The gift of a precious item has always been a great pleasure for me (tinged with a little sadness about the parting) and Artweeks are my extension of it. There are moments in life when you want to congratulate and celebrate or when you just wish to surprise a friend or family member, jazz up their or your own life or express your thanks. Sometimes you want to help heal somebody but feel powerless beyond listening and endless cups of tea. A lasting precious piece can make a lovely memento vitae or mori. To have an item hand-made for you means the maker can imbue it with their good wishes and make it with love. This is what I do with every piece I make, no matter how simple.
My favourite pieces are ear cuffs, tea rings (worn on the knuckle) and rings. I love working with Salt and Pepper diamonds as each tells their own story to the naked eye. They look great with silver or gold. I only use precious metals and precious or semi-precious stones in my work. This is the quality I would like in my own pieces of jewellery and this is what I would like to offer.
Always keen to preserve and support, I am increasingly working on sourcing ethical materials and this is certainly a point to discuss when considering a commissioned piece. I am keen to support those with mental health issues in this time of upheaval and will donate 10% of the sale of each item from the Aqua Vitae range to the charity Mind.
Themes in my work
Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper rose cut or brilliant cut diamonds in rubover settings on granulated single or double ring bands and ear cuffs
Aqua vitae: Ear cuffs and rings in Sterling silver and 9ct gold with tiny drops of precious metal
Not / in my control: Abstract, stamped silver ear cuffs, rings and earrings with or without Salt and Pepper diamonds to be worn as a reminder that most is not within our control and, therefore, not worth worrying about
More is less: Add to or change stacking and tea rings depending on how you (want to) feel
Juxtaposition: The industrial look of oxidised silver combined with dainty pearls or clear Topaz
I am a Berliner, a true European and a keen global explorer living in leafy Oxfordshire. From an early age, I have been a maker, whether that was making wooden furniture for my Barbie dolls, knitting socks for all and sundry or making wire and bead jewellery. It was always my dream to become a goldsmith. The purpose and meaning associated with educating young people, however, became more important and I now work hard to do combine my first calling with the nascent von W Jewellery.