Perla Coco Designs: Upcycled Handcrafted Jewelry

I admit I spend a lot of time on social media-Instagram to be specific, but I’ve discovered some really great people and this has led to some great shopping (another of my favorite pastimes!) Recently I came across an influencer wearing a piece of jewelry by Perla Coco Designs and I was so intrigued. I reached out to the designer, Helen, and was instantly a fan!

The beauty of social media is that you can find anything anywhere. Perla Coco Designs is based out of the UK. Although we are “across the pond” it was so easy to work with Helen and my purchase arrived quickly and beautifully wrapped. Yes, I did purchase the necklace and was also gifted a beautiful pair of earrings! 

How did you get started in your business?

Helen started her business about 10 years ago when she was home with her daughter, Perla Coco. Helen thought that “one day she (her daughter) could carry the business on if she wishes.” Initially Helen was making cards and gift that she sold in the beauty salon she owned. She made a few pair of earrings and they sold out quickly, but the salon was very busy and so that’s where her focus was. About 7 years ago, with the birth of her son, Helen sold her salon. At this time she started up Perla Coco Designs again and “decided just to upcycle a few of my own pieces of jewelry just for myself and a few friends commented on them and said I should sell online so I did and it’s gone from strength to strength and now a full time job!” 

Where do you find your materials?

“I trawl vintage shops charity or thrift sales and internet for broken jewelry to dismantle and re-create.” Helen loves to make unique pieces out of “unwanted, pre-loved, vintage or broken jewelry.”

Where do you sell your designs?

“I sell on insta and I do a few pop up shops and a few boutiques and beauty salons sell some of my pieces too.”

Your pieces are so unique, where do you get your inspiration?

“I love what i do with a massive passion my head is constantly whizzing with ideas.”

Do you have a favorite piece that you created?

“I love every piece I make and lots of the time I want to keep my pieces! ?… but seeing people so happy when they have purchased something of mine gives me a great feeling.”

Helen wanted to do something she loved and to her “that’s being creative and making people smile.” And her incredible designs will certainly make you smile.