Magnus was murdered on the orders of his cousin 900 years ago, on the lovely island of Egilsay. Power corrupts.
Magnus was a peaceful lad but his cousin Haakon Paulson, who shared the earldom, was a traditional viking who resolved problems by the sword.
The two cousins agreed to meet on Egilsay to settle their differences. On terms of truce, only 1 ship would be used for each earl. However, Haakon maliciously brought 8 ships full of armed men. Magnus was trapped and killed.
Magnus’s body was buried at Birsay and after the St Magnus Cathedral was built by his nephew, Earl Rognvald, he was carried there and his bones placed in a column of the nave. What a beautiful memorial in red for Magnus, and peace. Let’s celebrate peace a bit more, be a bit more positive about folk and feel the sun shine a bit more everyday. Springtime. Life after dark.
Find out what’s going on and how to get involved during the Magnus 900
This year Orkney folk will be commemorating Magnus’s death, making a path following the route his body was carried hundreds of years ago. A good walk keeps our body active and healthy, let’s walk a bit more and appreciate what we have. Life is good.
So I thought I’d share with you a little something special.
Please join me on Thursday the 13th of April at 3pm (BST) LIVE on my Facebook Page and I’ll show you how I clean my jewellery using a few simple tools you can use at home. You can even ask me questions during the video!
We’ve all been there. You’re running late, you’re just about to dash out the door, but you need that perfect necklace to complete your look. What should be a seemingly easy task quickly descends into chaos as you try on a multitude of dazzling options, none of which seem to be a perfect partnership.
Thankfully, I’m here to make this common scenario a thing of the past, with my 7 style savvy secrets to perfectly pair your necklace with the correct neckline.
1. Style up your scoop neckline
A scoop neckline is one of the most flattering, carefully working to elongate the neck and draw the eye down. And because this neckline affords plenty of room, when it comes to adding a necklace, go long or short, statement or subtle. My guidance is usually to focus on the style of the top. If it boasts a print, choose an understated piece, or if it offers a plain backdrop, choose a bolder piece to take center stage.
One of the most common necklines (especially in the world of weddings), the sweetheart neckline works particularly well for ladies with broader shoulders and a straight waist. The open neckline creates the illusion of curves around the neck, so that the eye focuses on the center of your figure. This neckline calls for a shorter, statement necklace, such as a large pendant, or, due to the openness of the neckline, a delicate drop won’t be missed.
A high neckline, such as a polo neck will bring the eye out to your shoulders, helping narrow faced and small chested ladies appear more proportioned. The high neckline can be tricky to navigate. With so much going on at the top, sometimes it’s good to draw attention downwards, by choosing a pendant on a longer length chain.
4. Don’t overwhelm your button-ups
Again, this one is a little tricky, but we’ve got the perfect solution. Shirts and blouses offer the option to be open or closed so if you would prefer to wear jewellery, my advice is to open a few buttons and create a V-neckline. This palette now offers the perfect backdrop for your necklace. Choose a shorter length chain with subtle pendant or drop so as to not overwhelm your look.
When it comes to the V-neckline, a higher option is perfect for smaller chested ladies, while a deeper V-neck will elongate, lengthen and slim the chest for those with a larger bust. When choosing your necklace, the ‘less is more’ motto comes into play. A smaller drop pendant which comes into a point, and perfectly matches the shape of your neckline has a visually pleasing effect. This subtle and sophisticated look packs a real fashionable punch, yet oozes true elegance.
The collarbone and décolletage region is one of the most flattering, yet overlooked areas of the body and a square neckline really highlights this. This style quite literally creates the perfect backdrop for your necklace. Choose something which fills the space, such as a shorter, wider pendant, for maximum effect.
The perfect option for pear shaped beauties, the boat neckline offers balance. It is marked by a horizontal line, which carefully follows the collarbone, helping to enhance narrow shoulders by widening them out. This neckline offers coverage so choose a long pendant to add length and depth. This also helps to break up the look by creating a focal point.
Now that you know your necklines, when it comes to adding your necklace, if it doesn’t feel right or make sense, it probably isn’t right. Selecting the perfect necklace for the job can not only make you look great, but feel it too. Happy accessorising.
Cannot believe it has been a whole month since the launch of Zoe Davidson Jewellery! And what a month it has been. Since the launch, I have been busy creating beautiful jewellery for my lovely new customers and thankful for all the wonderful supportive comments so far.
In this post I would like to highlight a few key moments at Zoe Davidson Jewellery‘s launch, held on the 1st of May 2016.
