#actsofmaking

After completing my first year on a Jewellery and silver smithery degree I decided to spend my bursary money on setting up my own little jewellery workshop in my spare room. These 3 silver hammered rings were the first fruits of my labour and I adore them. I now wear them all the time.

This was the first ring I made on my part-time course I took after finishing school. It’s simple, cheap and now scratched; but I was so proud when I made it. I was scared of soldering and using the torch but I got over my fear and made something beautiful and I’ve worn it everyday since. Three years later I’m starting my last year in my silversmithing degree.

I think this ring is alive with me. The eye watches over me.

I chose this piece of jewellery as it was my 21st birthday present from my boyfriend. I am actually not a big jewellery fan, I can appreciate it but I’m really not keen on wearing it myself. However my boyfriend wanted to buy me something meaningful that I would keep forever, and thought a piece of jewellery would be a good idea. I decided I wouldn’t mind a plain silver bangle that I could wear on my upper arm, as I really like the look of those. He got it commissioned by a local contemporary jeweller. Although I don’t wear it that often, I really love it and it means a lot to me.

This gold heart locket was my mother’s necklace that she gave to me. She has had it for many years (I have never seen her take it off), and it holds locks of my hair and my brother’s hair from when we were babies inside the locket.

This piece is beyond special to me, it is the very first piece of jewellery that I made and despite it undergoing some wear and tear over the last four years; (it originally had three stars), I am still as proud of it as when I made it. This ring is also what led me to pursue a career in jewellery; which is why I am currently studying Jewellery and Silversmithing at the Plymouth College of Art and cannot wait to make pieces that will hopefully carry as much meaning for others as my ring does for me.

I combined this necklace because both pendants are of equal importance to me, my Nan who recently passed away bought me the guardian angel necklace when I was little.  My parents bought me “Big Sister” when my brother was born, and to this day it’s the best role I’ve had in someone’s life. 

Growing up I remember my grandad wearing nothing but gold jewellery, not a single piece of silver on him anywhere. I was surprised to find out that he used to wear this necklace constantly during my mother’s childhood. Every time I look at this necklace I question what the story behind it is and smile to think that my grandad had once worn it. I am honoured to own it.