Dame Joanna Lumley OBE discovers Freak Like Me

Yesterday was one of those moments you don’t quite expect.
AJ and I were at Sandersons Department Store in Stroud, in the newly completed Five Valleys Shopping Centre, where the official opening was being led by none other than actress, presenter, author, campaigner and absolutely fabulous Dame Joanna Lumley OBE.
We have a jewellery stand in Sandersons, and as she made her way through the store, she stopped at our cabinet

.
She spent time looking through the pieces before choosing one of our leather and gemstone cuffs from our new Slim Classic Collection, a black leather and Baltic amber piece which suited her beautifully.
Baltic amber is fossilised tree resin dating back 30 to 50 million years. It has been used in jewellery and amulets since ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures.
What made it feel even more special is that amber is often associated with Taurus, which is her star sign. It is known for its warm, grounding energy and its ability to soothe stress and overwhelm.
It suited her perfectly. Effortless. Understated. Personal.

She put the bracelet on… and kept it on.
For the rest of her visit. Through the conversations, the photographs, and the official opening itself. Even during a video recording for Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
That’s the thing about these pieces.
They’re not just jewellery you try on and take off.
 They become part of you.

On the way home, AJ and I kept looking at each other and asking, “Did that really just happen?”
Did we really speak to her? Share a hug? Watch her walk away wearing one of our Freak Like Me bracelets?
It was one of those days that stays with you.Because you rarely get the chance to meet your heroes. And even more rarely do they turn out to be as warm, kind, and genuinely beautiful in person as they seem on screen.
Dame Joanna Lumley was everything we imagined, and more.
And we love that something made by our hands went home with her.
AJ & Mila x