“I create jewellery that soothes wild souls,
Reminds them of wisdom once shared long ago.
Silver when forged by ancient skills of my craft
Awakens feminine, sacred and strong.”
I have been fascinated by silver from a young age and all through my life this passion has grown.
My formal training was in English literature, in particular Old and Medieval English. Reading stories from a time long gone instilled in me a deep love of different cultures, history, ancient relics, mythical stories and legends - themes which are visible in my jewellery today.
After spending many years in education, passing my knowledge on to a new generation, I realised I hadn’t fulfilled my desire of working with silver. Having my daughter gave me the opportunity to pause, reflect and decide the direction my life was to take. Ornate Alchemy is the result of many years of development and experimentation.
When not obsessing over silver and stories you can usually find me out on the beaches, islands and mountains of Scotland.
I hope you like my website. If you’d like to get to know more about me please have a look at my blog where I practise my rusty writing skills waxing lyrical about silver and crystals, amongst myriad other things.
Elaine
About me…
About my jewellery……
Whilst others rush forward, embracing every new trend, Ornate Alchemy looks to the past. My jewellery draws on the strength and wisdom of those that have gone before. Skills, symbols and stories are the gifts left to us. I believe they can become the tools we use to shape our lives in the present.
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Crafting is a human endeavour. Metal has been worked for thousands of years; skills passed on through generations. Keeping the tradition alive in a technological age I make all my jewellery manually using smithing tools and classic techniques. There is no mass production. There is no AI. It’s just one human, crafting with their hands.
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There is power in symbols. They persist where other things fade. Symbols can transcend time and space, appearing again and again in different cultures in countless eras. I am drawn to sacred symbols, particularly those associated with the feminine. Timeless motifs, like the crescent moon, make frequent appearances in my work.
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Stories are our lifeblood. Coming from a background rich in storytelling I can see how they shape and define us. I aim to tell stories with my jewellery, sharing the inspirations behind every design. By making pieces that last, I hope my jewellery will become a part of your story.
Metal of the Moon…
My main collection is solid silver jewellery that you can wear everyday. It’s not flimsy, you are supposed to feel your jewellery. My silver is melted then forged, shaped into a substantial piece. Every piece retains the maker’s marks - my marks - the signs it has been held and shaped by a person. I want my jewellery to feel like a relic from the past but also a reminder of a human touch in a time increasingly devoid from human connection. I do not cast my work - every piece is made slowly, intentionally. Each piece is unique.
…Treasures of the Earth
I also enjoy working with crystals and stones which, like precious metals, are other natural gifts from the Earth. Taking thousands of years to grow, crystals are a connection to the past yet they can bring empowering qualities to the present. Wearing one is tangible, it can feel like something ancient accompanying you in your daily life. I choose crystals and stones that are cut simply, appreciating the way nature intended them to be. I fabricate sterling silver settings and adorn them with symbols. My partner enjoys the contrast and challenge of setting them in stainless steel.