Samples of Zoe Davidson Jewellery’s Fold Form
Demonstrations Every wondered how jewellery is made? This is exactly what I wanted to show my visitors on the launch day and enjoyed doing it! It is a great way to socialise and create a connection with your audience.
Before working in jewellery, I’d always want to watch a professional at work, no matter the craft. Almost proof that they are who they say they are. At the majority of exhibitions and fairs, you meet the makers behind their stands of emaculate work but think, how did it get from a sheet of metal to a piece of jewellery?
Hoy Sound Collection on Display
I take great pleasure in showing individuals how small a jeweller’s saw blade is and how to measure their ring size. The most common question I had was:
“In what form do you get the silver in?”
The surprise they got when I said “in sheet or wire”, like many jewellers. Demonstrating and explaining the fold form technique was my favourite part: using some fire, banging the metal and showing that something so rigid can be shaped with just a bit of heat. It’s always memorable if you can surprise someone.
Drinks and Nibbles I believe if you want to make an impression at a launch party, keep visitors drinks topped up, give out delicious food and have a consistent theme throughout.
Hoy Sound, my first jewellery collection, is a fast flowing channel of water situated to the South of Stromness. Thus, I thought because my work is sea-related, why not provide fresh local seafood? It also helps that I work at my local fish shop part-time!
Orkney Fish, my local fish shop, were kind enough to sponsor me with providing delicious seafood for the launch. On the menu: smoked salmon pate, crab pate, flaked hot smoked salmon and some scrumptious veggie options. This is an opportunity to thank Orkney Fish and OFS Ltd greatly for the amazing support and providing a fresh taste of the sea to compliment oceanic jewellery launch. Thank you.
But this goes for anyone starting a business: don’t be scared to ask for help. You will be surprised at how generous companies are as they have been there themselves.
Our Hoy Sound Collection shot by Art Mosomi Photography
Images and Film
In the gallery space beautiful images by Art Mosomi Photography had been printed and hung up for show. Images of some Hoy Sound pieces worn on the gorgeous Johan, the face of this collection. Photography sets a pleasant atmosphere and allows individuals to get a clearer understanding of what the work is about. I suggest you get images printed professionally and make sure they are actually good photographs. It shows you are serious in what you are doing. In Orkney, iDesign have been invaluable in creating some amazing work for me, from posters to signs to leaflets. Their customer service is friendly, prompt and more importantly, local.
Zoe Davidson Jewellery [Our Story] Screen ShotFinally, adding a bit of movement and sound in the gallery creates drama to the whole launch. On display, a film telling the story of Zoe Davidson Jewellery, made by Videographer, Gustavo Castro Elgueta and Orkney Musician, James Watson. Artistic to watch and easy on the ear, this film made a great back drop to the event. Having final items to sell is one thing, but giving them a personal story is another. The full video is on my website if interested: Zoe Davidson Jewellery [Our Story]
Finally some tips if you are planning a launch:
– Plan a good launch date ahead of time. Make sure it is not clashing with any other events that may be on in your area.
– Ask yourself: what would I want to see at a business launch? Because it is probably what other people are wanting to see too. For me, is seeing how the work is made and tools uses.
– Ask for help. I could not have launched on my own without the help of friends and family. Make sure you have someone on hand to pass out drinks and nibbles as you need to be connecting with your customers.
– Lastly, relax and enjoy the event, as your business only starts once.
To finish this post, I would like to say a huge thanks to:
– Art Mosomi Photography for the launch photographs and many other services you have provided.
– iDesign for sponsoring our launch and delivering excellent service.
– Orkney Fish who provided us with some amazing local seafood.
– The Pier Arts Centre, Stromness, for supporting us consistently and lending their film projector.
– The Royal Hotel, Stromness who kindly lent us their wine glasses as we would never have that many in the house!
– Finally, my friends and family. For being at the launch, for helping and being so positive. I cannot thank you enough.
Have you ever wandered alone at night worried you are being followed? Or are aware of someone walking behind you? I think it is quite natural to be a bit paranoid about these things.
I have stumbled across some amazing new research and products that may actually save you from situations like these – and even better – these devices come in the form of jewellery!
The Siren Ring
This looks like a normal piece of wearable jewellery. Beautiful stone and totally suitable for wearing on a night out. However, this Siren Ring comes with a special contraption. With just a simple twist of the ring’s top, the piece lets off a screeching alarm which can project a sound of up to 110 decibels. Now that is loud. With this said, this ring only acts as a deterrent – warding off any potential danger. However, there are products which can now track the users location and alert authorities when activated.
