A teacher-turned-jeweller is "thrilled to bring her dreams to life" with the opening of her new shop on a Norfolk high street. 

Claire Howard, who owns Claire Howard Jewellery, has been running her business since 2015 from pop-up shops in Holt and Burnham Deepdale with the help of a friend.

This will be the first time she's opening a brick and mortar shop on her own. 

"This shop is my dream come true, and I’m excited to see it become a part of my home town and the Fakenham high-street community," Mrs Howard said.

Claire Howard has been running her business since 2015.Claire Howard has been running her business since 2015. (Image: Claire Howard)
The premises on Upper Market Place in Fakenham is also big enough for her to move her work space out of her home, where she is currently based.

"I can only talk to the dog and the postman at the moment, so it'll be nicer to be in a shop where I can chat to customers and hear their feedback."

Claire Howard Jewellery will be opening on August 17 in Fakenham.Claire Howard Jewellery will be opening on August 17 in Fakenham. (Image: Claire Howard)
Mrs Howard, who has lived in the market town for almost 20 years, made jewellery as a hobby while she taught between 1994 and 2006. 

She said: "I was giving my pieces to family members as gifts, but I soon ran out of people to give them too."

Inspiration for her jewellery's style is drawn from north Norfolk's landscape

She creates shells, bees and flowers made from sterling silver and also uses gemstone and gold droplets.

Her jewellery is inspired by north Norfolk's landscape.Her jewellery is inspired by north Norfolk's landscape. (Image: Claire Howard)
The premises Mrs Howard will be moving into was also previously occupied by the jeweller, J Metcalfe, but has remained empty since Ross Chapman, who owned the store, moved out a year ago. 

Claire Howard Jewellery will be launching on August 17 with an opening ceremony to commemorate the occasion. 

She said: "I'm thrilled to bring my shop to life here and contribute to the town's thriving independent retail scene."

The event will run from 10am to 2pm and the first 20 customers will receive a free goodie bag.

There will also be ribbon cutting ceremony with a local author, Heidi Swain, food and beverages, and exclusive discounts on jewellery.