News

Erica has recently been shortlisted as a finalist for the National Association of Jeweller’s ‘Designer of the Year’ Awards. The NAJ team were looking for evidence of innovation, achievement, teamwork, leadership and contribution to wider society. Simon Forrester, Chief Executive of The National Association of Jewellers, described the entries as “competitive” across the board, and... Read more »

Throughout history, gems have been coveted and fashioned to maximise their natural beauty and attractiveness. Every type of gemstone has different physical properties, and this leads to their individual qualities. Some gems rely almost entirely on a wondrous colour. Green jade, for example, bright-blue lapis lazuli and sky-blue turquoise are opaque gems that are simply... Read more »

These words from the poem ‘Maple and Sumach’ by C Day Lewis inspired me to make a autumnal necklace of ruby, rich 22 ct gold and deep pink spinel. As a child I used to be fascinated by the sumach tree we had in our garden. The colours of its leaves in the autumn were... Read more »

The subject of ethical practices involved in mining precious metals and gemstones and making jewellery is a complex one, but it’s a ‘nettle that has to be grasped’, if we are to change and improve the way that we are treating the planet and each other. Fortunately, the raw materials used in precious jewellery are... Read more »

Why do we wear jewellery? There is a host of possible reasons; personal adornment, expression of personality, to bring good luck or a declaration of emotional commitment. Amongst these varied reasons, jewellery has also been used throughout the ages to symbolise an allegiance to a political group or social belief. During the Edwardian period, pieces... Read more »

For those that have a birthday in this month, you are lucky to have the beautiful purple Amethyst as your birthstone. Amethyst is a clear, purple coloured crystalline version of quartz. It has been revered for thousands of years. Coloured by traces of iron, heating (either naturally during its time in the earth, or more... Read more »

Making rings for engagements and weddings form a major part of the working life of a jeweller. It is a privilege to be involved in the process of marking such a big event in a couple’s lives and every piece I make for a wedding or betrothal is as individual as the couple themselves. In... Read more »

Erica has spent years recreating various versions of the Saxon Wedmore Ring, during this time she has had many requests for matching items