About My Designs and Materials
If you would like something unique that no-one else will be wearing, if you wish to avoid mass produced pieces or cannot find what you really like elsewhere, you may find something here that speaks to you and your character. I also have a range of more ‘everyday’ jewellery which can be worn on its own or to complement the statement pieces. All are made with the same care and attention to detail and finishing. A one of a kind piece will start as a design in my sketchbook, then the relevant sheet metal and wire will be selected and the design comes to life!
I add texture to pieces using various techniques - hammering, roll printing, filing and fusing. Colour and contrast may come from the addition of stones, small touches of gold, or adding a patina or oxidation.
Materials
My use of semi-precious stones - such as jasper, agate, even Scottish granite - probably has its roots in studying Geology many years ago, and in my love for the wilder outdoor spaces, beaches, moorland, mountains - or just the untidy end of my garden! Pebble collecting all grown up……..but I still enjoy pebbles too!
Many of my large stones come from a few respected lapidarists in the US where these types of stones are sourced and used more widely in art jewellery. I am developing contacts with suppliers in the UK also and am always on the lookout for more ‘locally grown’ stones!
I work with recycled silver and gold whenever possible and recycle all my own scrap silver. Most of my findings (jewellery ‘hardware’ such as ear wires and clasps) are also handmade. Due to the high cost of silver, students coming for tuition may sometimes choose to use copper for larger projects such as bangles and cuffs. I work mainly in silver, apart from the occasional gold wedding ring, but like to add touches of gold using small added details or keum boo - the ancient Korean art of adding a very thin layer of gold to the surface of a silver piece.
If you would like to know more about my inspiration, design and making processes, head to my Journal or the Gallery
Hallmarking
In line with UK law, all my pieces containing more than 7.78g of silver or 1g of gold are hallmarked using my makers mark at the London Assay Office please see here for further details