Eileen Moylan

Jewellery Designer & Goldsmith Cork

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You are here: Home / Archives for Silver Surfing

Assay office replacement silver plaque competition

08.14.2012 by Eileen Moylan //

 

Silver Birmingham Assay Office Sign

I’ve written a few posts about the recent problem of silver and bronze sculptures and artworks being stolen from public places. One of the pieces that I discussed this year was the stealing of the Assay Office sign in Birmingham. The sign pictured above is a solid silver sign with 18ct gold lettering. Below the lettering is stamped a large hallmark. This plaque was put up in 1977 to mark the 100th anniversary of the assay office opening in 1877. Birmingham Assay Office is based in the heart of the city’s jewellery quarter and is the largest hallmarking office in the UK.

 

Stolen Birmingham Assay Office Sign

 

Having walked past that sign on a number of occasions I never realised it was solid silver! No doubt the sign has been melted and sold for scrap at this stage, it’s such a pity that this little piece of local history should be forgotten like this.

But thankfully rather than lament the loss of their silver sign the Birmingham Assay Office have taken this opportunity to commission a new sign from a local maker. The jewellery quarter is packed with amazingly talented designers and makers and this is a great chance to recognise and reward this talent.

When I heard about this commission I thought there’s no way they are going to have the sign made in silver again but fair play to them they’ve gotten a local supplier The Bullion Room on board as a sponsor. They are going to manufacture the sign using silver and studded diamonds which they have gifted to the assay office, they will also provide extra security.

Since designers are being given free rein with their ideas for the silver plaque I’m really looking forward to seeing the results. It’s great to see an awful story of theft be turned into a good news story celebrating the wealth of designers and makers in the Jewellery Quarter. I wonder has anything like this happen in Ireland?

Here are the guidelines for the name plaque commission

  1. Designers must be operating from an address with a Birmingham postcode.
  2. The plaque must be a maximum of 19cm wide but could be deeper
  3. It must be suitable to be securely fixed to the stonework flanking the doorway
  1. It should be made from materials suitable for exterior signage. Increased Security will also be provided courtesy of the Bullion Room so designers should not be concerned about creating a high value item.
  2. The item must be suitable to be hallmarked sterling silver i.e. with a fineness of at least 925ppt.
  3. The item will also carry a Diamond Jubilee Hallmark. The last date for striking this is 1st October 2012.
  4. This is an official company sign; the words The Assay Office must be clearly legible
  5. The design should be appropriate to the status of the UK’s largest Assay Office whose mission is to champion high quality standards in the jewellery, precious metal, and gemstone industry. Further information about the work of The Assay Office can be found at www.theassayoffice.co.uk
  6. The designer is not required to manufacture the final article, as this will be undertaken by The Bullion Room. However, the design must be accompanied by a clear technical specification as to its intended method of manufacture.
  7. Applications should include a full size drawing/impression/image of the finished item
  8. The technical specification should detail method of construction, type, and quantity of materials to be used and suitable points of fixing.

Categories // Blog, Silver Surfing

Hand Raised Vessels by Noleen Logue

08.02.2012 by Eileen Moylan //

Noleen Logue

I’ve been meaning to feature the work of Irish silversmith Noleen Logue designs for a few weeks now. Having graduated from NCAD this year, she was just awarded The New Designers Goldsmiths’ Company Award for Silversmithing and ‘Design in Silver’ from the Contemporary British Silversmiths.

Noleen Logue

Her work is centred around the expression ‘it’s what’s inside that counts’ and  features a series of hand raised bowls. The bowls which are made of nickel silver and gilding metal are double walled and have sections cut out. I love her use of materials, she really uses the nickel silver and gilding metal to great effect, contrasting the lovely warm tones beautifully.

Noleen Logue

I also love the way she uses her skills to really illustrate the concept of the work. The work deals with the idea of what lies beneath the surface which is captured perfectly by these vessels with sections removed. The little piece which has been cut out provides us with as much information as the bowl itself. The little touches of using techniques like mokume gane to hint at the make up of the bowl, the inner surface.

