March 26, 2025
Catching Up With: Laura Von Behr
I first met Laura back in 2019 when I visited her studio in search of a bridesmaid dress. I’d been following her on Instagram for a while, completely in awe of her style and her talent for sourcing the most incredible one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
Fast forward six years, one perfect bridesmaid dress (that I’ve reworn countless times), three daughters between us, and a solid friendship later, Laura remains one of the most effortlessly stylish mums I know. So, with Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to chat with her about life, motherhood, and, of course, jewellery.
Laura lives in Hackney with her husband and two daughters: Lena, who just turned 4, and Mia, who is 4 months. While her by-appointment studio may no longer be running, she’s still a vintage dealer, and if you love unique finds, I highly recommend giving her a follow on Instagram.
GOLD, SILVER OR MIXED METALS?
I love to mix gold and silver! It feels practical and means I can throw things together without thinking too hard. Lots of my jewellery has been handed down- I like mixing old gold with more modern silver. My husband designed my engagement ring, it’s a very pale yellow diamond, set in gold with a silver band. I love it stacked with my Victorian eternity ring.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL JEWELLERY STYLE IN THREE WORDS?
I found this so hard to answer! Maybe because ultimately it does change, depending on how I’m feeling. Sentimental, classic, understated.
WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO PIECE OF JEWELLERY THAT YOU WOULD FEEL NAKED WITHOUT?
My Catch Rhys Medium Classic gold hoops, I wear them most days they are so light and versatile. At the moment I also like to wear a little vintage gold L letter charm from Aurum, I met the founder Karly at a preloved event at Pavement London. I like to wear it with a preloved silver heart locket from Sacrosant store.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELLERY THAT YOU EVER OWNED?
A wooden horse brooch. My daughter Lena wears it on her denim jacket now, she is a magpie for jewellery and trinkets. My mum also gave me her silver charm bracelet she had as a girl, my favourite charm is a little jade pig.
WHAT'S THE MOST SENTIMENTAL PIECE OF JEWELLERY YOU OWN, AND WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND IT?
My late Grandfather travelled to Australia in the 60s and brought my Granny back an opal pendant. It is so beautiful, I found a long vintage gold chain to wear it on in an antique shop in Suffolk. I also have my great granny Mormor’s pendant, it is an aquamarine heart- she was the same birth stone as Lena. I remember visiting her in Sweden as a girl and it is really special to have something physical to remember her by, that I can pass down too one day.
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE JEWELLERY INTO YOUR EVERYDAY WARDROBE VS. SPECIAL OCCASIONS?
Every day my jewellery is smaller, comfy to wear and easy to put on. For going out I really like to wear your Large silver chunky hoops, they put me in the mood somehow and boost a simple outfit. I am usually in jeans so jewellery is an easy way to dress them up. For a wedding or something I like to wear more jewels and layered necklaces. I have a cocktail ring I love from mum in law. She found citrine stone in India years ago when she lived there and we designed a cocktail ring and had it set for my 30th birthday. It is massive and feels amazing to wear!
HOW HAS YOUR JEWELLERY CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER? HAS IT CHANGED?
Day-to-day it has changed, especially with a baby now. I don’t like wearing lots of rings with Mia as they catch, so I just wear my wedding ring which is traditional plain gold and very tactile and grab some hoops and a simple chain and pendant. Putting on a bit of jewellery and maybe a smudge of blusher or lipstick even with trackies makes me feel more myself when I’m in a mess!
DO YOU SLEEP IN YOUR JEWELLERY OR TAKE IT ALL OFF BEFORE BED?
Take it all off apart from my wedding band and Catch Rhys gold seamless hoop which I wear in a second piercing.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST PAIN POINT/ BUG BEAR WHEN SHOPPING FOR JEWELLERY?
I am obsessed with antique shops and markets but can find buying jewellery a bit overwhelming. I love Gareth Brooks at Alfie’s Antiques for special pieces.I bought my eternity ring there and also choose a gold charm each year to give my goddaughter on her birthday. I trust him and he offers great advice.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH SUSTAINABILITY WHEN CHOOSING FASHION/ JEWELLERY PIECES?
I buy vintage and Catch Rhys! I have actually learnt so much from you about sustainability within the jewellery industry. I try really hard to not be swayed by trends and think about the longevity of what I buy. With clothes and jewellery that means looking for good quality materials that wear well. I like solid silver and gold and natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk. That means buying less but buying better. If I am buying new, I want to know that the brand has good values and knows their supply chain. Amy Powney’s documentary Fashion Reimagined is a really good watch, about sustainability and the impact of the fashion industry.
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU FIND DIFFICULT/ COULD DO BETTER WHEN IT COMES TO SUSTAINABILITY?
Probably clothes and toys for the kids. I try to buy everything second hand as much as possible, especially for fancy dress and things like princess dresses and tutus but they grow so fast! Vinted has been great for old school My Little Ponies and Sylvanian Families recently.
IF YOU COULD DESIGN YOUR DREAM PIECE OF JEWELLERY WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
Something incorporating my girls’ birthstones, maybe engraved with a tiny drawing by Lena.
WHAT'S ONE INDEPENDENT FASHION/ ACCESSORIES BRAND NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT BUT SHOULD?
Peep Eyewear! They remodel vintage sunglasses and frames and have been on my wish list for ages.
WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN?
Never stop being curious.
IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE ONE WORD OF THE YEAR FOR 2025 WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Change. I am trying hard to embrace change after having Mia, and to see where it takes me. It’s not easy though!
YOUR GO-TO CATCH RHYS PIECE?
At the moment I love wearing your twisted chunky silver hoops. The colour is really bright and makes me look more awake!
