This necklace is inspired by a visit to Dubrovnik late last year. ‘Pearl in the Adriatic’ is the name often given to Dubrovnik, Croatia. The design is inspired by the view from the cliffs just outside the old town. The colours of the sea and vegetation combined with the textures of the foliage were absolutely breathtaking and I knew immediately I wanted to try and replicate it in enamel as a piece of jewellery.
I studied the texture of the vegetation in order to try and replicate it in the hand engraved texture that comprises the Basse-taille technique.
I explored different shapes in my sketch book before settling on the final design. I decided to use cloisonné for the agave leaves to bring them forward in the design.
From photos and drawings in my sketchbook I engraved the silver to echo the foliage. I then used very thin layers of transparent jewellery enamel to colour the design, using the enamel like watercolours and adding tiny amounts with careful and painstaking placement. To finish the whole piece was ground and polished before making the silver setting and selecting the freshwater pearls that it is strung with. The finished piece carries the memory of that perfect day with the breathtaking view that the wearer can touch and enjoy wherever they are .
Competition Success
I was absolutely delighted when this necklace too won a silver award at the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards 2026. It nearly didn’t get finished in time and it was a real race against the clock. I knew as soon as I saw the view though that I wanted to make this necklace for this year’s awards. It was a huge challenge to finish it in time but I was determined to give it my all. Once I had completed the other necklace, Marsh Dawn that also won an award though!
