'Silver Bubble Ring with Aquamarine', $129
'Silver Whirl Ear Studs', $57
'Garnet and Silver Heart Necklace', $193
'Faceted Black Spinnel Drop Earrings', $64
'Tourmaline Necklace - Hot Pink', $217
'Resin Necklace - Glitter', $115
I love jewellery and am always on the lookout for something unique. Today's featured seller, Artigiana jewellery creates gorgeous pieces by hand, which are available on etsy. I spoke to designer maker Shirley, based in London, about the inspiration behind her work....
What made you want to start a jewellery business?
I initially started making jewellery as an antidote to working as a Recruitment Consultant, as it was a great way to unwind after what could sometimes be a stressful day in the office. I really enjoyed coming up with the idea for a ring or necklace (or whatever) and then making something that was original and came from my imagination. The other real pleasure was being able to do something with my hands and having that sense of completion when the piece was finally finished. When colleagues began to ask if they could buy pieces from me I thought that perhaps it could be time to start taking jewellery making more seriously.
What are you inspired by?
I am inspired by so many different things! Sometimes I just wake up in the morning with an idea for a piece of jewellery - I love those days! If I were not able to start making the item immediately I would do a rough sketch and develop the idea another time. Usually I can see quite clearly in my head what I want to make and don't tend to draw the designs - particularly as my drawing skills aren't very good!
I get a lot of inspiration from nature whether sitting in my garden, looking at the shapes of different leaves or flowers or walking in the beautiful local parks.
Everyday household items can also trigger off a creative thought: sometimes the elegant shape of a cup or its handle can be transformed into a pair of earrings.
Art galleries or watching people on TV can also be a great source of inspiration. Sometimes whilst looking at a portrait I feel that the picture would be more complete if there were some earrings to go with the necklace that the artist has painted on the individual. Or watching a presenter, I feel that her outfit would look amazing if it were finished off with a bold necklace. I think it is really helpful to have an idea of who you are designing a piece for and for what occasion it could be worn.
Which is your favourite piece from your store and why?
I initially started making jewellery as an antidote to working as a Recruitment Consultant, as it was a great way to unwind after what could sometimes be a stressful day in the office. I really enjoyed coming up with the idea for a ring or necklace (or whatever) and then making something that was original and came from my imagination. The other real pleasure was being able to do something with my hands and having that sense of completion when the piece was finally finished. When colleagues began to ask if they could buy pieces from me I thought that perhaps it could be time to start taking jewellery making more seriously.
What are you inspired by?
I am inspired by so many different things! Sometimes I just wake up in the morning with an idea for a piece of jewellery - I love those days! If I were not able to start making the item immediately I would do a rough sketch and develop the idea another time. Usually I can see quite clearly in my head what I want to make and don't tend to draw the designs - particularly as my drawing skills aren't very good!
I get a lot of inspiration from nature whether sitting in my garden, looking at the shapes of different leaves or flowers or walking in the beautiful local parks.
Everyday household items can also trigger off a creative thought: sometimes the elegant shape of a cup or its handle can be transformed into a pair of earrings.
Art galleries or watching people on TV can also be a great source of inspiration. Sometimes whilst looking at a portrait I feel that the picture would be more complete if there were some earrings to go with the necklace that the artist has painted on the individual. Or watching a presenter, I feel that her outfit would look amazing if it were finished off with a bold necklace. I think it is really helpful to have an idea of who you are designing a piece for and for what occasion it could be worn.
Which is your favourite piece from your store and why?
'Silver Cluster Necklace', $211
It's really hard to pinpoint only one thing as there a lots of things that I really have enjoyed making and love. But if I had to, I would say it's probably this Silver Cluster Necklace. I have one and whenever I wear it I always get lots of complements, so it's great for starting conversations with people - recently when I was paying money in, the bank clerk commented on it! It's a simple, unusual design that looks great with everything and it's comfortable to wear.
I'm sure everyone will agree that these are stunning pieces! To visit Artigiana Jewellery simply click on any of the photos. I would like to thank Shirley who very kindly agreed to be featured and answered my questions very thoughtfully :)
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