Former policewoman Jacqui Bowley has turned her hand to making some arresting jewellery

DURING her eight years with the force, Jacqui Bowley was a dab hand at taking fingerprints.

Now, as part of her new business, she’s taking fingerprints from babies and preserving them as memories for proud parents.

The 34-year-old, from Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, runs Precious Moments in Silver, making bespoke pendants casts from the children’s fingerprints.

Until she had children, Jacqui found making jewellery at home was a great way of winding down from the stresses of my job, but only ever considered it a pastime.

“I suffered from mild postnatal depression after the birth of my first son, George, in 2007, but after the arrival of his little brother, James, four years later, my PND was horrendous,” she says.

Her second baby was born with a heart defect and had major surgery at 13 days old. “As soon as I became a mother, I realised I was putting myself in regular danger.

I couldn’t do it any more, not when I had two little ones at home who needed their mummy.”

Jacqui decided to start her own business, working from home, and alongside Precious Moments in Silver, launched JBow Jewellery in July 2011, producing hand-made bridal jewellery and accessories.

Help from Derwentside’s Enterprising Women project was crucial in supporting her and helping her get the businesses off the ground.

The creative work was therapy for Jackie as she struggled to overcome her PND and the “MumPreneur” meetings and events brought her new friends and a network of like-minded women.

I have always loved making and wearing jewellery,” says Jacqui. “I put a lot of love and pride into each and every piece that I make and I work hard to ensure my customers receive a personal, but professional and affordable service. I can create unique pieces, picking out selected colours and details from an outfit for a special occasion.”

Jacqui currently has stock in Jula Crafts, in Consett, and attend various fairs events throughout the year, which are listed on her events page.