How My Jewellery Is Made
Every piece I make begins with curiosity. I'm forever exploring new techniques, testing ideas, and finding ways to bring together form, pattern and texture — and each piece grows slowly out of that process of trial, instinct and discovery.
Drawing and piercing by hand
I work intuitively, drawing directly onto the metal and then piercing every line by hand with a jeweller's saw. There is a rhythm to it that allows me to become completely absorbed. Time passes differently at the bench.
It's slow, and I love that about it. What begins as a flat sheet of silver gradually becomes something layered and detailed, and eventually something alive.
Playing with maquettes
Making maquettes — small models and test pieces — is such an essential part of how I work. They give me the freedom to experiment without any pressure, and because nothing is precious at that stage, ideas can emerge naturally and often lead me somewhere I hadn't expected at all.
This is easily the most playful part of the process, and the part where the best surprises happen.
Building the surface
Surface is where so much of the character of my work lives. Through etching, keum boo, soldering and oxidising, I build up layers that create contrast, depth and a real richness.
Keum boo is my absolute favourite of these. It's an ancient Korean technique where fine 24ct gold foil is bonded onto silver using heat and gentle pressure — no solder, no adhesive, just the two metals joining together. Once the silver around it is oxidised to a deep black, the gold seems to glow against it.
I'm especially drawn to that moment when the gold meets the darkened silver. The whole piece shifts, becoming more dramatic and somehow more complete.
Forming, and the moment it comes to life
So much of my process is quiet and repetitive, and I find it genuinely grounding. It asks for patience and attention, and every single mark is made by hand, so each small decision shapes what the piece eventually becomes.
It's only right at the very end, when I lift, twist and form the metal, that a piece truly comes to life — a delightful and satisfying process of experimentation and discovery, and still my favourite part of the whole thing.
No two pieces are ever exactly the same.
You can see the finished pieces in my shop, read about bespoke commissions, or come and try some of these techniques yourself at one of my jewellery making workshops in Portsmouth.
