Mar 13
I am absolutely thrilled to be selected as a finalist for the Women Ahead Business Awards as Independent Woman of the Year.
I attended the Awards ceremony on Saturday at the Apex when I found out I was a finalist and there was only one point between us! It was a fantastic night, great food, entertainment and brilliant company.
2013 is already off to a good start! Which this space to see what more is to come for Genna Design!
Jun 04
I’ve been wanting to start doing monthly blog posts on my favourite stones. So I would like to start with this month. As it is June, the birth stone for this month is the Pearl. June is also the time for many weddings taking place so I’d thought I’d mention that I use pearls in my wedding and bridal jewellery to add elegance, and to create timeless classic pieces.
If you would like to know some technical detail about the pearl here is some information below.
“A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusc. Just like the shell of a clam, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.
The most valuable pearls occur spontaneously in the wild, but they are extremely rare. These wild pearls are referred to as natural pearls. Cultured or farmed pearls from pearl oysters and freshwater mussels make up the majority of those that are currently sold. Imitation pearls are also widely sold in inexpensive jewelry, but the quality of their iridescence is usually very poor, and often, artificial pearls are easily distinguished from genuine pearls. Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewelry, but in the past they were also stitched onto lavish clothing. Pearls have also been crushed and used in cosmetics, medicines, and in paint formulations.
Whether wild or cultured, gem quality pearls are almost always nacreous and iridescent, as is the interior of the shell that produces them. However, almost all species of shelled molluscs are capable of producing pearls (formally referred to as “calcareous concretions” by some sources) of lesser shine or less spherical shape. Although these may also be legitimately referred to as “pearls” by gemological labs and also under U.S. Federal Trade Commission rules,[1] and are formed in the same way, most of them have no value, except as curiosities.” taken from Wikipedia
I mainly use FRESHWATER pearls in my jewellery. I love the fact that they are irregular and have lots of character.
Freshwater and saltwater pearls may sometimes look quite similar, but they come from different sources.
Freshwater pearls form in various species of freshwater mussels, family Unionidae, which live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. These freshwater pearl mussels occur not only in hotter climates, but also in colder more temperate areas such as Scotland (where they are totally protected under law). However, most freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China.
Saltwater pearls grow within pearl oysters, family Pteriidae, which live in oceans. Saltwater pearl oysters are usually cultivated in protected lagoons or volcanic atolls.
For more information about the pearl check out wikipedia or search for pearl online.
If you like any of the pieces pictured here please get in touch. They will be listed on my facebook page and available to purchase from my online shop soon. There is only one of each piece so get in touch if you would like to purchase a piece now.
May 31
I was recently ask to make a wedding band to fit my clients 18ct white gold diamond engagement ring. Her engagement ring had 4 square diamonds as the main setting but also had small square diamonds channel set into the shank of the ring.
As she loved a bit of sparkle she also wanted the fitted wedding ring to have channel set diamonds to echo her engagement ring. Now this was a new challenge for me as I had only previously made plain fitted wedding bands with no stones. However I love to try out new techniques and always want to push my practice further.
Sometimes it is hard for clients to visualise a finished design before it is made and my client wanted to make sure the diamonds would fit in line with the diamonds in her own ring. She also wanted to see how the gap and filed detail would look on the ring.
So with this commission I decided to incorporate technology and use CAD (Computer Aided Design) with the designing of the ring. This helped my client visualise how the finished rings would sit together and gave her the 3D effect of a finished piece.
The CAD design allowed us to see how many diamonds were required to make these line up with the diamonds in my clients ring. It also made me realise what thickness and size of diamonds to use in the wedding ring.
I always individually hand make my commissions for my clients but for this design I wanted to go through with the whole CAD and Rapid Prototyping process. (Process which converts the CAD design into a wax model by the use of lasers). As the ring was already designed in the programme it was easy to transfer this into a wax mould due to Rapid Prototyping. I have always been torn about using computers to design and make jewellery, but with this commission it fitted in with my clients budget, time scale and was the most logical process to use on this occassion.
Here are images of the finished fitted wedding ring and an image with both rings so you can see how they fit together.
If you are interested in getting a bespoke fitted wedding ring made to match your own engagement ring then get in touch. Anything is possible and I can work around various budgets. So stand out from the crowd and get bespoke jewellery that no one else has.
May 25
For people who like things quirky, head to the gorgeous gift shop Lovely Things on Dock Street, Dundee.
“Lovely Things is an independent, stylish interiors and gift shop in Dundee, set up by owner and interior designer Lynne Duffus in November 2011, selling everything you could want for your home. The shop has hit the ground running, offering shoppers in Dundee and the surrounding areas a much-needed eclectic mix of Danish design, locally produced art and soft furnishings, vintage pieces and stylish gifts.”
