Gold Plated Silver Shell Fragment Studs
One-of-a-kind monocast shell fragments collected on the British coastline, cast in sterling silver and plated in gleaming 18ct yellow gold.
Studs measure approx 10mm across, each shell is beautifully unique due to the mono casting process so the earrings may vary slightly.
The Designer
Julie Mellor is a lover of ancient processes, monocasting and hand forging unique jewellery and objects which look to the first precious items made and treasured by our early ancestors. The small objects found and pocketed along the way provide an intimacy, as a tangible piece of a larger landscape. These could be fragments of shells picked up on the beach, the perfect twig from trees like oak and birch, or seeds from a pinecone or stolen cherry.
These gathered objects are then transformed into metal; often as a direct cast from nature, which burns away the original organic material so that each piece created is completely unique. With a sensitivity to the nature of her materials, Julie combines metal finishes and patination to draw attention to the variety of textures, highlighting their natural forms.
Julie is a hands-on designer/maker, completing all stages of the process herself; from foraging the objects to carefully attaching the delicate wax sprues in order to create each one-off casting mould in a kiln overnight, ready to eventually pour in the molten metal in this ancient, elemental process. She then uses her jeweller’s skills to transform the metal objects into wearable pieces, choosing analogue tools where possible to allow for meditative and responsive making of these precious objects, giving their natural, living origin the respect they deserve.
Jewellery Care
To look after your jewellery we recommend it must not be worn in the bath, shower or whilst swimming and we advise any perfume or hairspray is to be applied before putting on your jewellery to avoid contact with chemicals and cosmetics. Please remove your jewellery before engaging in practical activities such as sport.
Please get in touch to enquire about our cleaning services and restoring surface finishes.
