Crafting Jewellery From Argentium Silver and Glass In Belper Derbyshire
Hello, I’m Sarah of Violet May Jewellery,
I live and work in the historic town of Belper, Derbyshire, the birthplace of the cotton industry where I craft each item of Violet May jewellery using traditional silversmithing techniques.
My jewellery designs are influenced by the sweeping curves of Art Nouveau, the symmetry of Art Deco and a love of the craftsmanship behind the work of the Arts and Crafts movement, often exploring botanical form and geometric structure.
My jewellery combines traditional silver jewellery making with inclusions of my own glasswork.
My love for glass started at a young age, I was captivated by the sun shining through prisms in the film Pollyanna. That fascination with light and colour stayed with me and eventually glass became my favourite creative discipline to work in.
I learned the fundamentals of glass making during an enriching year at the University of Wolverhampton. It was there that I explored a wide variety of techniques, including kiln formed glass, glass blowing, casting, architectural glass and the cold working of glass.
I continued my exploration of glass and began to make beads over a flame. Becoming fascinated with the colour combinations and patterns that can be produced within the flame.
I first learned traditional jewellery making techniques at an evening class taught by a master gold and silversmith whom I subsequently worked for as their assistant for a year.
Over time I have developed my own style and way of working. First using traditional sterling silver and later Argentium® silver.
Why Argentium® silver?
As someone who personally reacts to the alloys found in traditional sterling silver, and unable to wear sterling silver earrings it was important to me to use a metal that is kind to the skin.
I decided to work exclusively with Argentium® silver for its purity and hypoallergenic properties.
Why Violet May?
Violet May was the name of my Bristol Gran. I have many fond memories of going to visit her and my Grandad Bill whilst growing up.
Violet would always encourage me in my craftmaking by producing all of the pencils, cardboard boxes, wool etc I needed when I inevitably asked for them.
Another great memory is of us laughing together at Father Ted and playing with the Bristol Blue dice in her sewing box.
