I am really lucky and live near to ancient woodland which in Spring becomes a mass of English Bluebells. The colour and scent is indescribable, especially in late afternoon when it is at its most intense.
It is a very special privilege to walk amongst this magic every day with my dog Jyp. I have made a number of Bluebell Enamel necklaces over the years and this year I have made two. Whilst I was making them I recalled the Children’s playground rhyme, ”In and out the dusky bluebells”, and this became the title of my two latest necklaces.
The first necklace features a large enamel set on a silver plaque. The base for the enamel was hand-engraved before being enamelled and it has fine silver and fine gold cloisonne details. There are silver birch tree trunks at the top which always provide such a striking contrast in the sea of deep purplish blue. At the top of the pendant is an Iolite set in 18ct gold.
The reverse has been hand pierced with a bluebells design as a secret for the wearer. It is hallmarked by the London Assay Office and also has the special mark for King Charles’s coronation. It hangs on a silver chain.
I decided to make a second necklace of a similar design but this time with additional enamel side panels and with fresh water pearls for the necklace.
This necklace comprises a central pendant with enamel beads and fresh water pearls. The cloisonne enamel comprises fine silver and fine gold over hand-engraved silver. It depicts bluebells in ancient woodland with silver birch trunks in the background. The central pendant features an Iolite set in 18ct gold. The reverse has pierced details of bluebells and silver birch leaves.
I entered this second necklace in the exhibition held at this year’s annual Guild of Enamellers conference. This year the theme was ”It’s all in the detail” which seemed to fit perfectly. I designed a display to echo the bluebells with a mirror to show the detail on the reverse.
I was absolutely delighted when this piece was voted joint first in the category by the other conference delegates. It is such an honour to have my work appreciated by my fellow Enamelists and words cannot express how grateful I feel for their support and encouragement.
A perfect conclusion to an amazing and exciting weekend away learning lots of new things, talking enamels, sharing knowledge, meeting old friends and making new ones. I can’t wait until next year!
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