Category: Interviews

1. Graduate Interviews - Elise Goldin

   Posted on 4:07pm Monday 13th May 2013

   There is still time to vote in our graduates in the spotlight competition!  Head to our facebook poll or send us an email: [email protected] and tell us who you'd like to win.

   Designer Interview Elise Goldin

   What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

   From a young age I enjoyed doing anything creative. I grew up watching Art Attack, Smart Art and Blue Peter, always trying to recreate what they made on the shows!

   Although I studied Art & Design at university, I wasn’t sure which speciality I was going to choose upon graduation.

   I was encouraged to show a concept jewellery collection at New Designers 2012, which gained a fair amount of attention. I realised that I had side-lined what came naturally to me, and what I got pure enjoyment out of, which was designing and making jewellery.

   What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (Either made or purchased)

   Whenever I make a new piece for the Facet collection, I always say, “Ooh, this is my favourite”! But overall, I would have to say it would be a pair of engraved feather earrings I made for my mum’s birthday. They were the first things I made when I moved into Flux studios, so they have sentimental value. I get real enjoyment out of seeing my friends and family wearing my jewellery. 

   Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

   Currently it’s Solange Knowles. She’s got a very unique and brave sense of style, that is cutting-edge and she never shies away from colour! 

   I can envisage my ‘Facet’ collection enhancing almost any of her outfit choices.

   Out-with jewellery is there any other career that you would love to try?

   If I hadn’t chosen jewellery as a path, I would have probably have gone down the route of Set-Design. I love the idea of creating a world from your imagination and turning it into a reality.

   What can we expect to see from you in the future?

   I will be releasing some Facet sub-collections; limited edition, couture, and adding new earthy colours for an autumn/winter collection.

   

    

2. Graduate Interviews - Sally-Anne Fenton

   Posted on 1:17pm Monday 13th May 2013

   Designer Interview Sally-Anne Fenton

   What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

   As a child I was constantly drawing or making something and I always knew I wanted to do something creative. I went on to do the general art course at Duncan of Jordanstone and I found that I was more passionate about design. I realised that I wanted to create wearable 3D objects that people could enjoy, which then lead me into a career in jewellery design.

   What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (either made or purchased)

   My favourite piece has to be the 3 dome stone set ring I made for my degree show. I made my collection in memory of my grandmother using fabrics from her clothes. That ring in particular holds such personal meaning and sentimental value.

   I want to do this for my customers too and give them something totally unique and special in which to remember their loved one. I want to encourage them to come into the studio and actively take part in making their pieces, I think that process makes the end result even more special.

   Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

   I'd love to see Zooey Deschanel wearing my jewellery. I love her vintage inspired, quirky yet classy style and she is so beautiful.

   Out-with jewellery is there any other career that you would love to try?

   I'd love to do a gemmology course as I've always been fascinated by stones. If I hadn't gone into jewellery I think I would have gone down the fashion textiles route. I'd definitely want to be making something or doing something creative.

   What can we expect to see from you in the future?

   I'm currently working on my new collection Black Lace which will be on display at this years IJL and I'm working on a men's version too. I've always wanted to do a one off cocktail ring collection, I've accumulated so many lovely gemstones over the years it seems such a shame to leave them sitting in a box!

   I've also got a few other ideas that I'm working on at the moment but I'm not giving anything away just yet - you'll need to wait and see!

    

   Voting closes on Wednesday 15th May, cast your vote now in our facebook poll, or send us an email: [email protected] with the name of your winnner.

3. Graduate Interviews - Jessica Nam

   Posted on 11:06am Monday 13th May 2013

   We want to help you get to know our graduate designers a bit better so each finalist has given us an exclusive interview.  Voting closes on Wednesday 15th May.  You can either cast your vote on our facebook poll or send us an email, [email protected], with your chosen winner!  Get voting!

   Designer Interview Jessica Nam

   What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

   I’ve grown up always preferring to make things I could use or wear and I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing a concept through from the very beginning to the hand finished piece. I’ve never felt fulfilled working in an office environment or in a routine and have always enjoyed being practically creative. I love the variety product design can bring as a jewellery designer, I can work with the opulence and colour of precious gem stones and then wear something precious that is beautifully made from quality materials. The feeling I get from seeing someone wear a piece I’ve designed and hand made myself is fabulous!!

   What is your favourite piece of jewellery? (Either made or purchased)

   I’m tied between my diamond and tourmaline Crevice rings and my engagement ring! I think it would have to be my engagement and wedding rings as they mean so much to me. I had them commissioned by an amazing designer before I finished my training. They are bespoke and I loved the whole experience of designing them with my partner and one of my favourite designers Diana Porter! Every time I look at them on my hand I have some fabulous memories which I can treasure forever and I love that about certain pieces of jewellery.

   Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

   I don’t really follow too many celebrities, I’ve always designed and made jewellery for myself to suit what I like to wear and do every day. I like things that are easy to wear but different enough to leave subtle statements and stand out. I always admire women who aren’t afraid to be original and confident in their style without forgetting to be elegant and feminine at the same time.

   Out-with jewellery is there any other career that you would love to try?

   Working as a jewellery designer is the career I wanted to try as I used to work as a Graphic Designer. Having a previous design related degree as well as now having the technical skills in silversmithing means I can combine a lot of the creative aspects that are required when running your own business as well as the technical skill needed behind the bench. I need to do so many different tasks day to day meaning I never get bored of a routine and can use many previous skills I’ve acquired along my career path!

   What can we expect to see from you in the future?

   I’m really pleased to have been successful in gaining a place as an Artist in Residence at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham. It’s the largest School of its kind in Europe so I’ll be able to take advantage of the amazing facilities and equipment it has to offer to expand my collection and develop new concepts and exciting products. I start in September so can’t wait!