Toby Vernon first started experimenting with jewellery making during the first lockdown whilst in his home town Lewes in East Sussex. Learning about the ancient lost wax technique he quickly became obsessed with the raw and organic forms that could be carved from wax and turned into precious metal. Celebrating imperfections left by his own hands , he decided to leave pieces unpolished and raw. Showing evidence of the human hand overall the jewellers surface. Before this, Toby studied Fashion Design at Westminster University, developing a unique set of design references that now inform his work at The Ouze. His unconventional background in fashion design has allowed him to experiment with alternative jewellery-making processes and to develop The Ouze's distinctive signature style. During his final year of university, whilst making clothes the jewellery continued and became embedded in his work. Brooches, buttons and buckles in silver complimented each garment. After graduating, Toby decided to move to Brighton so he could focus on The Ouze and hasn't looked back since.

The aesthetic of The Ouze is rooted in Toby's interest in antique and heirloom jewellery that has been passed down through generations and weathered by time.  Aiming to capture the same enduring beauty in everything The Ouze creates, Toby always refers to history and tradition when designing.