Busy Bee

Firstly apologies for the lack of blog posts the past few months. I wanted to get back into blogging regularly in February. However I ended up moving back to Hebden and switching jobs and then life took over as it so often does. Since May I have been working in a lovely antiques and jewellery shop,…

Research: Deborah Cadby

I love the stones used, and the fact they are antique I think gives them more character. The colours of the stone contrast with the colours of the metal. I think the simplistic design of the ring lets the focus be on the stone. This is the kind of jewellery I hope to make in…

Research: Jeanne Marell

Jeanne Marell comes from a product design background. She produces work in gold and silver often combining these with non-precious materials. She creates minimalist and timeless designs with a high attention to detail and a high level of craftsmanship.

Research: Little Pig Jewellery Design

A cleanly design set of rings, I could see them working as an usual engagement and wedding ring set. The stone setting is to a high standard and the prices are very reasonable as I think the business is just starting out.

Research: Jo Walker

This quirky silver and copper beach is really unusual, I love the design and I would love if the door had hinges and you could open it slightly. The jump ring which attaches the piece to the necklace seems a bit too chunky and stands out a little which detracts from the overall look. This…

Research: Emily Knight

Emily Knight’s work has a great use of enamels, something I experimented with in second year. She manages to fade the enamels into each other perfectly, this is evident of high craftsmanship. She also seems to use more pastel colours within her work which is something I have not seen before in enamels. I think…

Research: Hanna Tommola

I saw Hanna’s work at the Kath Libbert Gallery in Salts Mill. I was really drawn to her work. She uses 18ct gold, silver, quartz, diamonds and pearls. Her jewellery really has a lot of movement in it, the lines seem so fluid. She was taught by her grandfather how to work ‘Tuohi’, which is…

Research: Clara Breen at Kath Libbert Gallery ‘Alternative Wedding Fair’

It was their 14th year of doing the Alternative Wedding Fair. Some of the makers that caught my eye were Hanna Tommola, Jeanne Marell, Deborah Cadby, Emily Knight (Enamel Work), and Clara Breen who gave a short talk. At university she started by making viewing devices of paper embedded in resin (2003). ‘Like looking through…

Research: Gwyneth Williamson

Focusing mainly with silver, with the uses of textures Gwyneth shows simple designs does well, also combining with cut out sections an unusual combination.

Research: Susanna Hanl

I love Susanna’s unique style, the use of reticulation on the silver band makes each piece really distinct, I have use reticulation before myself with copper but not yet with silver so I shall add it to the list of techniques to try after the deadline. I think the icy blue stone contrasts well with…

Research: Victoria Walker

The usual combination of silver and gold really works in this piece as it helps to bring out the lily flower, this is something I’ve never tried, I’ve only used copper and silver so far. I hope one day to try gold!

Research: Melodies

This jeweller is a really good example of innovative design, using musical equipment like wires, reeds, and records, Gemma fashions them into rings and necklaces. I need to get better at working quicker to produce a mass of pieces enabling me to sell at a higher profit margin, I am hoping to achieve this is…