The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

Images courtesy of Alison Flanders bite jewellery Explaining further about both these influences, Alison added, “I love the balance and proportion of ancient architectural detailing, which is reflected in the classic shapes and subtle textures of my collections. Using sterling silver, 18-carat gold, precious and semi-pre- cious stones, and pearls, each piece is individually handcrafted using traditional metal-smithing tech- niques to create elegant, timeless, and very wearable jewellery.” After graduating from Middlesex University in 1976 with a BA Honours degree in silversmithing and design, Alison moved to the States where she ran her own jewellery business for years. She also held several teaching positions in colleges of art in New York City, including the prestigious Parsons New School for Design. Her work has been exhibited at numerous events throughout the US and UK, including the Phil- adelphia Museum Show, American Craft Exposition, Chelsea Craft Show, and Dazzle. Whilst she says making jewellery from metal seemed the obvious route to take, blacksmithing would have been her second choice. “I’d still love to work with steel if I could.” With over 30 years’ experience of designing and handcrafting silver and gold jewel- lery, she was first accepted into the American Craft Council Exhibition in West Springfield MASS in 1983. “I never anticipated selling anything and went ill-pre- pared,” she admitted. Alison would describe her design signature as “classic imbued with historic influences with a contemporary look to it.” While making a piece that has longevity and functions well is what matters to her the most as a designer; it must also be comfortable and look beautiful when being worn. She loves the fact she has her own label as she can make a collection unlike anyone else’s. Looking back, the first article of jewel- lery she ever designed was a tiny earring for one of her fellow students in 1982. “He still wears it.” The time it takes to construct a piece is sometimes difficult to say. “I might come up with what I imagine to be ingenious and then take months to resolve it in wearable form. Other times it could take a day or so.” She believes that longevity, quality materials, and beautiful workmanship which come alive when being worn makes a quality piece of jewellery. And preparing for a fashion shoot or show is simply, “clean, clean, clean, clean, and make sure there is a consistency of finish.” Her accomplishments as a jewellery designer have been to continue studying new and different tech- niques and seeking to include them in her collections. “Learning how to set stones was quite an achievement because it was completely out of my comfort zone.” While she is inspired by other jewellery designers, she tries not to be unduly influenced by their actual designs. “I admire their ability to design beautiful work that sticks to their principals.” She then revealed the celebrity she would love to see in her jewellery is Gwyneth Paltrow. As well as her three collections Viking, Vaulted, and Inverse, Alison has completed several commissions. ‘Three Heritage Diamonds’ was creating a new ring using diamonds from a ring that the client had inher- ited from her mother. “She wanted a contemporary ring reflecting a sense of flowing. I loved the result. Elegant, refined and respectful of the gemstones and