SISTERS Bronwen Jameson and Sian Perry-Smith are hoping their close relationship will give them a head start as they launch a business together.

Their gallery, Woldstone Jewellery in Woodstock, will display handmade gems and silverware from 20 designers.

With a mix of gold, silver, platinum, diamond and pearl pieces at prices starting from £100, they are targeting the mid-to-upper market.

Mother-of-two Ms Jameson, who has a background in marketing and communications, said: “What’s different about us is that we offer unique design and superb craftsmanship, using unusual techniques and stones such as pink and coloured diamonds.”

The pair are among a growing army of women going it alone, with Office of National Statistics figures revealing there are 1.44 million self-employed women in the UK – up from 1.26 million two years ago.

In comparison, the number of self-employed men has increased more slowly – from 2.93million to 3million in the same period. So although females account for just one in three Brits who work for themselves, this proportion is rapidly rising.

Designers whose jewellery the sisters will stock include Julia Beusch, who made and sold her own jewellery from the Woodstock gallery before moving her workshop to Oxford.

When the studio became available to rent, Ms Jameson said it seemed the perfect opportunity for her and older sibling, textile designer Ms Perry-Smith, to combine forces.

She said: “Sian also spent years working for a renowned silversmith, so has huge understanding of jewellery and design.

“We have always talked about doing something together, as we have the right combination of skills and this seemed meant to be.”

To build close relationships with designers, Ms Perry-Smith visits workshops around the country and customers are encouraged to commission one-off designs.

Ms Jameson added: “What is lovely is that there is a sort of camaraderie between artisans, so we find that one designer will recommend another’s work.”

They also see the connection between the designer and the customer as important, so offer information about the provenance and background of each piece.

Ms Jameson, from Bladon, claimed artisan-led businesses like theirs were thriving because a growing number of people were fed up with mass-produced, cheap items.

She added: “Our mother always instilled in us that it is better to buy fewer things that will last.

“People are looking for a one-off purchase and perhaps something that is more of an investment which they can pass down.

* See woldstonejewellery.com