Abstract Botanical
Laura and I first met at the Devon Open Studios event and after admiring my jewellery and discussing the importance of using ethical and upcycled materials, she came back to see me with a silver and diamond pendant that she hardly ever wore. She asked to make a set of silver bangles that would complement her beautiful platinum and 18 carat gold contemporary ring and to incorporate an unworn diamond into the gold centre of a Forget Me Not bangle. The other two bangles were to be more contemporary in design and designed to wear together as a pair but also alongside the floral feature bangle.
Contrasting metals and textures link the pieces
Completely hand fabricated, the Forget Me Not’ bangle’s centre is a rich yellow 18 carat gold which perfectly sets off the brilliance of the diamond whilst gently entwined asymmetric wires give it a delicacy without being fragile.
The widest bangle of the pair has a subtle texture to the silver which creates a soft sparkle against the contrasting 18 carat gold bar whereas the narrow square form wire bangle has been lightly hammered to pick up the texture of the original ring band.
Laura was so pleased with the set and, with a landmark birthday approaching she asked me to put together some ideas for an equally special birthday pendant to wear with her collection. Naturally, I was delighted to have been asked and we began talking through ideas together.
The symbolism of plants & botanicals
Laura is re-training to become a medical herbalist and so obviously plants and botanicals are hugely important to her but as well as the actual physical plants, the symbolism that is associated with them was also very relevant.
To mark a new chapter in her life, with her special birthday as well as a new career path, Laura and I developed a design for a long pendant with an abstract representation of a plant in flower. With long curved stems and flowing lines, the decorative elements represent a new beginning and growth.
Collaboration was key to the outcome
It was a really lovely experience to work collaboratively with Laura, just as in her practice, she would identify and prescribe a bespoke personalised prescription for a patient, she was very much attuned to being able to lead me to knowing exactly what she was wanting in her jewellery.
Laura specifically chose to have the pendant hanging on a very long chain at the level of her navel. As someone who wears long flowing and layered clothing, often with a soft scarf around her neck, she wanted the piece to be seen and, at this length it also has the advantage of Laura herself being able to hold it and look at it too.
The pendant comprises of textured components soldered on to a thick textured silver bar. The contrasting 18 carat gold balls and gold cup represent buds and a flower in bloom. It’s a really tactile piece and a contemporary design which both Laura and I were really pleased with.