Artist statement
An exciting collective of Devon jewellers. Showcasing diverse, artistic and stunning pieces, featuring the use of gold, silver and precious gemstones.
A chance to visit a working professional jewellery studio, featuring accomplished silversmiths and goldsmiths.
Extended Bio
Melanie Bowler
I am a well established jeweller working in gold and silver. My work often includes precious gemstones and consider my specialities being bespoke and commission pieces including engagement rings, wedding rings, pendants, earrings, rings and many more.
For the past few years I have been specialising in the remodelling of old jewellery into new pieces for clients. Each piece created is totally unique to that person including recycling materials and gemstones where possible.
I love to be able to create beautiful new pieces for people who would otherwise not wear what they have because they have been inherited and are not to taste in this day and age. Sadly, pieces sit in a box never to be worn which is a real shame as the sentiment, love and memories are there.
Being part of the process of transforming and facilitating such lovely old jewellery into wearable, practical, up to date and desirable pieces is wonderfully rewarding and satisfying. I encourage the use of existing materials and stones, the ultimate in recycling really.
I melt down gold and silver and refashion it into new sheet and wire to create stone settings, ring shanks etc. Stones can be repolished to look as good as new too.
My skills, knowledge and years of experience allow me to maintain high standards of craftsmanship and perfectionism.
I studied at Berkshire College of Art and Design and gained a BTEC diploma, I then continued my studies at Plymouth College of Art and Design, gaining an HND in Design Metals. Both courses have me a deep grounding in fundamental jewellery and silversmithing skills.
I set up my own business in 1996 and have been making and designing jewellery ever since. I have also spent some time working for Mortimers; an independent jewellers in Exeter-experiencing all aspects of the antique jewellery trade.
I have been teaching since 1999 in and around venues in Devon and have completed City and Guilds adult education training.
I have been fortunate to win four awards to date:
Royal Society of British Sculptors medal design competition.
Prince's Trust bursary.
Antony Everett award (Prince's Trust)
Michael Spiers Jewellery award (Southwest Academy summer exhibition)
Sue Cudlip Cook
Michaelmas Design
My jewellery is made by hand in Devon and Somerset. It is primarily created from vintage pearls, sea glass beads, reclaimed silver, leather and gemstones.
I am inspired by the landscapes that surround me: the coastline, skyscapes, hill forts and valleys of the South West, with its ancient atmosphere and ever-changing light. Natural forms, textures and colour inform my designs.
All my jewellery is created in a way that is mindful of its environmental footprint.
Sarah Jones-Hughes
Sarah has been designing and making jewellery for over 25 years and first started as a jewellery apprentice in California USA. Her work has been exhibited internationally, from New York to the Bruce Museum in Connecticut and Harrods in London Tokyo Japan . Sarah's statement jewellery has been included in many editorials and publications, including Cosmopolitan, The Independent and Elle Magazine. Her work is widely appreciated and sought after. It is unique, exquisite jewellery incorporating 9ct gold, sterling silver , quartz crystals and a myriad of semi-precious stones, individually and intricately woven around each bead and stone. Sarah has her work exhibited in several galleries around the UK. She now works in her studio by the sea in South Devon.
Virginia Barneby
Born and raised in Cornwall by the sea it has been a long time passion to make jewellery. More recently Melanie Bowler has inspired me to explore new avenues and expand my skills using silver, gold, handmade glass beads and precious stones. My aim is to encompass the rugged Cornish landscape and gentle rolling hills to produce unique artisan pieces.
https://graniteandgorse.com
Amanda Thomas
I’m Amanda with a self employed background of soft furnishing interiors - owning my own business for 25 yrs with a change of creativity after I enrolled for a 6 week jewellery course I’ve not looked back. The six week course turned into a new passion for me as my mentor and brilliant tutor Melanie helped me experiment with new ideas and I have attended a weekly course ever since. My designs are contemporary one off’s with stunning gemstones set in gold, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets all hand crafted by myself, every piece is completely unique.
Hammer & Hallmark Work
Group Members
Melanie Bowler
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Sue Cudlip Cook
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Sarah Jones-Hughes
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Virginia Barneby
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https://graniteandgorse.com
Amanda Thomas
[email protected]
