Rock It! Linnie Mclarty Mettle Ring

A definitive sculptural piece that is absolutely colossal on the finger, this ethically handmade and 100% recycled silver ring by award winning jewellery designer Linnie Mclarty will without doubt get you noticed, several times over.

www.linniemclarty.com

In The Loop: Dorota Todd Jewellery Interview

 With a background in architecture and design, London based jewellery designer Dorota Todd utilises her experience and expertise to pursue her real passion in designing and making jewellery. Inspired by geometric forms and modern architecture, her newest collection Loop has a hint of elegant playfulness and fluid femininity that adds character to overall attire, wavy and swirly lines that has endless possibilities of adornment. My favourite collection has to be the Pearl collection, satisfying my current obsession with the merging of classic pearls with contemporary and minimalist designs, creating a sharp contrast between the two yet with strong compatibility. Adorning Dorota Todd jewellery ensures the wearer to feels confident, glamorous and empowered. Here I speak to Dorota about the transition from architecture to jewellery, the story behind her current collection and her future aspirations.

1.  What inspired you to become a jewellery designer? How does your previous background as an architect play into your decision?

For me, it is all intertwined. I design jewellery around the human body.  It is the same as designing space and structures around people and human interactions – I design jewellery in a similar way. The scale, of course, has changed – and on this level I have more freedom and total control over the product. I’ve always enjoyed creating things with my hands, and I love the process of physically working on a new piece to  perfect it. I find this calming and rewarding.

2.  Your jewellery is inspired by geometric forms, what is your personal story regarding this theme?

I grew up in an area surrounded by both industrial architecture and stunning modernist buildings. Both beautiful and harsh at the same time. I suspect these have been huge influences in my approach to design.

Yet again, my architectural background plays a big part in the form of my jewellery. The geometric forms create a clean, simple structure.

3. What is the inspiration behind your Loop and Pearl collections?

My latest collection – Loop – was in part inspired by the Roman arch, which I later considerably deconstructed. While it is still geometrical, I wanted this to be more fluid, curvy – and feminine.

The Pearl pieces, meanwhile, are showcasing the natural beauty of pearls with the least intrusion. These are simple, quiet and strong at the same time.

But the truth is that I find it hard to single out one source for my inspiration – it comes from everywhere.                        

4. Describe the creative and technical stages of making your jewellery pieces. What is the hardest and most enjoyable part of the process?

When I want to capture a thought or something I see, I start sketching. This is the most difficult part, deciding on one idea.

From here, I take some metal and play with it, constructing a piece that I will then keep trying on myself. When I’m happy with this stage, I start refining the new design.

The moment I most enjoy is when I look at the finished piece and think, “I cannot wait to wear it!”

5. What is your favourite jewellery piece/s at the moment from your collection. What do you wear all the time?

My favourite rings are Double Ring and Love Ring from the Pearl collection, which I like stacking together. Earrings – Pearl Duo and Long Earrings from Loop.

These are the ones I wear all the time.

For going out, I love the Loop Gold Choker and Loop Gold Bangle.

  6. If you're not making jewellery what do you do in your spare time?

Having two kids, keeps me busy. Architecture and design, however, are real passions, so I spend as much time as I can researching and visiting new buildings and exhibitions. 

7. Social media is still relatively a new tool to promote brand awareness in the jewellery industry. How do you utilise this platform to your advantage? What is your favourite platform?

My favourite social media at the moment are Instagram and Pinterest.  

8. Describe the person wearing your collection.

They are open-minded, adventurous, playful – and someone who cares about beautiful objects.

9. Is there a jewellery designer or influential public figure you look up to the most?

I admire people who push boundaries and fight for what they believe in, those who shake and shape the world – social entrepreneurs and activists, such as Leila Janah, who has developed non-profit businesses that use technology to give work to women and young people living in poverty.

 10. If there is a brand or a person you could collaborate a new collection with who would it be and why?

Stella McCartney – I would love to collaborate with her. 

11. 5 words to describe your jewellery.

Elegant

Unique

Fun

Minimalistic

Architectural

12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I have lots of ideas and plans for Dorota Todd Jewellery. Gaining a bigger audience is key to progress, and I’m in the process of expanding my stockists in the UK and overseas.

www.dorotatodd.com 

Rock It! Jane Gowans Gold Matilda Ring

In the midst of the stacking/layering jewellery phase we've encountered and embraced in the last several decades or so we are now seeing jewellery designers subtly veering away from this craze (the necessity of purchasing additional jewellery to create the desired effect) to design a piece with an all-in-one approach. This Gold Matilda statement ring from Jane Gowans Matchsticks collection is one of a few ingenious examples of successfully achieving this concept. This exciting geometric-inspired handmade ring reminds me of a contemporary sculpture you see in modern art galleries and provokes abstract curiosity, evoking images of head casually leaned to the side and pondering the thoughts of the creator. It has a hint of playfulness with its imperfectly stacking aesthetic whilst remaining clean and orderly simultaneously. 

