How We Got Here...
LumoBlue was founded out of a dream that started in 2019 when we first began exploring the world of handmade rings. As with most stories, this one is far from conventional.
At the time, I (Katie) had a serious allergy to most metals—earrings, rings, watch straps—they all caused a painful, itchy rash. I could only wear them for a few hours before having to take them off. This led to the beginning of my small, yet cherished collection of alternative rings—shell, wood, silicon, and other unique materials. One evening, I casually mentioned to G that it would be amazing if he could make me some jewellery I could wear comfortably. True to his nature, G, with his engineering mindset, immediately took to researching hypoallergenic metals and how we could create something truly special.
And so, the first rings were born: stag antler, wood, and antler with copper spots. They weren’t just jewellery to me—they were an answer to a long-felt problem. As we started exploring hypoallergenic metals, we realised the market for such rings was much larger than we thought. The world of alternative, non-irritating metals was a vast new frontier, and LumoBlue’s journey began.
In late 2019, G, a subsea engineer working in the oil and gas industry, decided to apply his mechanical engineering expertise to something completely new—creating rings. We started small, using every spare moment in our lives to refine our skills, buy the best materials, and dive into the world of jewellery making.
Before we knew it, our garage was turned into a workshop, and every bit of free time was spent brainstorming, packaging, planning, and dreaming of what LumoBlue could become. The first goal was to open in March 2020, but life had other plans.
Just days before launch, our world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the uncertainty, we faced an even greater challenge—our two youngest children were diagnosed with a rare genetic immune condition that required life-saving stem cell transplants. So, in March 2020, just after we were supposed to launch, we found ourselves preparing for Henry’s chemotherapy and stem cell transplant at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital. Our family’s health was at the forefront, but still, we pressed forward and launched LumoBlue in September 2020—amidst a pandemic, with two children recovering from transplants, and five others at home.
LumoBlue quickly became our baby, our passion. We celebrated every order, every follower, every email. Even today, when a new customer makes a purchase, we do a little dance of joy. We’ve worked tirelessly late into the night, missed out on time with friends, and have pushed through every obstacle, knowing that what we’re building is worth every sacrifice.
In 2021, we were dealt another heavy blow—Henry’s first transplant had failed, and we had to return to Newcastle for a second round of treatment. During this time, we had to step back from social media for a while. But in the background, LumoBlue was thriving. We gained thousands of followers, started getting featured in magazines, and expanded our collection of bespoke, handmade rings.
By 2022, Henry’s second transplant was successful, and although recovery was slow, we found ourselves back in full swing. The growth of LumoBlue was more than we could have imagined, and by March 2022, we had expanded to offer more styles, more metals, and more options for our customers.
hen, in October 2023, something deeply personal happened. Our closest friends lost their 14-year-old daughter. The grief and heartbreak of that loss was unimaginable, and we found ourselves wanting to help in some way. This experience was the turning point for us, the pain of watching our friends mourn, we decided to offer a meaningful way to keep loved ones close—through beautifully crafted memorial jewellery. We officially added memorial jewellery to our collection in September 2024, as a tribute to those we’ve lost and the love that continues.
Today, LumoBlue continues to grow, driven by our core values: craftsmanship, quality, and connection. We don’t just make rings—we create bespoke, alternative jewellery for those who want something truly unique. Whether it’s a custom wedding band, a memorial piece, or a ring that speaks to your soul, we pour our hearts into everything we make. And we do it all from our workshop in Scotland, using the best materials and supporting British craftsmanship.
We are incredibly thankful to each and every one of you who has been part of our journey. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love, and we wouldn’t have been able to stay home to care for our children during some of the most difficult times in our lives.
Sending much love,
Katie & G
And our very large, loved, miniature army
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