Designer and maker of fine jewellery in silver, enamel, precious and semi-precious stones.

All images are copyright of the artist unless stated otherwise.

Web Site: www.silverkiss.co.uk
eMail: ian@silverkiss.co.uk
Facebook: SilverKiss Jewellery
Blog: Silverkiss Jewellery.

When I started making jewellery a few years ago, I thought that the fun would be the actual fabrication process.  All the hammering, sawing and soldering, not to mention the acid baths and patination chemicals, seemed terribly exciting (well, I’m a bloke, so I would, wouldn’t  I?). 

But once I got into it, I found that sitting there with a sketch pad, dreaming and designing was rather enjoyable, as well.  In some ways, the design process is more of a challenge than the making, especially as I strive to produce pieces that are 'just a little bit different'. 

The quest for inspiration for original designs is never-ending, and I take it from wherever it comes.  I try deliberately to avoid settling into a 'personal style';  I'm happy to build an eclectic portfolio of work.  I will be delighted if my designs are considered unusual but, at the same time, I also strive to ensure that my pieces are wearable as practical, everyday jewellery.  

I have a lot of freedom in what I can design because I am not constrained by the limitations of low-cost mass-production techniques.  My work is hand-made from sheet metal or wire (or recycled scrap) and, indeed, most of my pieces are 'one-offs', so you know that you will be wearing something unique.

The ultimate in uniqueness probably comes about when I produce work to commission.  For me, that always had connotations of work on a 'grand scale' with a price-tag to match.  In reality, it is often the reverse.  It could easily be a very simple piece - a special shape, or a favourite type of stone etc.  The appeal of commissioning a piece is that more than it (usually) being something unique, it will often be something that has a highly personal meaning.

For me, the very appeal of doing commissions is that they bring in that very personal aspect to the work.  The design process is usually a joint affair:  and exchange of aspirations and ideas.  I shall never forget the feelings of tension, anticipation, relief and the joy that I got when I presented my first commission to my first customer and saw the delight on her face.