From a seemingly ordinary and humble idea transformed into an extraordinary wearable art, it is to be enjoyed everyday, for every occasion. 

www.janegowans.co.uk

Linear II: Mei Li Rose Jewellery Interview

  one of my fondest blogging memories featured an immensely talented London based jewellery designer Mei-Li Rose and her eye catching Navajo-inspired nomad cuff back in 2013, the very same year she launched her contemporary eponymous label. As simplicity and geometry forms a dominant concoction of her core design concept I endeavoured to follow her progress, viewing her beautifully crafted minimalist collections at London Fashion Week in 2014 (I couldn't leave without trying on the Navajo cuff). Everything is painstakingly handcrafted by Mei-Li herself therefore each and every piece are uniquely individual and treasurable.

Her newest SS15 collection L II was developed from her previous Linear collection, focusing on clean, contemporary and minimal forms for thoroughly modern women yet with an edgy twist. Here I had the pleasure of interviewing Mei-Li about her inspirations, her love for minimalist and geometric aesthetics and global aspirations. 

1. What inspired you to become a jewellery designer? Was there a moment when you decided this is what you wanted to do?

I have always been interested in art and design, during my Art Foundation I undertook a jewellery module and fell in love with it. This lead me on to studying at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, after graduating I went on to work as a bespoke jewellery designer for a high-street retailer. Mei-Li Rose developed during this time as I began to get frustrated bringing other peoples ideas to life, and started designing and making more and more in my free time.

2.  Your jewellery is inspired by shapes and lines, what is your personal story regarding these themes?

My collections are influenced by modern geometric inspirations. I have always been drawn towards effortless minimalistic styles, this is reflected in my personal style too.

3. What is the inspiration behind your new collection (title?). 

L II, (Linear 2), developed from my previous Linear collection and celebrates clean, minimal forms, creating statement contemporary pieces that can be worn from day to night. 

4. Describe the creative and technical stages of making your jewellery pieces. What is the hardest and most enjoyable part of the process?

Generally I start out with a few sketches, over the course of a few weeks these develop and I then move onto either metal work, or wax carving, for casting. I love seeing pieces come to life in front of me, it is so satisfying to create something new, this is definitely my favourite part of the process. The most taxing part is reproducing several of each design, for orders, each piece of jewellery is handcrafted in-house, and it takes time to ensure every one is perfect.

5. What is your favourite jewellery piece/s at the moment from your collection. What do you wear all the time?

I am favouring silver at the moment, my jewellery staples right now are the Two-Way Rectangle Necklace, I also live in my Double Row Hoops, and always have several rings stacked up. I’m wearing the Rectangle Double Finger ring and Double Arrow AboveKnuckle ring on one hand, with the Asymmetrical Double Row ring on the other hand. I find these go with everything, and are great day-to-evening pieces.

 6. If you're not making jewellery what do you do in your spare time?

When I’m not in the studio, I will most likely be catching up with friends. I love to eat out and discover new places, Brixton Village is down the road from where I live, which has lots of great eateries and cafes. 


7. Social media is still relatively a new tool to promote brand awareness in the jewellery industry. How do you utilise this platform to your advantage? What is your favourite platform?

Instagram is my favourite platform, I try to ensure I’m taking good quality images, that stand out a little. I find that a photograph delivers a more personal touch, and can convey your brand image/message. It’s also a great way to interact with your target audience.

8. Describe the person wearing your collection.

Wearers of Mei-Li Rose feel empowered, confident and stylish. The bold jewellery is eye catching yet feminine with a simple understated elegance.

9. Is there a jewellery designer or influential public figure you look up to the most? 

Jewellery designer, Maria Black never fails to impress me. She pushes boundaries but her designs still remain wearable and fashionable.

 
10. If there is a brand or a person you could collaborate a new collection with who would it be and why?

I’m a big fan of Scandinavian designers, I love minimal, well-cut clothing, I would love to collaborate with a design house, such as Acne Studios.

11. 5 words to describe your jewellery.