2. The ‘Safer’ Pendant
With crime against women increasing in India, five engineering students in Delhi have designed wearable jewellery that incorporates potentially life-saving technology.
‘Safer‘ is a pendant which, with a double click of the device, sends alerts to pre-selected phone numbers (such as family and friends), authorities, as well as nearby users. The device is linked with the wearer’s mobile app and people using the same app within the vicinity of the wearer will receive an alert on their phone. This is an amazing piece of technology, giving power to the wearer when going on a night out.
If the pendant is misplaced or stolen, it will not work without the mobile which it is linked with. On the app, you can mark the device as ‘lost’ or ‘stolen’ and the developers can track the item and help get it back to it’s wearer!
3. The Guardian Angel
On a date that is going badly? Look no further – there is a necklace that can help.
The Guardian Angel can be worn as an elegant necklace or a discrete bracelet. If you are, say, on a date that is not going to plan, simply press the pendant’s secret button. This activates the pendant, linking to the wearers mobile and makes it ring. This is called a ‘fake phone call’. A great way of faking your way out of any situation.
In a more serious situation, the wearer can press and hold down the button for 3 seconds which sends an emergency text to a family member or friend to notify that one is in danger. This text provides important co-ordinates and a link to Google Maps which pin-points her location.
4. The Escape Ring
You never know what situation you will get yourself into. How about getting cuffed and taken by a stranger? These things can happen and do happen.
The Escape Ring is a simple ring made from titanium. But on the inside, this ring contains a feature like no other. Hidden from sight, the item contains a handcuff pick/saw-blade tool all-in-one. The saw is flexible so it can fit into the inside groove of the ring. The saw blade is sharp enough to cut through cable-ties, disposable handcuffs, rope, and other non-metallic materials.
With a bit of practice, this tool becomes easy to use. See a great review at The Gadgeteer.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post as you never know when you will need one of these life-saving pieces of jewellery.
Sorry for the absence been very busy! But here I am finally settled into my new jewellery workshop. I’m going to give you a wee tour of the top 5 of my favourite tools – new and old! – which I use everyday in creating my jewels.
I’m always fascinated by new tools on the market, always eager to find those which save time or make a job a little easier. Since accumulating tools over the years, I’ve noticed that there are some tools which I can’t let go of. Some which I use everyday and am so glad that I paid the money for. So I’m going to share some of these tools with you and maybe you’d like to share some of yours?
The Fold-Forming Hammer
This was the first tool which has stayed with me from the beginning of my jewellery journey. At first I was a bit skeptic and was unsure if this was going to be worth the money – thinking maybe I’d change my style of work. But no! Nearly every piece I create, this hammer is helping me. It stretches the metal to create my folded-forms and has a comfortable ergonomic handle. So this definitely has to be at the top of my list.
2. The Slip-Joint and Accessories
If you have the traditional pendant drill/flex-shaft, you all know how much of a faff it is to change the drill accessories. You have to get the wee spanner, unscrew the cap nut and change the accessory – but I spend most of my precious time looking for this tiny spanner! Now things have changed for the best. I decided to invest in a ‘Slip-Joint’ which attaches to the end of the pendant drill. I have to say – this is one of the best things I have purchased. Just a simple press of the lever and you can pull your accessory out of the collet – no spanner – no faff. Saves a lot of time. Yes it was quite a big investment but it was definitely worth it in the long run. Would recommend it to anyone.
3. The Sand-Paper Rolls
Simple and easy to use these little things are. They are used in your pendant drill and come in various grades. I used to have a split-pin mandrel, wrap sandpaper around it then fix it with binding wire. Again, a lot of precious time wasted. Whereas these little paper-rolls are next-to-nothing and do the job perfectly well. I say – another amazing buy!
4. The Pliers
I love my pliers. Have all types – nylon, parallel, cutters, round and so on. The nylon pliers (front right of picture) are quite a new purchase and are the most useful. Mostly, I use these for making ring shanks because they don’t mark the metal! Even better, the nylon pads are replaceable so you can go on using the same frame for ages. The parallel ones (front left) are handy too in straightening wire. I also bought a pair of Tronex Flush Cutters (left of picture), they are the sharpest wee things and the term ‘flush’ means it cuts at a right angle so leaving you minimal sanding to make the cut straight.
5. The Face Visor
Sanding and polishing can be a messy job. Bits of compound and particles spitting onto your face is never a nice look, especially if you’ve got customers coming through your door everyday! So here, we’ve got the face visor. So good. Forget about those safety specs – why not just save your whole face!? Make sure you look for ones with decent padding around the headband – just makes things a little more comfortable. They’re great too because you can simply lift up the visor up over your head when not in need! The visor plastic sheild is also replaceable so can be used for a long time.
