Design Styles

Droplets

Early in 2007 I was asked to design a brooch to complement a pair of earrings. This series of pieces emerged from this single commission as I explored a series of shapes to show off silver droplets.

Spirals

I have worked on various textured surfaces of silver for many years seeking to juxtapose a fine silver surface with a patterned background – or mounting a textured piece on a polished surface. Spirals and other ‘regular’ shapes appear to give a satisfying finish. This design also works well when some articulation can be achieved…

Slate and Silver

In addition to exploring different surfaces, I have looked at ways of using different materials that complement silver. Naturally occurring material, (slate), can be too heavy to wear as earrings. I have had to devise ways of fixing the slate and silver – without glue – and make pieces that can be easily worn.

Cut Outs

These cut out shapes are generally less than 1 cm high or wide. I have enjoyed the challenge of the fine saw cutting that it needed to achieve a likeness of a specific item.

Organic Shapes

This organic series is developing from silver shapes when molten silver is poured directly into water. The shapes of the product are not predictable, though the overall size of the silver pieces as they cool appears to relate to the depth and temperature of the water into which the silver is poured and the amount of ‘new’ scrap in the melt. These trial pieces, to get shapes initially, are inclined to discolour more quickly that silver does usually as metallic impurities rise to the surface of silver when it is melted.

Chains and Links

I have never like repeating work to make more than a couple of pieces the same, so repeating links in a chain can be quite ‘challenging’ – not technically, of course. I have therefore tried to find a finished product that is different from ones you may expect to find manufactured.

Kinetic Jewellery

I have sought a number of ways to develop an idea of jewellery that has movement with solidity. A ring or a bangle has a sense of solid-ness and the extra pieces help to give the piece some movement as well. Some of these piece work better than others. It is a range that can be explored further.

Small Studs

Discreet ear ornaments are popular with the younger generation, particularly, who like to wear jewellery that complements a smart and often formally tailored dress code. These studs are small but unique.