not only creates its signature pieces, but also provides a bespoke service for those looking to be a part of the design process. If you’re looking to reset inherited stones or rework existing jewels, commission an alternative engagement ring, or source a stone that you feel particularly drawn to, our bespoke service is the perfect option. The process is entirely collaborative and wonderfully personal, with Lucy’s love for sourcing exquisite stones at the forefront of the design process.