Me & Polly's love story

Posted by Jo Beckett on

Polly and I met on the very first day that we embarked on our Masters in Jewellery making at the Royal College in London. We were inseparable from then on.

Polly Wales and Jo hayes Ward - Jewellery Besties!

Polly and Jo with their lovely RCA friend Lina Peterson, Notting Hill Carnival 2025
We goofed about in our 20s, Polly was maid of honour at my wedding, and we had babies that grew up together, all while we established our jewellery brands. Even after Polly moved to LA we remain firm friends, and see each other whenever the stars align. 
Polly Wales and Jo hayes Ward - Jewellery Besties!Polly and Jo enjoying life in Polly's lushious garden, 2026
Our styles are visually distinct but equally striking and design-led - our passion for jewellery has never wavered. 
It was only fitting that we hosted a jewellery show together at Polly’s studio, while I was visiting her on a big family holiday to LA last month. 

Jo Hayes Ward Pop-up event at Polly Wales HQ
There were frozen margaritas, a sound system and lots of LA folk to meet. It was VERY special to see my jewels out in the Californian sunshine particularly alongside Polly’s treasure.

Although our jewellery styles are so different, they sit alongside each other very happily. I think they’d be friends. 
Jo Hayes Ward and Polly Wales stacking rings
See how they stack! Jo and Polly's rings looking heavenly together...
But why not go one step further, collaborate and create a piece of jewellery together?

Polly Wales and Jo Hayes Ward Colab Padlock Chain 2026
Whilst in LA we created two exclusive JHW x PW chains that work with Polly’s iconic padlock pendants. We realised that my new Mini Structural Sphere Aluminium beads had a really interesting similarity to the pearl strings that Polly often pairs with her padlocks. With Polly’s team we worked out how to merge her bespoke gold fittings with my light reflecting beads and these two wonderful collaborative chains were born! 

Polly Wales and Jo Hayes Ward Colab Padlock Chain 2026
These are limited editions, and will work with any of Polly’s signature padlocks. I am particularly taken with the Snagle-toothed skull featured here! 

I love this full circle moment; celebrating a milestone with Polly, being with Polly, and seeing our work together. 
You can see full details of these special pieces on Polly’s website here and here.
Watch this space for future collaborations!

In preparation for my event at Polly Wales HQ, Polly’s team concocted a sweet questionnaire for us both which I thought I’d share here:

Jewellery Designer Polly Wales

Q: What is something Polly has always had an instinct for?
A: Finding treasure!

Q: How has jewellery shaped your friendship over the years?
A: When I met Polly I wasn’t really a jeweller yet. At college, she was an amazing companion—we both grew and developed, helped and supported each other so much—and we popped out the other side, launching our own individual jewellery businesses. Our friendship has not just been about jewellery, but we’ve always shared our ideas, advice, and business experiences in a really nurturing way.

Q: If your friendship had a shared object or symbol, what would it be?
A: Maybe some really jolly but wonky bunting: There’s always a bit of homemade carnival in the air when we get together!

Q: What do you think the other person has taught you (maybe without ever explicitly trying to)?
A: How to wee in a jug on a boat. 

Jo Hayes Ward in her studio

Q: What is something Jo has always had an instinct for?
A: Jo is very pragmatic and grounded, she's accepting and tolerant—these are some of the most treasured characteristics in my friends, and I think are a requirement in putting up with my flights of fancy.

Q: How has jewellery shaped your friendship over the years?
A: It has, in many ways, been a foundation. We grew together on the path and we have never had anything other than support and joy for each others successes along the road, we can drop in to jewellery talk, but I think if we never spoke of jewellery again it wouldn't change our friendship one bit—because we just love each other, each other's families, and everything else about each other that makes for a full life.

Q: If your friendship had a shared object or symbol, what would it be?
A: An apple.

Q: What do you think the other person has taught you (maybe without ever explicitly trying to)?
A: I love Jo's calm and how down-to-earth she is. She's rock solid and unshakeable, and I could do with more of that. She's also got her shit together and nothing ever ruffles her feathers. Plus, she is my role model as a parent and for how to live a good life in a city; she balances the wholesome with the fun and is always true to her roots.

Take a look at Polly’s jewels here. Isn’t she amazing? 

← Older Post Newer Post →