Hope you enjoyed my favourite tools in the workshop and please don’t hesitate to share yours in the comments!
With the Fringe gradually coming to an end it was the perfect time to engross myself into the world of “Dazzle” – the place to be if you are a new jewellery designer/maker like me.
Dazzle showcases the best of contemporary jewellery by new graduates, as well as internationally renowned designers. The reason for my visit was to observe current jewellery trends and check out unusual techniques as I too, am beginning a business in jewellery.
HEATHER McDERMOTT
To start off, I was welcomed by the colourful abstract work of Heather McDermott, a young contemporary jeweller based on the Isle of Skye. Her jewellery is inspired by discarded objects and windswept grasses on Scottish seashores. Heather predominantly works in stainless steel and coats her jewellery with a special vibrant paint, which she then scratches off, to create the illusion of being weathered, just as you would see on a tidal landscape. I find her use of colour really effective in catching attention of the viewer, something to note if you want to lure customers to your work.
Next, I came upon Beth Legg‘s work and it was such a pleasure to look at. For me, granulation is a lovely technique which instantly makes a piece look more intricate. It is the creation of tiny silver balls which are then soldered onto your design, or in this case, soldered together! Legg’s pieces are inspired by the fragile nature of Scottish coastal landscapes. All her pieces are beautifully made individual sculptures, emphasising her sensitive and detailed approach to working.
Another jeweller’s work that caught my eye was Katie Roberts. I instantly recognised her work from stumbling upon it on Pinterest! The work is stunning in person, with the light reflecting off the three-dimensional forms. Roberts has developed an innovative technique, allowing her to create unusual embossed-like lines on the inside of her creations – creating an amazing rippling effect on the metal. Similar to when you see light reflecting off the water’s surface.
I have always been a fan of Jenny Llewellyn‘s work because of her love for sea life. Llewellyn is a contemporary jeweller and creates playful silicone jewellery inspired by luminous colours, shapes and movements found underwater. The pieces really do look like little creatures that could live on rocks and corals! I love how she has successfully combined this gelatinous soft material with precious metals, not usually found in jewellery. I see she always tries to find ways of fixing the silicone forms without the use of glue, this shows her skill and eye for detail in jewellery and makes the pieces high-end. Llewellyn has recently been nominated as one of the “Professional Jeweller Hot 100 2014”, showcasing “innovation, business development and design skills over the past 12 months”, definitely something to be proud of.
Emma Calvert creates statement textile jewellery, combining traditional weaving techniques with contemporary colours and precious metals. Interesting enough, she graduated in BA Textile Design from Central St Martins. Just shows you how diverse jewellery can be. Calvert likes experimenting with woven textiles, transforming a two-dimensional material into a three-dimensional form, which she then translates into jewellery. I have to say, I did purchase a wee present for myself here.
Lastly, I have to mention Heather Woof‘s work. The pieces really evoke a sense of movement. Woof is based in Edinburgh and is inspired by wild Scottish weather – and I think we all know what she means here. She works in hand-cut titanium, steel and precious metals, resulting in elegant wearable sculptures. The colours are beautiful, there is not only blues in the work but greens and purples melded together to enhance a sense of fluidity. I think the colours replicate that of Scotland’s stormy skies and rough seas. It is amazing how she has shaped this hard rigid material into something that looks so elegant and flowing.
Overall, I found Dazzle to be an inspiring event to visit, especially for a new jeweller like me. From what I have observed, I feel that the contemporary trend is growing here in Scotland due to the colours and push for mixed media materials and design. It is great to see that craft in Scotland is flourishing, seems that it is the place to be for a craftsperson. I believe it is important to visit and take part in such events – to observe any changing trends and stay within the loop of Scotland’s Craft community which is growing stronger everyday.
If you have a love for beautiful colours and shapes – have a watch of this brilliant video, showcasing underwater life feeding and opening up their fronds. Just breathtaking and inspirational for everyone.
Just watched ‘The Million Pound Necklace: Inside Boodles’, a documentary showcasing the company’s process in craftsmanship and eye for detail for their most expensive, yet, high-fashion emerald necklace… And WOW the diamonds, emeralds and sapphires are unbelievable.
Seems that customer service is of top priority for their company, such as serving champagne and one on one attention whilst in their Boodles boutiques. From customer’s experience, they feel like they’re not being pressured to buy and like they are part of a “club”, a friendly charming service. The jewellery is indeed pricey, thus it is important to focus their marketing towards extra-special customers, such as celebrities like Classical Singer, Katherine Jenkins (seen left) and millionaires, to keep them in business. Marketing strategies include advertising only in a few luxury jewellery magazines, “word of mouth”, and hosting special events such as the latest, Boodle Boxing Ball, in Monaco seen in the documentary.
