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Madeline Saxton-Beer

Head of Brand at Partridge Jewellers and mum to Freddie and Jemima

As Head of Brand at Partridge Jewellers, what is it like juggling work and family life?  
It’s certainly busy, and all about being at once flexible and organised. As a mother, I think one of the biggest challenges is finding the (head)space to think creatively when you’re also having to think five steps ahead at any given moment. Generally, I think being a parent and working in a busy environment can really complement each other, especially at Partridge where we have lots of projects on the go and any one time. It’s about prioritising what’s important and what can actually wait. Other than that, I love my workplace and the adaptive relationship I have with my work. I feel very lucky.
 
What is a typical day with the kids like?  
Non-stop, and sometimes exasperating! I am constantly reminding myself to enjoy all the little moments of connection because soon they are not going to want a bar of me… Whether at kids parties, school or activities, there is always a lot of stuff exploding from every department of my life; my car, my handbag, my mind! 
 
What brings you joy about Jemima and Freddie?  
Honest and true laughter. Freddie has the best laugh and I would do anything to hear it, and Jemima a very mischievous disposition. Being a parent is so much responsibility, but ironically, it’s so important to hold onto your playful, childish side. These two qualities can feel like they live at two extreme ends of one’s emotional scope. Seeing the girls gravitate towards the things they naturally love, and find true satisfaction in doing something is very rewarding. The fact that they push me to be the best version of myself, not to mention the snuggles and the surprising insights I am privy to at bedtime. 

Do you have any hopes and aspirations for your children's for their future?  
Only to be good and kind people who care for the world they live in. And to find something that makes them feel fulfilled. 
 
What does jewellery mean to you?  
I associate jewellery with moments and stories, memories and meaning. The person who has cherished jewellery the most in my life was my paternal grandmother who bought back a precious jewellery set for each of her 10 granddaughters from her travels around the world. Mine was a delicate gold Fabergé watch with a domed cover and emerald and gold rings and necklace. Every time I wear it, it gets commented on.
 
Are there any special jewellery pieces you would like to pass onto them and why?  
My engagement ring and Rolex Datejust. Here’s hoping I’m lucky enough to collect a few extra pieces before it’s time to hand things down!

 

Madeline wears FOPE Aria 18ct yellow gold adjustable lariat, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Twisted Love Earrings, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Shooting Stars ring, David Yurman rings, FOPE Prima 18ct yellow gold stretch bracelet, FOPE Eka 18ct white gold stretch bracelet, David Yurman Petite X ring and Chopard Onyx Happy Heart bangle. 
 
Jemima wears the Mikimoto 18ct white gold 7.5mm pearl x3 stars diamond set pendant and Freddie wears the Mikimoto 18ct rose gold 7.5mm pearl x3 stars diamond set pendant.

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FOPE Aria Lariat

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Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Twisted Love Earrings

$4,395.00

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Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Shooting Stars Ring

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Chopard Onyx Happy Heart Bangle

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Zeenat Wilkinson

Founder of Sauce Magazine and Mum to Aaliyah and Zayn

What has surprised you most about yourself in becoming a mother to your two kids? 
I hate to trot out another corny trope of motherhood but let me say that children are indeed our greatest teachers. I am surprised by how much I’ve learned from them about enjoyment from little things like colouring, making a playdough object or baking ugly cookies. The joy is truly in the making and creating. 
 
What qualities do you hope to instil in your kids? 
I’d love to see my kids leaning into their own intuition and know that everything they need is within them. All the love, joy and wisdom. 
 
You are the founder of Sauce Magazine and hold many more roles within the industry. What are some of the challenges on being a working mum? 
Expect the unexpected as life is forever unfolding. Sometimes things don’t go as per plan and that’s just how it is with motherhood at times. You learn to lean into the chaos of it and learn to say no to things that don't serve. 
 

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Does jewellery hold a special place in your family and why? 
I am of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage and for both sides of the family jewellery are so much more than just adornment, it’s a symbol of tradition, culture and love. There are so many nuances within family jewels and heirlooms, it is also a form of investment especially gold and precious stones. As for the more contemporary everyday pieces I wear are mostly from my mum and grandma’s everyday collection. I love wearing them as it’s a connection the past and present. 
 
Are there any family heirlooms you are planning on passing down to your children? 
I have bigger pieces that are in lockers in India that I hope to pass down to my kids, but I would also love to pass down more contemporary pieces that I love from brands such as Ole Lynngaard, David Yurman as well as my watch collection. 
 

Zeenat wears the Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Love Collier Medium, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Elephant Pendant Large, David Yurman Zig Zag Stax Chain Drop Earrings in 18ct yellow gold with diamonds, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Leaves Ring Pavé Medium, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Boho Ring Medium in rutile quartz with diamonds. 

Aaliyah wears the Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Life Bracelet in Golden Day. 

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Georgette Pollock-Johnston

Fashion Stylist with her Mum, Meegan Johnston  

What was the dynamic between the two of you when Georgette was growing up?  
Meegan: During Georgette's upbringing, our connection was truly special, especially when it came to her passion for fashion. It's likely that my background in the industry influenced her love for style. From a young age, Georgette would play dress-up, strutting around in my high heels and stacking her little arms with my jewellery and putting on elaborate fashion shows. She had a natural talent for performing, exuding confidence and flair with every step on her makeshift runway. It was a joy to watch her creativity and self-expression evolve, and those memories will always have a special place in my heart. 
 
