The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitejewellery engraved on the reverse, personalised with initials, names, dates, or special messages. The Engravable St Christopher Talisman Necklace, an em- blem traditionally given to a travelling loved one to keep them safe on their journey, is a sterling silver necklace with the St Christopher charm on a belcher chain. Another en- gravable piece is the True North Story Cufflinks, a pair of sterling silver cufflinks with a radiant 18-carat yellow gold vermeil finish featuring a True North compass and fixed backs. Lucky Sixpence Cufflinks has the exact details with oval backs, perfect for a groom or a momentous occasion. The Hammered Curved Bangle is a bigger and bolder clas- sic everyday piece, a sterling silver torque-style bangle with a hammered finish. “A standout piece, our curved sterling silver Nomad bangle fits your wrist like a glove.” Designed with the brand’s signature hammered finish, the Single No- mad Keshi Luna Pearl Hoop has a sterling silver-hinged huge hoop design and a lustrous white pearl charm drop. “Keshi pearls are freeform in shape and known for their one-of-a-kind nature.” Apart from the cufflinks, all the piec- es are available in yellow gold vermeil. When customers wear and enjoy wearing pieces Diane cre- ated for them for many years to come, it makes her delight- ed. “It’s important to me that my customers know the love and care that’s gone into making each individual piece.” The designer sees London as a fantastic place to live and work; it is so multicultural, and she can take inspiration from everything and everyone around her. "I was incredibly keen to leave Devon, where I grew up, and move to London to study here as the city is ever evolving." Whilst creating pieces can be hard work within a tough in- dustry, Diane says their fantastic clients make it incredibly rewarding. “I am lucky enough to work on some amazing bespoke projects. I’m now recycling many customers’ old stones and gold into wonderful new and innovative pieces - making them into new heirlooms.” But best of all, travelling was the best perk of being a jewellery designer as she used to exhibit and purchase stones internationally. Whilst this has lessened over the last few years, Diane hopes to return to exploring the world very soon. Like most designers, the time it takes to construct a piece depends on the complexity of the design. "If the design is relatively simple, it can take a few hours, and more intri- cate pieces can take up to a few days." Diane describes good quality jewellery as well-made, which withstands daily life's rigours. She also loves learning new techniques, so it's es- sential she continues making jewellery. “This also lets us see the world and meet new and interesting people. Exhibiting in several countries has been a huge accomplishment.” Her favourite is the Japanese Embassy in Tokyo. Since perfecting the technique, Diane says she enjoys work- ing with CAD/CAM and creating 3D shapes, which she finds incredibly relaxing. She’s currently working on a col- lection of new lockets. Although creating new products, col- lections, and product launches can be incredibly exciting, she admits it can be slightly nerve-wracking when releasing something new to customers. However, the positive feed- back they receive makes everything worth all the hard work. She advises aspiring jewellery designers to “work hard, keep going and don’t give up your dreams!” She admires Hans Stern, who founded his luxury jewellery brand H. Stern in Brazil in 1945, which initially specialised in precious stones before moving to design-focused jewel- lery. "Hans Stern was an incredible inspiration to me, and he was still making jewellery at 82. That shows passion for his craft beyond doubt." Diane says she "adores purple and loves mixing blue hues, using blue/purple sapphires and aq- uamarines to make a beautiful ombre effect." When asked what her favourite materials to work with are and why, she said it depends on what she is making at the time. “I [recently] made a bespoke gold cuff bangle with a lightly planished finish, so I would choose 18-carat yellow gold because the colour is so soft and warm, and the metal itself is so malleable. It was a delight to make and looks fab- ulous shimmering in the sunlight.” Dower & Hall jewellery can be purchased online on their website, at John Lewis and at other participating jewellers. www.dowerandhall.com Images courtesy of We Are PR