The creative space behind jewelry
Beth Gilmour saved my day!
As I’m taking out my camera to start shooting Beth’s studio I realize I have 0% battery. And if you’re thinking that I have a second one, no, I don’t have a back up battery ( I know, totally amateur). Beth reveals herself as the perfect host and Englishwoman and offers me tea while we wait for the battery to charge enough so that I can shoot the studio. Oh, and by the way, she google’s an electronics store location so that I can go there afterwards to buy a 2nd battery. Now, isn’t she amazing?!
Beth is this beautiful, tall woman who also happens to be an extremely talented jeweler. I’ve been a big fan of her work for some time and I’m very happy to be visiting Beth’s studio and finally meeting the creative mind and hands behind her beautiful jewelry.
And I’m thinking that maybe I should give the “excuse” of no battery more often cause we ended up having a quiet moment to chat while drinking tea, and I got to know Beth’s work and background better. I actually had the time to sit and truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. Some of her work has this beautiful, ornate floral work on every setting, necklace or ring shank. There are these gorgeous rings with bold gemstones that she calls her “bad boys” (and rightfully so). On another tray lays the most beautiful, delicate rings set with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. And even though I have a preference for rings I have to say that it was Beth’s necklaces that blew my mind. They are true pieces of art and they are hard as hell to fabricate. There’s one necklace in particular (the Garland collection if you gonna look them up) that is composed of small pieces of gold that are soldered together in small groups and then put together with small articulation mechanisms in the back. And did I mention the diamonds? Oh well, you get the point. Did I mention that Beth is insanely talented? Maybe not…
Beth graduated from Central Saint Martin’s and the Royal College of Art and before she created her own namesake brand she worked as a freelance for several well known brands. She gained recognition with her “Dichroma” collection where she created bold jewelry with color changing gemstones and different metal colors in the same piece. She has received many awards and the most recent one is framed in her studio: the Silver Award from the The Goldsmiths Craftmanship and Design Council.
When I finally have 16% of battery charge I am ready to shoot everything on Beth’s studio. There are so many things that I want to record. I want to capture what’s on the mood board, which are small glimpses into Beth’s inspiration: photographs, ethnic sculptures and even a beautiful piece of lace that mimics her designs. The bench sits in front of a huge window that brightens up the studio and I’m sure brings loads of inspiration while she’s working. On her desk lays a couple of gemstones that are waiting to be used on one of her gorgeous designs. Then there is always this wonderful smell and that’s because there’s always a a scented candle burning, a staple at Beth’s studio.
Even though I took photos of Beth’s necklaces I have to see them on a neck. Since I don’t trust myself with trying them on and returning them, I ask Beth to do it. And (even though I don’t use these words frequently): OMG! They are absolutely stunning! It helps that she has the beautiful neck and pose. But am I glad I didn’t try them on otherwise I would have run with those beauties!
Beth was absolutely delightful and it’s always a pleasure to meet such a talented woman! Thank you for sharing your studio with my 16% battery life and for saving my day and the following studio visits.
Beth Gilmour Jewellery
Site: http://www.bethgilmour.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethGilmourJewellery
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bethgilmourjewellery
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bethgilmour/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethGilmour
How did you become a jewelry designer?
“After school I did an art foundation course at Central’s Saint Martins – thinking I’d go on to fashion or fine art…and then I found jewellery and that was it!”
What’s the first thing you do when you get to the studio?
“Put the kettle on!”
What do you like most about your space?
“It’s a calm, bright space….it’s private”
Pick 3 objects in your studio that make it yours?
“1. Plant in the corner
2. Pile of paper/books i.e. clutter
3. Candle – scented”
What’s your favorite spot at the studio?
“At my bench”
Any studio rituals?
“Music off if I’m concentrating. Candle in the daylight”
What do you love/hate doing at the bench
“Love: I love making new models and experimenting with the mechanisms of new components – problem solving!
Hate – filling.”
What makes you procrastinate?
“Being hungry.”
Coffee or tea?
“Am – coffee pm – tea”
What is currently inspiring you?
“Pinterest is inspiring me… looking at etchings and printed illustrations”.
What piece of jewelry do you always wear?
“Small earrings…with a little drop”
Currently obsessed with which metal/gemstone?
“18K red gold… temperamental, so beautiful!”
Piece of jewelry you’re most proud of?
“My garland necklaces, they are lovely to wear, very comfortable”
What’s your dream jewelry piece?
“I’d love to do something with some huge, colored gemstones…maybe emeralds or Paraiba tourmalines.”
Worst piece of jewelry you had to create?
“Something involving camellias (the flower) with lots of cut –outs”
What’s the longest period of time you spent at the studio and why?
“When I’m preparing for the goldsmiths fair I spend about 10 hours a day here… but it’s nice to get engrossed in making things!”
The best thing a client ever told you?
“You’re the best!”
The funniest thing a client ever told you?“They took a look at the little leaves and said “you’re mad”…like you did Ana, this morning!”
What’s on your desk right now?
“My little mac. A propelling pencil, piles of jewellery. a ruler. cashew nuts. keys”
If you weren’t a jeweler?
“I think it would be fun to be a chef…or a writer perhaps…”
Favorite tool
“Micro-torch”