Noleen Logue

She makes these double walled vessels and then carefully extracts a section. From the missing section we get a sneak peek into the inner wall of the bowl, this section is embellished with not only mokumé gane and but also with hand made sections of spots and strips, incorporating other metals like brass and copper.

Noleen Logue

Noleen Logue

 

Categories // Blog, Silver Surfing

A silversmiths guide to the Olympic medals

07.27.2012 by Eileen Moylan //

Olympic Medals London 2012

Since everyone is talking about the Olympics, I thought I’d put my own silversmiths twist on the day!

Whether you are a fan of the Olympics or not you will know there are three types of medals awarded to the winners gold, silver or bronze. So I wanted to find out, who designs the medals, where are they made, and are they really made of gold, silver and bronze?

Firstly what metal is used to make the medals?

Unfortunately the gold medal is no longer made of solid gold. In fact the last solid gold medal was presented in 1912. Since then all the gold medals are in fact made of silver which is then gold plated to give it its gold colour. The silver medal is also made of silver, so the only difference between the silver and gold medal is a thin plating of gold! The bronze medal is made of bronze which is made up of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc and .5% tin.

Who designed the medal?

The design of the medal is left to the host city but certain standards must be maintain.

  • Gold and silver medals are to be made of 92.5% silver, which is hallmark quality sterling silver.
  • Gold medals must be plated with at least 6 grams of gold.
  • All Olympic medals must be at least 3 mm thick and at least 60 mm in diameter.

For the London Olympics the medal has been designed by British artist David Watkins. The front of all the Olympic medals carry the same imagery. The Greek goddess of victory, Nike stepping out of the Parthenon to arrive in the host city. For this years games the other side of the medal shows the logo of the games which sits on a grid style design with a square and a wave symbol representing the river Thames and a map?? Ya I don’t get it either!

Where are the medals made?

This year the medals have been made at the Royal Mint headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales. They have produced 2,100 medals for the games. Each medal is engraved around the rim with the sport and discipline of its winner.

Here are some images of the Olympic silverware designed by Nick Munro.

Spoons, Nick Munro

 Olympic Silver Nick Munro

Categories // Blog, Silver Surfing

Chao & Eero

10.21.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

I found this Finnish jewellery company Chao and Eero, who make these amazing anticlastic silver pieces. Since I did the synclastic and anticlastic workshop in Birmingham I’m obsessed with all things clastic! But even if you’re not as interested in the making process you’ll have to agree the finished products are pretty impressive.

Nuppu Silver Pendant
Nuppu Silver Pendant

Each range of jewellery is named after the element which inspired it. Nuppu (pictured above) is the Finnish word for sprout.

Berry Silver Pendant
Berry Silver Pendant
Footprint Silver Pendant
Footprint Silver Pendant
Bubbles Pearl Stacking Rings
Bubbles Pearl Stacking Rings
RingRing Silver Cufflinks
RingRing Silver Cufflinks

The Ringring range is inspired by graffiti, each piece of jewellery in this range spells out its own function like the cufflinks pictured here.

Categories // Silver Surfing

Colourful Silver

10.12.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Sarah Stevenson, Dessert Bowls, Silver & Resin Enamel
Sarah Stevenson, Dessert Bowls, Silver & Resin Enamel

Since it’s so dark and wintery out there today I went in search of some bright and colourful silverware. Thankfully there is no shortage of brilliant silversmiths who use colour in their  work.

Sarah Stevenson, Dessert Bowls
Sarah Stevenson, Dessert Bowls

 

The first silversmith I’ve chosen to lift the winter blues is Sarah Stevenson. Her work combines the metal with a range bright colours that sit perfectly together. The dessert bowls above are a perfect example of this, the flowing reflective silver is beautifully contrasted by a bubble of colour.  She makes these pieces in silver plate but also offers the option of having them made in sterling silver. So they can suit any price range.