Minimalistic, bold, empowering, classic, geometric

12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In future, my aim is to grow further globally and to be stocked in several countries. At the moment I am concentrating on strengthening the brand within the UK. There are several stores I would love to be stocked in, namely, Liberty – they have an amazing selection of jewellery.

www.meilirose.com

Inspiration/Art: Victoria Kelsey Because the Night lookbook

 

 Victoria Kelsey's Because the Night lookbook collection is inspired by overgrown secret gardens, abandoned buildings and insects that resides in these environments, an interest in details that are often overlooked by society's obsession with rapidly formed modern architecture that are sleek yet oddly lifeless buildings and without endearing character, whereas the beauty lies within nature emerging amidst all the orderly chaos.

 www.victoriakelsey.co.uk

/Jewellery Crush/ Jenny Sweetnam Revolve Cuff

 Inspiration: Body, contemporary dance and geometric shapes.

Style: Minimalist luxury, silhouette, wearable forms.

Bangle: Handmade from silver plated brass and measures approximately 6cm x 6cm x 6cm.

www.jennysweetnam.com 

Inspiration/Art: Emma Ware Lookbook

//Conceptual/narrative/preying/vulnerability/imagination/whimsical/body contouring/

Emma Ware Oscuro collection featuring contra mohican earring,

native earring, balance earrings, leia hand piece, pulse necklace, clarity body piece

Visit www.emmaware.co.uk

 

 

Complex Polyhedra: Monique Daniels Jewellery Interview

Repetitive layers, mathematical possibilities and geometry represent the core foundations of Monique Daniels jewellery collections. She utilises traditional jewellery making techniques with precision cutting technology to create a futuristic yet fashionable adornment for forward thinking modern women. Intrigued by the complex and dynamic aesthetics, I delve deeper into the mind of an analytical artist/jeweller.

1. What is the inspiration behind your latest collection Hazael?

I draw my inspiration from many forms, I am influenced by mathematics and astrology along with my personal style. The Hazael collection was also inspired by the Hebrew name ‘Hazael’ which was discovered in my family tree. In researching this I found the name originated from King Hazael of Damascus who owned triangular weaponry -which went hand in hand with my designing of the collection.

2. Geometry is thoroughly explored in jewellery. Can you explain on a personal level why this thematic concept is so popular?

I use geometry in my work as it symbolizes strength and power. I think the clean lines and modern themes of geometry will always have an appeal within design.

3. You're currently based in Goldsmiths' Centre and part of the Setting Out programme. What are the benefits of the residency for young designers such as yourself?

The Setting Out Programme has allowed me to expand my brand with business support and facilities on hand in amazing workshop space. Having The Goldsmiths’ Centre as my base has been a fantastic opportunity for me to establish myself. This year I will be exhibiting some pieces alongside my fellow Setting Out Programme designers at Goldsmiths’ Fair on The Goldsmiths’ Centre stand which is very exciting. 

4. Describe the transition/evolvement you've made from your debut collection Astro to the Polyhedra collection. How do you create a collection that has a connection yet different at the same time?

The connection comes from my design style and signature aesthetic. The collections evolve as natural progression, it’s a development which I have carried my personal style through. Astro was bold with intricate structures on a smaller scale, Polyhedra was developed through changing scale and rotation but still having that individual signature as reference.

5. What is your favourite piece of jewellery at the moment. From your own collection and from your fellow jewellery designer/s?

As the first piece I made from the first collection, I do have a soft spot for my Astro ring. However I do believe a favourite piece should be the piece just started. That feeling of start to completion is really exciting.
I love all of Grima’s work, stunning and timeless. I love what Shimell & Madden are doing too. 

6. If you're not making jewellery how do you relax in your spare time?         

I think being self-employed in a creative industry you never fully switch off. You can draw inspiration from thing around you, and having the responsibility to run a business is hard work but I wouldn’t change it. 

7. Describe the creative and technical stages of making your jewellery pieces. What is the hardest and most enjoyable part of the process?

For me it is dependent on the piece. I will usually design by drawing, then taking it into computer design where I can distort and repeat. I use a variety of technical processes, but I will always create a model- be it laser cut or 3d printing, it is fundamental in design to test the piece and make any changes. 

The hardest part is in the workshop, working late into the night. Working so hard your fingertips are bleeding! But then the euphoria of finishing that piece, seeing your design in reality and seeing it worn is the best feeling and makes it all worthwhile.

8. 5 words to describe your jewellery. 

Arithmetical, complex, dynamic, contemporary, precise.

9. If you could collaborate with anyone who will it be? And why?

The artist Conrad Shawcross. I am a big fan of his work – particularly  his ‘Plosion’ series and ‘Perimeter Study’ arrangements. It would be amazing to translate my work into large scale sculpture and is something I hope to achieve in the future.

Visit www.moniquedaniels.co.uk