In September 2021, I embarked on an ambitious technical course to develop my skills and add to my portfolio of work. I have already showcased some of the pieces from term 1 of the Fine Jewellery Diploma in a previous blog post, so here are some of my favourites from terms 2 & 3.
1. Silver Hoop Earrings
These gorgeous twisted silver hoop earrings have become a firm favourite in my jewellery box. They are light and easy to wear, don't catch on my scarves (which are a permanent feature of my winter wardrobe) and dress up a daytime outfit perfectly. In terms of their construction, the trickiest part was making the hinge and catch so that the earring post moves freely, but is held securely once fastened.
2. Filigree Pendant
In a departure from my usual style, I can safely say that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone in this project. My inspiration for this piece was van Gogh's Starry Night, which I attempted to recreate using tiny pieces of twisted, coiled silver wire and granules with a "liver of sulphur" patina representing the inky black night sky. Whilst it was my first time attempting filigree, I certainly hope it won't be my last...
3. Star Set Bangle
A silver bangle set with a constellation of tiny stones around it - this was one of my offerings for the star setting project. Star setting is a similar technique to both flush setting (where the gemstone sits flush in the metal) and pavé setting, where an array of stones is held in place by little grains of metal which are raised and then pushed over the stones. Star setting gave me my first taste of using gravers to set a gemstone, and it definitely takes patience and practise.
4. Silver Locket
The silver locket project was another highly technical challenge, but so rewarding throughout the making process. Firstly, the inner and outer rims needed to be a perfect fit, next the hinge needed to line up perfectly, and it finally needed to close with a secure "click". Whilst there are a few errors in my first attempt, I'm so happy with how it finally turned out and it's left me with a curiosity to find out about other jewellery mechanisms.
5. Marquise 5-Stone Ring
This fabulous marquise ring has become another firm favourite in my jewellery box as it can fulfil the role of either engagement ring or dress ring (most of my practice pieces are made using synthetic cubic zirconias and silver, so I can wear this if I need to leave my actual engagement ring at home for safety). The marquise setting is created from a sheet of silver that is shaped to support the stone underneath, and square wire sections that are shaped to form the claws at each end of the marquise stone. I really enjoyed this way of working with the metal to create a gemstone setting that fits the stone so well, and it opens the door to working with other fancy or irregular shaped stones.
6. Mixed Metal Cluster Ring
When I first signed up for the Fine Jewellery Diploma, this was one of the projects I was most excited about, but also most scared of (in equal measures!) I couldn't imagine being able to create something so complex and stunning, but after two and bit terms of stretching myself, I was surprised at how little it fazed me. As I worked through the steps required to make this ring, I realised that I was using the same basic techniques of piercing, filing, soldering and burring that I've used throughout my jewellery-making journey, there's just a few more processes involved here. Like the marquise ring, this cluster ring has become a firm favourite in my jewellery box, and I always smile when I put it on, knowing just what it means to me.
Well, there you have it - with the exception of my final project (more on that later), these are some of my favourite projects from the Fine Jewellery Diploma. This is partly based on how they turned out (I loved making the tennis bracelet, but didn't quite get it "photo ready"), but also partly due to the skills and techniques that I learnt in the process of making them. If these have sparked some ideas in you, either wanting to commission a special piece or make something yourself, I'd love to hear from you - just send me a message.
Until next time, stay sparkly!
Kate xxx
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