Sarah Stevenson, Shots
Sarah Stevenson, Shots

 

Victoria Delany, Table setting
Victoria Delany, Table setting

The second silversmith that isn’t afraid of a bit of colour is Victoria Delany. Her range of tableware combines the traditional with the contemporary. These candlesticks are a great example of this. They are quite traditional in their form yet the use of  blocks of colour transform them into something new and exciting. The colours used range from vibrant red and yellow to the more subdued grey and wood blocks.

 

Victoria Delany, CandleStacks
Victoria Delany, CandleStacks

Categories // Silver Surfing Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary silverware, Silver, silversmith, silversmiths techniques, Women Silversmiths

Patron Saint of Silversmiths

10.06.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Andronicus and Athanasia
Andronicus and Athanasia

For those of you who don’t know this Sunday is the feast day of St. Andronicus, the patron saint of silversmiths. I did some reading on our patron saint but unfortunately I couldn’t get any information on his career as a silversmith. Here’s what I did find out…

Andronicus was born in Alexandria, Egypt and trained as a silversmith. He married Athanasia and went on to have two children who later died in a local plague. Following their childrens’ death Athanasia and Andronicus returned to Egypt where they became hermits in the desert. Here they lived separately for twelve years. Athanasia had disguised herself as a man when she became a hermit and her true identity was not discovered until her death. The story goes that Andronicus travelled to Jerusalem to join a monastery and met a man on his journey. On arriving in Jerusalem the two men joined the monastery where they lived until their death. It was not until the man died that Andronicus discovered it had actually been his wife in disguise. I’m not sure how much of that I believe but if it is true it says alot about mens observational skills!

So there you have it, the story of the patron saint of silversmiths!

 

Categories // Silver Surfing Tags // Silver, silversmith

Origin

10.03.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Origin contemporary craft fair was held in London last week. When I started researching this years show I had planned to write about all the great events going on and how great it was to see lots of new makers showing their work. But when I started looking at the list of exhibitors and their amazing designs I got completely distracted. I’ve now turned into a greedy child that wants it ALL!

So here’s a small sample of all the amazing things I want…

 

Jeremy Cole, Orchid Cymbidium
Jeremy Cole, Orchid Cymbidium

Jeremy Cole‘s ceramic orchid lighting. I love the delicacy of his lighting. These beautiful lighting pieces are made using bone china. His work is influenced by plants and flowers like his Aloe Blossom collection which is inspired by the agave plant.

Eileen Gatt, Silver
Eileen Gatt, Silver

I know I featured Eileen Gatt‘s work when I talked about Goldsmiths’ fair but when I saw this on the Origin Uk website I had to include it in my wish list. And it’s not just because I found another silversmith called Eileen!

Kate Wood, Barnacle Necklace Freshwater Pearls
Kate Wood, Barnacle Necklace Freshwater Pearls

If you want to see more beautiful jewellery like this have a look at Kate Wood‘s website she has lots more silver and pearl pieces.

Sarah Warsop
Sarah Warsop

Sarah Warsop is a jewllery maker who’s work is heavily influenced by dance and choreography. It’s really evident in her pieces which have a beautiful fluidity and movement.

Mizuyo Yamashita, Ceramic
Mizuyo Yamashita, Ceramic

I found this ceramic piece on the Origin website but when I went looking for the makers website it seems to be under construction.

Well there you have just a small sample of all the beautiful work on display in Origin this year.

Categories // Silver Surfing Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary craft, contemporary jewellery, contemporary silverware, Jewellery

Adi Toch

08.23.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Oil Drizzlers, Britannia Silver, Adi Toch
Oil Drizzlers, Britannia Silver, Adi Toch

Today I decided to give you a look at the work of Adi Toch. This Jerusalem born silversmith creates these amazing symmetrical yet organic forms. All her vessels have these beautiful bulbous shapes and explore the ways we use tableware and other functional vessels.