 What is one thing you are most proud of in each other? 
Georgette : It's tough to pick just one thing that makes me proud of my mum. One thing that I really admire about her is her incredible work ethic and dedication when I was growing up. Despite her busy schedule running her own business, she always made sure to make time for me and show me love and support.

As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate this quality even more. Seeing how she managed to balance everything and still be there for me is something that I find truly inspiring. I hope that one day, when I have children of my own, if I can be half the mother that she has been to me. That would mean I've done a good job. 
 
Meegan: I am incredibly proud of Georgette and all that she has accomplished in her business and within the fashion industry. The woman she has become fills me with immense pride, as her compassion and empathy towards others shine through in everything she does. 
 
Despite being told that I could never have children, having Georgette in my life has undoubtedly been my greatest blessing and achievement. She has brought immeasurable joy and fulfilment, and I am grateful every day for the gift of being her mother.

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Does jewellery hold a special place in your family and why? 
Meegan: Jewellery has always had a special significance in our family. My late mother, Renee, left us with some exquisite pieces that hold not just beauty but also cherished memories. 
 
For Georgette, whenever she has an important event or feels nervous about something, I always give her a piece of my mother's jewellery for good luck. It's like a lucky charm that seems to bring her reassurance and confidence, guiding her in the right direction. The connection to my mother through these pieces adds an extra layer of meaning and support during those pivotal moments in Georgette's life. 
 
Do you have a special connection with Partridge? 
Georgette: My partner Raj really started my connection with Partridge. He insists on buying jewellery only from Partridge - it's become a bit of a running joke! Over the years, I've been gifted some truly exquisite pieces from him on special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, and other meaningful events. The experience with the team at Partridge has always been a joy, and I trust that these pieces will carry sentimental value for years to come. I look forward to passing them down to my children one day, knowing that they will appreciate and cherish them just as much as I do. 

Meegan: My connection to Partridge holds a touching yet beautiful story. Following the passing of a dear friend, I was entrusted with a remarkable and exquisite watch that he had acquired from Partridge Jewellers. This timepiece carries immense sentimental value and is a moving reminder of the love and memories shared with my friend. This watch is more than just an accessory; it's a constant reminder of the love and memories we shared. Whenever I wear it, I'm flooded with thoughts of the good times we had together, keeping his spirit alive. 
 
Meegan, is there a piece of jewellery you have passed on to Georgette? 
Meegan: Yes, I've recently begun passing on some pieces to Georgette. It was crucial to me that she truly understands and appreciates the significance of these items, especially when they hold such sentimental value. One piece in particular is a beautiful necklace I got for her when she was born. It features a gold teddy bear pendant with various diamonds and stones, making it a truly special and cherished piece. 

Georgette wears David Yurman Petite Chatelaine Pavé Hampton Blue Topaz Bezel Ring, Partridge Jewellers Small Letters of Love ‘G’ necklace, David Yurman Sculpted Cable Bangle in yellow gold, David Yurman Stax Chain Link Bracelet in yellow gold with diamonds, Cartier Tank Must, Partridge rose gold Eternity Ring with sapphire and emerald, Partridge 18ct oval sapphire diamond halo drop earrings and FOPE Aria White Gold Adjustable Lariat. 
 
Meegan wears Partridge Letters of Love ‘M’ Large necklace, FOPE Flex’it Bracelet with Pavé, FOPE Flex’it Bracelet with a double rondel and Diamond pavé bracelet, David Yurman Petite Buckle Ring in 18ct yellow gold with diamonds, Roberto Coin Princess Flower large diamond centre ring, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen pearl and diamond ring and Partridge 18ct white gold cushion Malaya Garnet earrings. 

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Sabrina Liew

Assistant Store Manager at Partridge Newmarket with her son, Nathan, and mum, SweeKin

How old is your son and what do you enjoy most about becoming a mother? 
Nathan is turning 3 years old in June. It's been such a special journey and truly a privilege to be a part of Nathan's life. I cherish all the moments of quality time we share, from his first smile, his first words and his first steps. Spending time with Nathan allows me to appreciate the beauty of simple interactions and discover joy in the smallest of moments. Each day with him is a new and exciting adventure. 
 
Describe your role at Partridge Jewellers.
I am assistant store manager for Partridge Jewellers in Westfield Newmarket store. My role is to support the store manager (Christian) in driving sales, delivering excellent customer service, and maintaining efficient store operations to achieve overall business objectives.

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How do you juggle store hours with raising your son Nathan? 
Balancing store hours with caring for my son was tricky when he was a baby. However, I am grateful to Grant [Partridge] and the team for their understanding and willingness to accommodate my schedule and Nathan's needs. Additionally, my parents and husband provided unwavering support. It truly takes a village to raise a child.

Do you have a special piece of jewellery that has special meaning to you? 
My mother had a diamond pendant which she gifted me for my wedding. We have talented jewellers here that were able to take the original design and create something new for me on my special day.

Do you have a special piece of jewellery or timepiece you will pass onto your son? 
My husband thinks it would be special if he could pass down his Rolex Submariner when the time is right. 

Sabrina wears Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Shooting Stars Earring Pendants, Shooting Stars Stud Earrings, Love Bracelet Small, Lotus Ring 2 Serpentine, Shooting Stars Ring with pearl and Lotus Ring Medium. 
 
Sabrina’s mum, SweeKin, wears the Demeglio 18ct rose gold oval ruby extensible bracelet, 18ct rose gold ruby and diamond extensible bracelet and David Yurman 18ct yellow gold Madison Chain Necklace. 

Photographer: Ruby Hamilton, Photographer Assistant: Josh Szeto, Videographer: Kevin Ku