Forging Her Own Path in the Jewellery Industry

From challenging male dominance to redefining success, the founder of Rachel Beth Jewellery in Sydney reveals her inspiring journey of building an ethical brand while embracing motherhood.

The journey of a woman in business is rarely a straight path. It is a winding road of resilience, reinvention, and moments of self-doubt met with unwavering determination.

For me, that journey has been shaped by two powerful forces—entrepreneurship and motherhood.

As the founder and creative director of Rachel Beth Jewellery based in Sydney, I have spent the last five years building a business dedicated to ethically sourced Australian Sapphires and sustainable jewellery design. Alongside that, I’ve navigated the joys and challenges of raising a family, learning that balance is not a destination but a constant negotiation.

From breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry to redefining success on my own terms, my journey has been a testament to both grit and grace.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

The jewellery industry is steeped in tradition, and like many crafts, it has long been dominated by men—particularly in manufacturing, gemstone sourcing, and bench work.

While women have played a crucial role as designers and sales professionals, the technical and leadership aspects of the trade have been harder to break into. credibility.

Early in my career, I noticed the subtle biases that came with being a female jeweller. Whether it was suppliers who assumed I lacked technical knowledge or clients who expected a male expert to weigh in, I often had to work twice as hard to prove my credibility.

Rather than allowing these experiences to deter me, they fuelled my ambition. I immersed myself in every aspect of the craft, from gemstone selection to intricate design work, ensuring that I had the expertise to stand confidently in any room.

I sought out mentors, learned from skilled artisans, and built a business that reflected my values—craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity.

Now, as an independent jeweller running my own brand, I see the tides shifting.

More women are entering the industry, carving out spaces for themselves as designers, gemologists, and business owners. I am proud to be part of that change and to show other women that there is room for them at the table.

But it’s not just about gender—it’s about challenging outdated ways of doing business.

Traditional jewellery sales have often been about upselling and high-pressure tactics, but I wanted to create a more personal and transparent approach.

By focusing on education, ethical sourcing, and custom designs, I have built a business that aligns with the values of modern couples who want their jewellery to have meaning beyond its aesthetic.

Sustainability in Jewellery: A Personal and Business Commitment

Sustainability is a word that is often thrown around in marketing, but for me, it is a deeply personal commitment. The fine jewellery industry has long been associated with environmental and ethical concerns—everything from the sourcing of gemstones to the mining of precious metals has significant consequences.

When I started Rachel Beth Jewellery, I made a conscious decision to prioritise ethical sourcing. Instead of defaulting to the global diamond supply chain, I chose to work primarily with Australian sapphires—stunning, unique gemstones that are mined under strict environmental and labour regulations.

Australian Sapphires are not just beautiful; they tell a story. Each stone has a one-of-a-kind character, with natural colours ranging from deep blues to vibrant greens and striking yellows. Choosing these gems allows me to offer my clients a sustainable and traceable option while also supporting local miners.

Beyond materials, I have also integrated sustainable practices into my business model. From using recycled gold to minimising waste in production, every decision is made with the long-term impact in mind. Educating my clients about these choices has been incredibly rewarding—many people don’t realise that their jewellery can be both luxurious and ethical.

Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Finding Balance in the Chaos

Becoming a mother changed everything. It reshaped my identity, my priorities, and my approach to business.

Before motherhood, I could pour endless hours into my work, refining designs late into the night and meeting clients at a moment’s notice. Once I became a parent, I quickly realised that time was my most precious resource—and that I needed to learn how to use it wisely.

The early days were challenging. Running a business while caring for a newborn felt like an impossible balancing act.

There were moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and the ever-present feeling that I was falling short—either as a mother or as a business owner.

Over time, I learned to adapt. I embraced flexible work hours, prioritised the most meaningful aspects of my business, and allowed myself grace when things didn’t go perfectly. I also realised that I didn’t have to do everything alone—delegating tasks and building a supportive network became essential.

one of the lessons I’ve learned is that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about fluidity. Some weeks, my focus leans more toward my business; other weeks, my family needs more of me. Instead of feeling guilty, I have learned to embrace this ebb and flow.

The Importance of Self-Care and ‘Me Time’

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that I cannot pour from an empty cup. As women, we are often conditioned to put everyone else’s needs before our own—whether it’s our children, our partners, or our businesses. But neglecting our own wellbeing comes at a cost.

In the past year, I have made a conscious effort to carve out more ‘me time.’ Reformer Pilates has become my sanctuary—an hour where I can disconnect from the demands of work and family and focus purely on myself.

Movement, mindfulness, and small acts of self-care have made a profound difference in my mental and physical wellbeing.

I have also started setting clearer boundaries. Learning to say no, stepping away from my desk at a reasonable hour, and allowing myself time to rest without guilt has been transformative.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and reformer Pilates . It’s about protecting your energy—whether that means limiting social media, saying no to opportunities that drain you, or simply allowing yourself moments of stillness in a world that constantly demands more.

It’s a constant negotiation, not a perfect balance.

Defining Success on My Own Terms

For me, success is being able to design beautiful, meaningful jewellery while staying true to my values. It’s about having the freedom to be present for my family, to make time for myself, and to continue growing—both personally and professionally.

To any woman navigating her own journey of career, motherhood, or self-discovery, I want to say this: You are capable. You are resilient. And you don’t have to do it alone.

There is strength in community, in shared experiences, and in lifting each other up. Together, we can redefine what it means to be successful, fulfilled, and truly centred.