The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitejewellery The Golden Scarlett Hoop Earrings captivate the allure of weara- ble works of art. The bold brushed hoop earrings are made from 18-carat yellow gold plated sterling silver, encapsulating the deli- cately engraved gold goddesses. You can also get the same style in the Scarlett Hoop Earrings with the arch in sterling matte silver and the female form in yellow gold. Threaded Earrings in 18-carat yellow gold and polished silver have the goddess figures suspended from a delicate silver box chain. Lara believes thoughtful design using premium materials and ex- pert craftsmanship makes a high-quality product. Evolving from an improvised bench to a full-time business in a workshop in Bristol is an accomplishment she cherishes. "I have hosted jew- ellery-making classes and workshops here and built a network of loyal clients who trust my work, which has been rewarding. Fur- thermore, discovering my unique artistic voice within jewellery design has been a significant milestone." She finds designing an end- less outlet for creativity. “The whole process from start to finish is immensely satis- fying, sometimes frustrat- ing and always rewarding. I love witnessing abstract ideas take tangible form, transforming the designs into wearable art that can carry a person through daily life.” The designing process could take a week to sever- al months, depending on the client and the jewellery piece, and around 6-8 weeks to construct a bespoke piece. The jewellery designer says her designs always start with sketches of the models, so drawing is a fundamental part of her creative process. “But often, the actual jewel- lery making starts with ex- perimenting by hand, mak- ing the jewellery piece either out of metal or carving out of wax. This way, I can better understand the feel of the piece and how the two elements of fe- male portraiture and metal will intertwine," she added. When planning a fashion shoot or show, Lara needs to prepare the rings in different sizes to cater to the models and adjustable chains so the lengths can be altered. “I choose jewellery from my collec- tion that best resonates with the shoot theme and considers the materials and colours that will seamlessly integrate into its overall look. Communicating with the stylist is a helpful way to determine how the accessories will be worn, and I usually supply alternative options for any last-minute changes.” Lara is drawn to warm colour gemstones like yellow citrines and orange sapphires that melt in with the gold. “I do love a bright pink ruby or tourmaline as well.” She works with precious metals, in- cluding her favourite 18-carat yellow gold. "It is vibrant and warm yellow, which I love. It's durable and more reliable to work with than other lower-carat golds. Many of my pieces are made from silver and 18-carat yellow gold. I love the interplay of the rich tone of the 18-carat against the cool silver.” She is a massive fan of jeweller Anthony Lent and the blend of art- istry and storytelling in his imaginative pieces. “I love the playful element of his designs accentuated by intricate attention to detail.” She also admires jeweller and engraver Castro Smith for his exqui- site deep engravings and use of colour and goldsmith Joy BC for her beautiful, hand-carved mini-wearable sculptures. Lara said it would be a dream to design a piece for actress Florence Pugh, who embodies everything her brand stands for. Her advice to aspiring jewellery designers is to develop a deep understanding of the materials for the jewellery they’ll be work- ing with. “For example, if you intend to make jewel- lery out of precious metals, you will need to familiarise yourself with the intricacies and limitations of each ma- terial. Read books, take up classes and apply for jobs in the industry to get your foot in the door! There are [also] countless videos on YouTube covering a wide spectrum of topics relating to jewellery design and making.” The jewellery designer add- ed, “Given the industry’s sat- uration, it’s crucial to discov- er your unique artistic voice and what distinguishes you from other designers. While entering this field may pres- ent challenges, finding your niche and establishing your individuality can be ex- tremely rewarding. It is not an easy industry to crack, but there is nothing else I would rather be doing.” At the core of Lara’s jewel- lery design objectives lies a commitment to authenticity and meaningful expression, focus- ing on achieving balance and harmonious composition. “Quality craftsmanship is a fundamental element of the process, ensuring the jewellery stands the test of time. My dedication to working with materials and processes that minimise environmental impact is equally vital.” Lara Stafford-Deitsch’s jewellery is available on her website and at Diana Porter in Bristol. https://larasd.co.uk