I started making jewellery a few years ago, learning originally so I could mend and recyle old and broken pieces, and make earrings from unusual objects I liked.
I moved on to making gemstone jewellery, particularly wirework items. I've always liked using recycled and repurposed materials and often work with recycled copper pipe which is cleaned, shaped, sometimes etched, then finally polished.
Making jewellery is very much a hobby for me and every item is a one-off, but Leaping Hare in my home town of Thetford sells a few pieces and I was lucky enough to be approached by a seller on Norwich Market, The Other Curator, to offer some items. I have also taken commissions for particular pieces on an occasional basis.
I have an Etsy shop - Etheldreda Gems, but if you don't see what you want or the shop is temporarily empty, please contact me.
The name Etheldreda (pronounced Eth-el-dreda) came from the historical site of the Church of St Etheldreda, very close to which my house stands. Etheldreda was born at Exning in Suffolk, around AD 636. She is said to have been a strong-willed woman who was determined, and succeeded, to live the life she chose for herself. Etheldreda died around AD 680 from a tumour on the neck, reputedly as a divine punishment for her vanity in wearing necklaces in her younger days; in fact it was the result of the plague. My jewellery can safely be worn without causing tumours or the plague!
A pearl, shell pearl and abalone necklace with silver magnetic clasp.
And in contrast, some quirky earrings made from dolls' shoes and a couple more from recycled old-style Christmas tree light bulbs.
A
wirework and gemstone necklace, made from purple colour-coated copper wire, purple agate and amethyst chips.
Earrings made from copper-coloured wire and turquoise.
A Christening bracelet made for my grand-daughter, from 925 sterling silver wire and her birthstone, turquoise.
Some simple copper shapes:
A dancing 50s-style couple
Leaping Hares
A selection of pieces made from recycled copper pipe.