This next chapter about circularity shows how I re-purpose initial design samples into jewellery that can be worn and appreciated.
So, what’s a jewellery sample? These are prototypes for new designs, where I’m experimenting to create a particular tone of combined paints, or testing out the balance of contrast between paints to create that eye catching effect.
Gorgeous earrings from a variation on the colours used in the Blue Moon & Stars design
Once the finished version of a design has been reached (and the exciting new design launched!), those early versions remain. Up until now, they have lingered around in my stock cabinet, however it can be exciting to get creative with these samples, turning them into unique pieces which can be snapped up at markets for less than the full price.
Selling jewellery samples contributes to circularity by reducing wastage. Rather than hiding away unappreciated , these become treasured pieces to be worn, loved and shown to the world.
Pendant from a Forest Light prototype
Prototypes for new Designs
My most recent design; Arran Flow, incorporating sand from Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran, went through two iterations, which I shared with customers for feedback via my monthly newsletter.
I learned a lot about the first experiment with sand on the star decorations, namely that it was necessary to create the band combing paint and sand first and let it set, otherwise the sand seeped into the rest of the paint and lost its impact.
Image 1 - star decorations where I first tried out the sand
Image 2 - Prototypes 1 and 2
Image 3 - the finished design
Image 4 - a Prototype pendant available to buy
One off Designs
Every now and then I like to challenge myself with a variation on an existing design.
I had these beautiful crescent moon crystals and wanted to create Statement Earrings using the colours from the blue starry skies design of the Moon & Stars Collection.
Using the colours on a disc shape rather that moon and star shapes meant I had to find a different way of using the colours.
Image 1 - the initial prototypes on plated metal alongside the blank sterling silver pieces with the crystals
Image 2 - the finished Sterling Silver Statement Earrings
Images 3-5 the original prototypes now available as earrings, each pair is completely unique and has sterling silver earring wires to make them that bit special. Which is your favourite?
Design samples are different from jewellery “seconds” in that they have no imperfections, rather they’re simply an earlier form of the design.
Prices for samples/prototypes are therefore more than seconds, but less than the full price for the finished design version.
Last but not least, in 2024, I created the vibrant green and gold Forest Light design. The prototypes show the evolution of the design and the balance and placing of the green and gold paints.
Image 1 - initial prototypes
Images 2 & 3 - the finished design
Image 4 - prototypes available as Statement Earrings
Image 5 - prototype available as a Pendant
So where can you browse the available samples? I’ll have these at most markets this year, starting with the wasps_Studios Summer Artists and Makers Market in Glasgow 22- 24 August.
Checkout the market schedule on my website for all the details. If you’re not nearby, please do get in touch via the Contact Form to enquire about available Prototypes.
Thanks so much for reading this Blog!