Sam Ubhi

Ubhi's career began after graduating in Constructuve Textiles from Middlesex University. Her tapestries and wall hangings exhibited in galleries in London and New York, which prompted her to make many visits to the Big Apple. In a twist of fate, a chance meeting with an accessories buyer from New York department store Barneys - who admired Ubhi's earrings - led to her first big break.

Ubhi returned to London armed with her first order and took her collection to Harrods in the run up to Christmas. Such was her success that Ubhi opened her Tooting studio - and has worked from that space the past for 18 years. More recently, she opened her first stand-alone shop, next door to the studio.

Ubhi began working with brass and glass beads, creating pieces for catwalk shows, using sterling silver with semi precious and precious stones. Signature materials also include bone, horn and shell. Her chain-mail vintage bags have also proved hugely popular.

Sam Ubhi was shortlisted for brand of the year by in the 2009 UK jewellery awards.