Whilst all looking real good in this industry, there is a lot of risk and investment involved. The amount of effort in finding the right customers and attention to every last detail is paramount. After 2 months of making, the final emerald necklace was revealed, called “Green Fire”. The whole suite costs £2,500,000, whilst the statement necklace costs 1 million pounds, which they are still, yet, to seek a buyer.
“Green Fire” emerald necklace worth 1 million pounds — Will you be the next buyer?
Have a watch of this video ‘The Making of a Masterpiece’ which allows the viewers inside Boodles creative process of making the intricate Vintage Lace necklace.
For sometime I had been inspired by Haute Couture/Fashion Designer, Iris Van Herpen, with her innovative catwalk garments and futuristic designs. So I plucked up the courage to email her. To my surprise I got a positive reply and was asked to start as soon as possible in her atelier in Amsterdam. Amazing!
My first day at the studio was an extremely nerve-wrecking one, with other makers and sewers, busy, getting on with serious work. The studio was situated right next to the harbour, with a view of house boats and a great big river. I was met by Iris’s assistant who carried out a small interview and explained what I was to do within the studio. The first job, I remember, was to thread gold chain in and out holes on the sleeves of a black dress. A repetitive but quite theraputic job. Everything, I soon realised, was hand done. The amount of patience and self-motivation needed in this kind of job was essential.
Months quickly passed and I soon learned how to laser-cut, as I believed this could benefit my jewellery. First we cut tiny pieces of plexi-glass, a special hard plastic, which were to be hand-sewn onto dresses. Black patent leather was cut shortly after, which we used for strap dresses, beautifully cut into intricate strips to form the pattern for a short dress. It was truly amazing. These dresses became part of the “Embossed Sounds” Collection, where garments created sounds when pressed. My computer skills on Illustrator quickly improved after drawing detailed Spec sheets and laser files. These had to be perfect. Everything had to be perfect. If not, you were told to do it again.
Laser-cut Strap Dress over Liquid Dress
Strap and Plexi-Glass Dresses in “Embossed Sounds” Womanswear collection.
We even learned how to make the outer layer of stiletto heels. Winding snake chain round heels, shaping carbon and using black pony hair was all needed to create these shows. Cut, shaving and glueing, sanding, brushing, winding. These were some one-off heels alright. Hours of precise cutting to get the most accurate horse hair fit. However, the final result was stunning. Elegant and stylish and perfect for any fashion diva looking to ‘wow’ at a special event. But these heels must’ve been over 6 inches high! Hats off to whoever can walk in them.
After becoming a master of the laser-cutter, Iris handed me the job of replicating her famous ‘Water Dress’. A large wearable sculpture made from special plastic, formed into curling waves and splashes around the wearer. Iris is a polite but driven young woman. I felt honoured to be given such a job and listened to all her guidence carefully. Using gloves and tools, I began to heat up the plastic and stretch and bend it to form these amazing shapes. It was a kind of meditation. After hours of working it began to take its form and look fluid like water. I tended to make the edges of the plastic bubble so that it would look like the sea foam found on waves.
Heat formed Water Dress found on Iris Van Herpen’s Website, part of Crystallization collection.
At the end of the day, Iris approached me and was complimentary of my pieces, saying she was nervous to give somebody this job but that I had achieved the look she wanted perfectly. She was very happy so I was happy.
I reckon the best thing about working at Iris was experiencing what it is like to work in the high-fashion industry. You do not realise how many hours and dedication is needed for this kind of job. Also, most importantly, the people you meet. We became a family and helped one another through the highs and the lows. I met individuals from all over the world: Romania, Hong Kong, Australia, Morrocco, Poland, Germany, and so on. These contacts are invaluable and will stay with me forever.
Seems that customer service is of top priority for their company, such as serving champagne and one on one attention whilst in their Boodles boutiques. From customer’s experience, they feel like they’re not being pressured to buy and like they are part of a “club”, a friendly charming service. The jewellery is indeed pricey, thus it is important to focus their marketing towards extra-special customers, such as celebrities like Classical Singer, Katherine Jenkins (seen left) and millionaires, to keep them in business. Marketing strategies include advertising only in a few luxury jewellery magazines, “word of mouth”, and hosting special events such as the latest, Boodle Boxing Ball, in Monaco seen in the documentary.
Zoe Davidson Jewellery 