I was delighted when an old friend Sophie got in touch about some jewellery that she had inherited from family but never wore, to see if we could make something that she would love.
Soph lives in Australia so the project evolved slowly over email and zoom calls. Then, brilliantly, a rare visit to the UK on her part meant that I was able to give her the finished pieces in the flesh.
Some of the inherited rings we used to create the new pieces.
Like lots of people, I'd inherited pieces of jewellery from family members over the years but they remained unworn because they just weren’t my style. I gave Jo a bag with all sorts of odd bits of gold and a couple of rings with beautiful stones that had belonged to my two grannies. One was definitely an engagement ring but the backstory to the other one had been lost over the years.
I didn’t have a specific vision for what I wanted to create with these jewels, just that I’d wanted at least one ring, but otherwise I was pretty open to ideas. We talked a bit about styles I liked, but I knew and trusted that Jo would have great ideas. Which she did!
The mock up ideas: Jo photoshopped Sophie's stones on to ring suggestions to help visualise the possibilities.
Maybe it’s because we know each other, but I suspect it’s Jo’s warmth, her calm manner and extensive knowledge that made the design process so very easy and relaxed. There was no pressing deadline so we took our time. We had a few video calls (I’m in Australia) and then Jo went away to work out how much gold I could use, what the stones were and to put a design proposal together. It was very collaborative but I just loved her ideas so much I ran with them all!
The gold we melted down to cast up the new pieces and the final designs for the rings, illustrating various stacking options.
To say I’m pleased with the result would be a huge understatement. For the amount of joy I get from the jewellery I think it's the best money I've ever spent! It is wearable art infused with the energy of my family matriarchs - what could be better than that?
The raw casts and the emeralds and diamonds that will be re-set.
It is really special to wear such personal, meaningful jewellery. People comment on how beautiful they are all the time. I admire them, play with them, and am reminded of my grannies whenever I look at them. They are a priceless family artefact that my kids are already excited to inherit!
Sophie's finished ring stack.
I'm not traditionally 'a jewellery person' but when I started to think of this project in terms of legacy and creating art it took on a special meaning to me. Bringing new life to old jewellery is a great way to honour the ongoing history of your family.
Sophies new earrings and rings (unstacked)
Thanks Jo - I am so over the moon with my new jewels, I COMPLETELY LOVE them and wear them all the time.’
Awww thanks Sophie, I’m thrilled that you’re so pleased with your new rings!