Looking after your jewellery
Here are a few simple steps to looking after your jewellery:
Store your jewellery carefully in its original packaging or a jewellery box.
Clean jewellery using warm water, mild soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. .
Don't expose jewellery to harsh chemicals.
Try to avoid wearing jewellery while applying cosmetics as this can tarnish or discolour the jewellery. The latter is not always possible while rushing out the door so this is all in an ideal world :-)
Designing jewellery
This is where it all starts, and the most important part. I start by going through ideas in my head, focusing on what I want my piece to look like and what its function will be. I ask myself the following questions (this usually happens at 4 in the morning, while my mind is racing) and cant sleep.
Is it going to be chunky or sleek ?
Is it something that will only be used as an accessory or will it be the center of attention in my outfit?
Will it be brightly colored or more earth-toned?
Will it be heavy or light?
What shapes will it consist of?
What materials will work best?
What tools will I work with and what will the piece represent?
I sketch out what I want my final piece to look like on paper. I write down the proportions of my piece and draw it from multiple angles. Once I feel confident that I have determined exactly what I want my piece to look like, I get started on making my piece.
Just some of the processes involved include soldering the metal, annealing, cutting and filing, shaping, stamping raising and finishing.
The art of jewellery making is one of the oldest trades/forms of art involving so many different aspects of jewellery. I am a member of "Calderwood Silversmithing" and the team at Calderwood have their silver displayed at the National Museum of Ireland, for others to appreciate. I am privileged to be part of this extremely talented team.
Every aspect of jewellery making is hands-on.