The perfect example is her ‘Pinch of Salt’ pot which is pictured below. As well as looking amazing this pot does exactly what the title suggests. It allows the user access to just one pinch of salt, perfect for anyone watching their blood pressure! The other ingenious thing about this vessel is that salt will not spill out if the pot is tipped over.

Pinch of Salt, Adi Toch
Pinch of Salt, Adi Toch

The other notable thing about her work is the choice of finish, each piece whether it be satin finished, oxidized or gold plated is done to perfectly compliment the form.

I think the ‘Reflection Bowl’ is a great example of this attention to detail. The deep dip of this vessel is exaggerated by her use of patina, with each drip emphasizing the curve down to the opening.

Reflection Bowl, Adi Toch
Reflection Bowl, Adi Toch
Pebble Bowl, Adi Toch
Pebble Bowl, Adi Toch
Grey Jug, Adi Toch
Grey Jug, Adi Toch

Click here to have a look at her website.

Categories // Silver Surfing Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary silverware, Silver, silver vessel, silversmith, silversmiths techniques

Nervous System

08.11.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

Xylem central roots brooch, detail
Xylem central roots brooch, detail

Since I got a chance to see inside the JIIC in Birmingham I’ve been fascinated by 3D printing, partly because now I know how it works! That’s why I fell in love with the jewellery of Nervous System. This American based company uses computer programs and 3D printing to manufacture a range of nature inspired jewellery.

'Hyphae Vessel' Pendant
'Hyphae Vessel' Pendant

The jewellery is divided into ranges, all bearing the name of the area of nature which inspired them. My favourite is the Xylem range which takes its name from the plant tissue which makes up leaf veins. These pieces are made up of an intricate and detailed leaf vein design which is produced in a number of materials such as stainless steel and silver.

Xylem Central Roots Brooch
Xylem Central Roots Brooch

The dendrite range below takes its inspiration from the growth of coral. If you wanted to design your own unique version of this pendant Nervous System have the program on their website. Once you have a design you’re happy with they will make it up for you. If you want to see the video demo of how to design your own piece click here.

 

Dendrite Full Moon Series
Dendrite Full Moon Series

Who would have thought you could make algae pretty!

 

Algae algal bloom pendant
Algae algal bloom pendant

 

 

Categories // Silver Surfing Tags // 3D printing, contemporary jewellery, Jewellery, Jewelry, Silver, silversmith

Shimara Carlow

08.03.2011 by Eileen Moylan //

 

Shimara Carlow, Fine Silver Oxidised & Gold Plated Bowls
Shimara Carlow, Fine Silver Oxidised & Gold Plated Bowls

I recently came across the work of Scottish based silversmith Shimara Carlow. It turns out she was born in West Cork so since it’s the Cork Craft Month I thought it was as good a week as any to show you some of her work.

As well as her jewellery collection she has a large range of hand raised vessels. Some of which like the pieces above are oxidised and gold plated. Oxidisation is a process where you blacken silver using a solution called Liver of Sulphur. The solution reacts with the silver to create this deep black finish. I’ve read that you can use food that gives off sulphur like boiled eggs but I haven’t tried it. Apparently you mash up a warm boiled egg and put it in a plastic bag with the silver item. It sounds a bit messy but the Liver of Sulphur smells so bad I’d be happy to try the less smelly alternative. Oxidisation only works on metals like copper and silver so the gold in Carlows bowls remains unaffected.

Here are some more photos of her silversmithing work, have a look at her website to see her jewellery.

Fine Silver Eggshell shots, Shimara Carlow
Fine Silver Eggshell shots, Shimara Carlow
Fine Silver Perfume Vase, Shimara Carlow
Fine Silver Perfume Vase, Shimara Carlow

 

Hand Raised Bowls, Shimara Carlow
Hand Raised Bowls, Shimara Carlow
Hand Raised Fruit Bowl, Shimara Carlow
Hand Raised Fruit Bowl, Shimara Carlow

Categories // Silver Surfing Tags // contemporary British silver, contemporary Irish silver, contemporary silverware, Silver, silver vessel, silversmith

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