Handmade Gothic/Fantasy, Medieval & Fairytale inspired jewellery, traditionally hand crafted in Fine Silver, Sterling My name is Rachel Hallam. Rachel
I am a self-taught jewellery artist living in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, on the outskirts of the once much larger Sherwood Forest. The materials I work in are Pure Silver, Sterling Silver, 14K Gold fill and Bronze. I can also work with other materials, such as Copper and Brass if required. I like to use unusual gemstones or gemstone combinations in my designs, my personal favourite being Pietersite
. I also like to include cabochons with unusual shapes or cuts in my jewellery designs and enjoy the challenge of finding new ways of setting those stones unconventionally within the piece. I first gained an interest in creating my own jewellery way back in 1991 out of pure frustration of not being able to get what I wanted on the high street, but found it incredibly difficult to find the supplies I would need to get started. It wasn’t until 2007 (and the fact that the world now had the internet) that this became a reality. My interest being rekindled whilst watching a short documentary about the Balinese people and how they make jewellery using the most basic of tools and their bare hands. I was so impressed with how they worked the silver to produce such beautiful jewellery, I just had to have a go. Filled with plenty of enthusiasm, I searched the internet and found the supplies I needs to start making my own jewellery. Learning how to make jewellery takes time, firstly where to start, there are so many techniques and styles and I wanted to learn them all. Since then I have tried new and different techniques, advancing my skill in different areas, these now include Chain Mail, Forging and Forming, Wire Sculpting/Wrapping, Soldering and Filigree (I love Filigree work, this is the most difficult and also the most rewarding). Recently I have taken on much larger soldering projects such as Circlets, Crowns and Torques (Collars). There are many aspects to silversmithing and with each, comes a new discipline to learn. I am keen to keep building on my skills as there is still much more I want to learn. I am currently furthering my skills in respect of adding another dimension to my wire wrapping and sculpting skills by using a weaving and layering technique that has simply awesome results. I am also furthering my skills in traditional stone setting and I am hoping to find some time in the future to start learning how to hand engrave the traditional way. I would like to thank Tim McCreight, Preston J. Reuther and Iza Malczyk for their inspiration, expert tuition and for selflessly sharing their secret knowledge with others which has helped me along the way on my jewellery making journey. My designs are mainly inspired by:
Nature - I love the many shapes and autumnal colours of leaves and the way that the stems of plants entwine with one another, they lend themselves very well to Wedding Jewellery, Circlets and Hair Pins. Viking and Medieval Legends - The magical stories of Viking, Celtic and Arthurian Legend, and Pagan/Wicca beliefs as well as real historical events shrouded in folklore. The “Herne” and “Wild Huntress” Pendants were inspired by such stories. Dark Fairytale and Fantasy Literature - I love the magical and sometimes sinister stories from our childhood like Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty and the Fantasy Literature greats such as “The Lord of the Rings” where dark Fairytale Forests promise great treasure to those who dare. With the increasing popularity of Fantasy Literature, this is and always will be inspiring. The Sherwood Collection was inspired by such stories. Baroque and Gothic Architecture - Beautifully intricate and sometimes over extravagant and almost always opulent. This was the inspiration for the Gallery Crown. Jewellery and Gemstones are my passion and my aim is to design and create pieces that are as individual and unique as you, produced to the highest quality, with a personal and friendly service. All item are handmade by myself and some of the pieces can be adapted if you have a specific requirement. Maybe you would like to commission one of your own designs/ideas. If this is the case then please contact me. I also want you to have piece of mind when ordering items from my site, therefore any Fine Silver or Sterling Silver item above the legally required hallmark weight of 7.78g, will be Hallmarked. The Hallmark will be made up of the Makers Mark for Aristillus Jewellery, the Quality of Silver, the Sheffield Assay Office mark (which is the Yorkshire Rose) and the Year the item was marked. I hope this page has given you an insight into the passion I have to create beautiful and unique jewellery, not only for you ladies but for you men too. Thanks for reading.
