Jeweller to the first lady has world in its sights

Upmarket jeweller Astley Clarke - worn by celebrities including Michelle Obama - is planning a rapid global expansion.

Founded by London based Bec Astley Clarke in 2006, the online jeweller sells everything from charm bracelets to engagement rings online as well as through department stores including Selfridges, Harrods and Liberty.

To help with the expansion of the business, Ms Astley Clarke is looking for a managing director to work alongside her.

In April this year the business received a second round of funding from Carmen Busquets, the founding investor and board director of Net-A-Porter.com. Busquets' total investment in Astley Clarke reached $1.2m and she is now a board member.

The Astley Clarke website relaunched last month and sells Astley Clarke branded jewellery as well as other designer jewellery brands including Solange Azagury-Partridge, Mizuki and Hillier.

The business launched a US and Canadian website earlier this year and now sells across Europe, America and China. It has recently tied up with a select number of bloggers to grow sales further.