Category: Competitions

1. Graduates In The Spotlight - Finalist Interview with Ruth Conway

   Posted on 2:00pm Tuesday 5th May 2015

   What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

   I’ve always been interested in design and developing products that can be used in everyday life. It was whilst I was in college that I discovered jewellery as a way of expressing this. After it was introduced to me as a way of translating my ideas I knew that jewellery was something I wanted to focus my attention on and develop further.

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

   The favourite piece I have made is my triangle necklace from my ‘Threads’ collection. For me, this was a key piece in pushing me to new levels of understanding the use of my components and how they interact with each other to create new shapes and forms. It was a challenging piece to develop and make, however I think it was an integral piece in helping me understand my process and final collection. The extravagance of the piece also makes it stand out and when presenting my collection it tends to be the most popular with my audience. It is not just the piece on its own but also the photography of the piece that I love with my model Fran; the imagery captures perfectly the essence of my collection and the relaxed and up lifting feeling I wanted to evoke through my work.

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

   I have always thought that my work attracts a strong women, bold in her choice of accessories. If I was to chose a celebrity, I would like to see my pieces exhibited on a positive influential women within the fashion industry such as Alek Wek.

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

   I’m very happy currently working with jewellery - however, I am always interested in exploring new disciplines with in the design industry. Textile design is something that I have always been interested in and is something that I explore within my own work. This interest is something that I think would have continued to come through in my work which ever path I chose.

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

   In the future I plan to develop my ‘Threads’ collection further; exploring new materials as ways of interpreting the forms I create but also translating my love for patterns at the same time in new and interesting ways. I will continue to work on projects with the collective I am in CONT/NUED, providing my own unique point of view and approach to the discipline of jewellery combined with the other members.

   To Vote for Ruth Conway click here

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

2. Graduates In The Spotlight - Finalist Interview with Joanna Gordon - Fera Jewellery

   Posted on 2:00pm Tuesday 5th May 2015

   What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?

   My interest in making jewellery was first sparked in Cuba, where I saw antique silverware being reworked into rings and bangles at a market just using basic tools. I’ve always been a creative person, but I had never really considered how jewellery was made and it was amazing to see an everyday item fashioned so quickly into a unique jewellery piece. Later on whilst travelling around South America I met many makers working in all sorts of materials from feathers and silver, to walnut shell and fish skins, some of them just working by the side of the road.. The obsession began and my collection of jewellery grew! I did a couple of part-time courses to learn some basic techniques and just knew that I wanted to learn everything I could.. so I left my career in Fashion to pursue a degree in jewellery making and design and haven’t looked back!

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

   Aaah its so difficult to narrow it down as I am a complete hoarder when it comes to jewellery.. My favourite ever piece was a chunky silver ring bought in Cuba years ago.. sadly lost as I have a habit of taking my jewellery off and forgetting about it! It was a complete one-off and I still think about it all the time L I have other favourite pieces on rotation.. at the moment I am always wearing my Amazigh Neckpiece as it just seems to go with everything and gets lots of comments.

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

   Madonna would be a dream… the ultimate female power idol! I grew up listening to her Immaculate Collection album, and she just has such amazing strength and presence.

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

   Hmm travel writer?! Any excuse to explore! I love learning about other cultures and experiencing life in other countries.

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

   I am currently working on a range of one-off diamond engagement rings, as well as hoping to expand on my men’s pieces and working on a new collection.

   To vote for Joanna Gordon - Fera Jewellery click here....

    

3. Graduates In The Spotlight, Time To Vote....

   Posted on 11:53am Friday 1st May 2015

   Here are the finalists - scroll down to view them all and vote...

   Hazel Rose - Tradition with a Twist

   "My main inspiration is from the natural world as I grew up on a remote West Coast Scottish Island. Since moving to England to study, the urban landscape has inspired me. This has been an exciting change and is reflected in my current designs."

   Ruth Conway - Threads

   "My graduate collection was inspired by my travels to Tanzania and the vibrant textiles, colours and patterns I experienced whilst there. ‘Threads’ explores and combines these visual qualities with my own aesthetic identity."

   Fera by Joanna Gordon

   "My work combines modern technology and traditional techniques and as well as being a registered Fairtrade Goldsmith, I work in recyled silver and use custom cut cow bone set like gemstones into the pieces."

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