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.

jessica flinn; september featured designer

This month we are turning our attention to Jewellery By Jessica Flinn. Originally from Darlington but now residing and working in Sheffield, the once local girl has quickly become a name to watch having this month been named in jewellery industry magazine Professional Jeweller's Hot 100 of 2012.

Jessica was born and raised in Darlington but after developing a keen interest in design and passion for creativity, decided to attend Sheffield University to study as a silversmith. After graduation she remained in Sheffield where she continues to design and create her contemporary jewellery collections from her workshop.

Her fabulous collections are made using techniques such as laser engraving and casting which are inspired by the industry she grew up around in both Darlington and Sheffield. Her collections are made in stainless steel, sterling silver and gold.



Describe yourself in ten words or less...
Creative, energetic and busy!

Tell us a little a bit about your job and what you love about it...
I run a small design company which is based in Sheffield. I love my job because I do a bit of everything; designing, making, marketing and sales. Everyday is different

How would you describe your jewellery?
Clean lined, simplistic, stylish and feminine.

What inspires you to design and create jewellery collections?
Different experiences that I've had and places I visit. Inspiration comes to me when I least expect it.

What are some items of jewellery you find yourself wearing constantly?
I love bracelets and cuffs, I have around 20 in my collection made by loads of other designers. Some large some small, my wrist is never without one!

Quick-fire questions!

Tell is something about yourself that would surprise people...
I lived in Korea fr six months!

City or countryside?
City

Silver or gold?
Both!

Who would you love to see wear your jewellery?
Anyone. I'd love to see it on a complete stranger as I walk down the road.

Favourite shop?
Normann Copenhagen - very cool designs.

Favourite place in the world?
My flat, with my man :)

Where in the world have you always wanted to visit?
Brazil - I'd love to go to the carnival. 

What is your most treasured possession?
It sounds sad but my mac is my most treasured possession - I'm a gadget lover!

Best way to spend a day of work?
Day of work?? What is this you speak off? :)

To see more of Jessica's designs visit us at http://www.jewelleryby.co.uk/14-jewellery-by-jessica-flinn

inspiring independent; we need your votes!

It is that time of year again when jewellery industry magazine, Retail Jeweller, start their search for the most inspiring independent jewellery retailers in the UK. Whether it is excellent customer service, above and beyond attitude or an eclectic mix of jewellery on offer the standards will be high from all entrants and the battle tough so with that in mind, we ask for your support.

Jewellery By is still in its infancy but our collection of handmade only jewellery, from some of the best designers across the country and beyond, we feel we genuinely do offer our customer something different and unique to that of other retailers. By working with local designers, as well as those further afield we offer items that are not mass made and in some cases are one off items. We projects in the pipeline with the the students of Cleveland College of Art and Design and with our bespoke service for those that want a hand in the design process or an item of their existing jewellery turned into something else, we aim to offer the best and most honest service we can to all of our customers.

At this stage it is number of nominations that count, so if you could please show your support and send an email to Retail Jeweller editor Laura at laura.mccreddie@emap.com simply stating our store name and that we are your Inspiring Independent nomination.

Thank you in advance and keep your fingers crossed!
 
                                                          

going for gold

It is an Olympic year so make sure you choose a winner of a wedding band.

Choosing your wedding ring is a really exciting part of your wedding preparations. Wedding rings or bands come in a huge variety of styles, metals and settings not to mention prices. The main consideration is to choose a ring that reflects your individual style and taste. It is always best to try and buy the finest quality rings you can afford as they will stand the test of time better than anything else and hopefully increase in value.

The DO's and DON'T'S of buying a wedding ring;

DO decide on a budget and stick to it
DON'T leave it to the last minute to choose your rings - give yourselves plenty of time to find something that you really love
DO your research - speak to jeweller's to see the different styles and prices on offer
DON'T be persuaded into buying anything you don't absolutely love, it has to be a beautiful reminder of your day
DO consider your lifestyle. Bear in mind that you will probably wear this ring more than anything else you own so you need to choose a style that is suitable for your everyday life
DON'T pick something simply because it is on trend. Trends come and go but your own style will last.
DO think about designing your own ring. Here at Jewellery By we work with customers to create bespoke items that suit their needs and style that fit within their budget. You may have jewellery passed to you by family members that you may want to incorporate in your wedding ring, metals and even stones can be used in new items.
DON'T visit jeweller's without your engagement ring as you may need to try rings on alongside it, or discuss designs. Do you want your wedding band to sit flush against your engagement ring? You may need to choose a shaped band if so.
DO get you wedding and engagement rings insured. One in four people loses their ring within five years of marriage.

Platinum Engagement and Wedding Ring

Choosing a Design

Couples have never had such a rich choice in wedding ring design and you no longer have to settle for a traditional plain gold band. The world is your oyster when it comes to jewellery design. Matching his and her rings are also a popular choice these days many couples often shop together to buy rings at the same time. Some couples will opt to have the same metal but the bride might choose to add diamonds to make her ring a little different. Remember to choose what works for you as a couple.

Choosing a Metal

This is an important decision as it will affect the cost and style of the ring you choose. The options available are platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, palladium, titanium and even tungsten.
Platinum is the most expensive but heavier and more durable than gold. If you like the look of platinum but not the cost, palladium and white gold are the more affordable options.
When buying gold you must remember that is comes in different purities known as carats. The easiest way of explaining carats is the higher the carat the more gold it contains. Remember your wedding band also has to sit well with your engagement ring, as such most people tend to use the same metal for both their engagement and wedding rings.

Two Colour 18ct Gold Wedding Bands

How Much to Spend?

Do make sure you have left sufficient budget left for your rings. Some people believe it is always difficult to suggest how much you should spend on your wedding rings, but really it isn't. You spend what you want to spend, if it is £50 or £5000 you need to do what makes you and your partner happy. Bear in mind that most of the items you will be organising for your wedding will only be for the day, your ring will be around for the rest of your life so you need to be happy with it. You do get what you pay for so try not to scrimp on quality.

Timing

Allow plenty of time before your wedding to order your rings, just in case...... Bespoke items can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the jeweller you use and you will need to allow for any changes to be made. Make sure you try your rings on before the big day. Standing at the alter is not the time to find out they don't fit!

Platinum Wedding Bands

Most importantly you should both enjoy this experience and so should never feel under pressue or that you cannot ask questions. Take your time, make notes if you like and ask as many questions if you like. If the jeweller is not accomodate to this, then they do not deserve your custom.

 Visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk to see our range or handmade jewellery collections.