I am a designer-jeweller making handmade contemporary silver jewellery.

I graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone School of Design/Dundee University in 1998, with a Bachelor of Design, specialism in Jewellery and Metalwork. At university I started experimenting with using clear casting resin to which I add colour compounds to achieve opaque blocks, I soon learned that I could add elements of colour to the clear casting resin for a more subtle effect. Since leaving university I have added glass beads, but now have settled on using glitter. Glitter sprinkled into the mould with the clear resin gives a wonderful effect, one I am very proud of, it makes for a fantastic festive collection.

I enjoy experimenting with polyester cast resin in its liquid form and now combine it with different materials to achieve a new kind of resin with the collections I call:

Pod

Pod, Circles and Squares Collection

Heart

Hematite and silver collection

Star

Hematite and silver collection

Stone

Various stones, glass and silver

Resin

Polyester Resin and Silver

To achieve the contemporary contrast in my work I am now using a mixture of semi precious stones and shells/found materials combined with precious metals.

I have ranges using solely silver as well as collections using silver combined with semi-precious beads and shell, I currently use:

The Influences for my work derived from linear forms, studies from nature and continual experiments with the materials .

I manage to fit the business in around my extremely supportive husband and 3 young children. I run my workshop from home in my wonderful blue shed!

Semi Precious Stones and Meanings

Garnet

Balances your natural energy. A highly protective stone. Increases confidence and security.

Hematite

Great stone for grounding. Calms and soothes, reducing stress and blood pressure.

Aventurine

A good luck stone, especially in financial matters. Stimulates creativity, intelligence and perception. A great healing stone, it gives a sense of mental and emotional well-being.

Fluorite (multicolor)

Enhances spiritual energy work, focuses the will and balances the psyche.

Labradorite

Strengthens the will and inner strength and convictions. Aids in combatting addictions.

Moonstone

Helpful in psychic work. Opens the spirit to the feminine aspect. Draws love and helps in interpersonal relationships.

Peridot

Balances your emotional mind and calms emotional storms. Aids digestion and insomnia and increases psychic powers.

Rose Quartz

Great for attracting love. Promotes self-loving and heals emotional wounds as well as promoting peace, forgiveness, and nurturing.

Smoky Quartz

A grounding stone which helps reduce depression and negative emotions.

Turquoise

healing stone. Attracts friendships, luck, and happiness. Releases shame and guilt.

---

Awards

1997 – Short listed RSA Student Design Award

Publications

‘British Craft Trade Fair’ 1999 Harrogate, 9-11 May.
Transparency of rings used for Promotion.
‘Gifts International’, March/April 1999. Transparency of Neck piece.
‘Medway News’ - 27 August 1999.
Arts Pulse, Medway Galleries, Medway Matters, Medway Council July-August 1999
‘Resin Jewellery’ by Kathie Murphy, 2002