Meet Amanda Mansell: The Visionary Founder of FORGE
A Passion for Jewellery
Amanda's journey in the jewellery industry began with a deep passion for design and craftsmanship. Her academic achievements include a first-class BA (Hons) degree followed by a Master’s Degree in Jewellery Design from the prestigious Royal College of Art. During her time at the Royal College, Amanda's exceptional talent was recognised with numerous accolades, setting the stage for a remarkable career. She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, author of "Adorn, New Jewellery," and co-founded DualPod, a gallery in Islington, London.
At FORGE, Amanda continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of jewellers.
A Remarkable Career
Since 2001, Amanda has been designing and making jewellery professionally. Her extensive experience spans over two decades and includes working closely with skilled craftsmen, industry experts, and professionals in Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery quarter. Amanda's dedication to her craft has earned her respect and recognition in the industry.
Amanda's designs are known for their innovation, elegance, and meticulous attention to detail. She is an award-winning designer, having won a Goldsmiths Design & Craftsmanship award for design. Her work is characterised by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, with a focus on bespoke jewellery design and remodelling. Amanda's approach is distinctive; she creates jewellery that is unique to her clients and their experiences, resulting in pieces that are treasured and passed down through generations.
The Birth of FORGE
The idea for FORGE was born from Amanda’s desire to create a space where creativity, learning, and community come together. Opened in February 2023, FORGE is a vibrant hub located in the heart of Hatton Garden, London. It’s a place where designers, makers, and enthusiasts can learn, create, and connect.
During the launch of FORGE, Amanda shared her vision and journey. She emphasized how her experiences in classic creative education, her role as a small business owner in Hatton Garden, and her collaborative nature drove her to address the challenges faced by the jewellery industry. Amanda's passion for the people and heritage of Hatton Garden inspired her to create this multi-functional space, designed around the pillars of Learn, Make, and Buy.
A Home for Creativity
At FORGE, Amanda has cultivated an environment that fosters creativity and craftsmanship. The hub offers a range of workshops for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced jewellers. With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative community, FORGE is the perfect place to explore the art of jewellery making. The space is designed to promote co-collaboration, cross-pollination of ideas, and business development, providing much-needed support for fledgling and micro creative businesses.
Our Vision
Our vision is to ‘enrich lives through creativity,’ and at the heart of this lies the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps forge long-lasting relationships, both professional and personal.
A Warm Welcome
Amanda’s friendly and approachable demeanor has created a welcoming atmosphere at FORGE. Everyone who joins our community, from members to visitors, is considered a part of the FORGE family. Amanda’s leadership and passion ensure that FORGE remains a nurturing space for creativity and learning.
