I was thinking of new products to add to my collection. While going through my jewelry sketches, looking at pictures of jewelry for inspiration and then it came to me "what is my style?".
Every jewelry artist has a style of how they do things. A certain way in which they take photos of their pieces, how they design it, the stones they use, down to their clientele. I'm still figuring out exactly what I want my style to be, but there are some certainties.
I have a love for the Victorian/Edwardian era (1837 - 1910), just before WW1. I am an avid fan of Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and the Jane Eyre era. You might be wondering, how does a Jamaican fall in love with historic British culture? Jamaica has been highly influenced by British culture; from it's language, historical architecture, street names, figurines and folk dances because it was once a British colony. I assume that's where my love and respect for antique craftmanship from this era comes from. Growing up in Jamaica, you could see Old English influence in the architecture and especially in the furniture. Walking through my mother's house as a child running my hands over the groves in the tables and chairs. The level of detail, the curves, swirls, bumps and waves that only a skilled craftsman could achieve. Each piece had some uniqueness to it because it wasn't mass produced. A true labor of love.
Jamaican furniture - from 1stDibs
I guess this is why I have such love and respect for antique craftmanship. It expresses a time in history and also a time in my life. This explains the Signature and the Swirl rings are designed the way they are. Its my love for antiques from this era being expressed in my art.
Victoria earrings (unfinished)
This explains my latest addition to my collection. I used Instagram to ask my people (followers) what I should name my latest piece. Without knowing anything else about me other than I'm a Jamaican jewelry designer, they gave name recommendations.
Some recommended Liz, or Elizabeth, some said Marie Antoinette. One person said Victoria … and that stuck with me. It captured everything about the piece and my love for Old English craftmanship. Now, I'm so excited to release my latest earrings, Victoria.
Serendipitous? … I think not.