Information on Materials Used

Information on how it is made

Silver

Most of my designs is made with 925 silver (sterling silver) or fine silver (999 silver) which come in the form of clay which is then fired with a torch or kiln.  This is especially good for creating unusual shapes and prints.

The silver that is used is 100% recycled which make my designs sustainable. I try to recycle my unused silver too. 

Copper and Brass

I like the contrast between the metal and like to incorporate copper and brass into my designs. 

Sea glass and beads

Every piece of sea glass has been collected by me from my travels to Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Devon.  Sea glass is formed from discarded glass that has found its was into the sea and has been tumbled by currents, waves and sand to form some unique and pretty pieces of glass.

As I have a very large collection of pearls, semi precious bead and glass beads, these will find there was into my jewellery too.

My favourites are Aqua Marine, Amethyst and Jade.

Fused Glass

There are many forms of glass art. Fused glass is one of them.

The basic idea behind fused glass is that art objects and practical items can be created by melting glass in a kiln to a very high temperature. Fused glass, sometimes called kiln formed, warm or glass fusion.  Unlike stained glass, fused glass has no Lead lines. Dimensional (non flat) pieces can be created with larger pieces. The piece can then be heated in a kiln to a very hot temperature and allowed to cool slowly. I source my special kiln glass and most of my supplies from a local supplier based in Wrington, North Somerset.

Hallmarking

Hallmarking is the legally required, independent testing of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) to guarantee purity, dating back to the 1300s in the UK. A hallmark is a series of stamps, applied by an Assay Office, confirming the maker's mark, purity fineness, and assay office location.

Key Aspects of Hallmarking

Purpose: Protects consumers against fraud, acting as a guarantee of quality and credibility.

Compulsory Legal Requirement: In the UK, it is illegal to describe items above specific weights (1g gold/palladium, 7.78g silver, 0.5g platinum) as precious metal without a hallmark.

The Process: Items are tested by one of the UK’s Assay Offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh).

Components: A standard, full hallmark includes a Sponsor's Mark (maker), Fineness Mark (purity), and Assay Office Mark.

Common Exemptions

  • Small items under the weight thresholds (1g gold, 7.78g silver).
  • Items manufactured before 1950 that have not been improperly altered.