justin duance; october featured designer

This month we thought we would head to the picturesque South West of the country, specifically Cornwall home to the talented Justin Duance, designer and silversmith behind the jewellery range of the same name. 

After obtaining his degree in jewellery and silversmithing from the Sir John Cass Faculty of Arts in London, Justin began to explore building his own jewellery collection. Due to high costs in London he decided to relocate back to Newlyn Cornwall, where he built up his workshop and continues to see inspiration from the surrounding Cornish countryside.

Justin's collection of jewellery, whilst having a masculine edge appeals to people across the board. His contemporary designs are deeply influenced by the surrounding countryside and ocean and the way they engage with each other. His love of the surrounding landscape is shown in his use of different metals and combining them with a textured finish or wood to create his stylish collection.

Read on to find a little bit more about Justin.....

Silver and Wood Cufflinks

Describe yourself in ten words or less....
I absolutely love to make things and doing things no one else does! (Slightly more than ten.)

Tell us a little bit about your job and what you love about it.....
My job involves making jewellery and watches, trying to make commissions and realise people ideas. I also spend a lot of time on the computer answering emails and doing general admin. This seems to take up more time than I would like.

How would you describe your jewellery?

9ct Yellow Gold and Silver Ring

Quite masculine, using straight lines and combining them with the natural organic grain of wood. My work often has meanings associated with it especially with the symbolism of the wood or where it comes from. For example the oak I use comes from a tall ship and is the traditional symbol of strength. My watches have a vintage look with a contemporary twist using traditional techniques to create something new and unusual.

What inspires you to design and create your jewellery collections?
Sometimes I design or make something just to see if it possible. Quite often it is more about the way materials mix together rather than designing a shape.

What are some items of jewellery that you find yourself wearing constantly?
My watches. I try and wear rings but I keep taking them off for work and losing them.

Quick fire questions!

Silver and Double Wood Band

City or countryside?
Seaside!

Silver of gold?
Yellow gold

Favourite shop?
Ikea

Favourite place in the world?
Gwenvor, North Cornwall

Where in the world have you always wanted to visit?
Indonesia

What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter - although I am not sure if she is a possession.

Best way to spend a day off work?
Surfing

9ct Yellow Gold and Silver Textured Band

To find out more about Justin Duance and see his full range of jewellery and handcrafted watches please visit www.jewelleryby.co.uk.