Lovely Things now stocks my Limited Edition Electric Blue Perspex and silver collection including some of these pieces. This collection is simple, classic and stylish and adds a little colour to your wardrobe. The colour is a gorgeous pale purply-blue tone.
If you like what you see here head to Lovely Things to purchase these pieces. This collection is also available in other colours. If you would like to order a set in a different colour get in touch.
May 02
If you are planning on getting married within the next few years, it will be worth a visit to the Wedding Show in the Caird Hall, Dundee this Sunday 5th May from 11.30am-4.30pm. The show is sponsored by the Scottish Wedding Directory, is hosted by Dream Wedding Scotland and promises to be an amazing show.
With over 70 specialist exhibitors to the wedding industry including myself, there will be plenty of people to speak to, to help organise your special day.
If you are interested in getting bespoke wedding rings or engagement rings please visit my Genna Design stand to discuss getting your rings made.
18ct white gold wedding ring and baguette diamond engagement ring
I also make bespoke bridal jewellery including tiaras, hairpieces, cufflinks, tie pins or kilt pins for the best man or you can choose from a selection of already made pieces from my online jewellery shop.
Your wedding day is a special day what most women dream of. So why don’t you get the dream jewellery you’ve always wanted. Contact me to arrange an appointment to visit my studio. I am offering free consultations so get in touch to see what’s possible.
Citrine and irregular pearl drop stud silver earrings
Apr 18
Well it’s quite exciting to find out that I will be exhibiting at the Edinburgh Festival for a full 3 weeks, that’s 23 days in a row!!! I’m used to doing the first 9 days but this year I’m exhibiting during the whole festival.
So I’m going to have to work my bum off for the next few months preparing and making new work for the fair. Ever since I started making jewellery I have been purchasing stones and beads throughout the years as I can not resist a bit of colour and sparkle! However I’ve not had the chance to make everything into finished pieces of jewellery.
As you can imagine I have quite a lot of stones now and they have just been sitting in my materials pile not getting used. So the other day I decided to have a wee look through some of the stones that I have, to spark some inspiration and make new pieces.
A selection of some of my stones – Amethyst, aquamarine, green quartz, onyx, coral, and pearls
In the image is a selection of amethyst, aquamarine, onyx, coral and pearls. I have plenty more stones and beads but I decided to start with one of my favourite stones, aquamarine and placed them together with some samples of silver I had been working on. Then all of a sudden a new neckpiece, bracelet and earrings set were formed.
Work in progress in my studio
I had been working on creating new textures on the metal, so used this piece of silver as a detail on the necklace. Then combined it with white fresh water pearls and aquamarine.
Above is the finished necklace and below is a close up of the silver detail at the front, then the next image is the detail of the catch at the back. It has a hidden hook catch which clips behind the silver piece so can’t be seen from the front.
Aquamarine, fresh water pearls and silver ribbon detail bracelet. These two pieces are completely one off pieces so if you would like to purchase these get in touch.
If you would like something similar made with different stones I also do commission work.
Each week a plan to make at least one new piece of jewellery from the stones that I have in stock. So watch this space to see the new creations.
Apr 16
I’m always looking for new galleries to stock my work and it’s good to keep in contact with places who have stocked your work previously. The Dancing Light Gallery in Peebles was a good gallery for me last year so I got in contact with them to stock my jewellery again.
The Dancing Light Gallery has now been stocked with a selection of one off pieces including this earrings and pendant set, made in silver with oxidised detail, inspired by the Scottish landscape.
Silver Frame layered oxidised pendant and earrings
They also have a selection of my commercial pieces including items from my component wire collection
Aquamarine component pendant, brooch and earrings
And for those of you with a smaller budget, pieces from my glacier green perspex and silver collection are also available from the gallery.
perspex and silver cuff, pendant and earrings
So take a venture out to Peebles for a fun day out with the family and visit the Dancing Light Gallery.
I also make pieces to order so if you see something you like here it can be made to order. So get in touch.
Apr 10
For a wee while I’ve been meaning to add new stock to the website but time flies when you’re running a business.
I have added quite a few new pieces including some fab bargains!!!! So check out the sale section. I’ll be adding more stock throughout the next few days. As everything is an individually handmade, there is only one of each piece. So if there’s something you like, snap it up fast.
I’m still offering free postage on orders over £50 within the UK.
What about this gorgeous new necklace which I’ve added? Silver and 9ct gold wire detail.
on sale from £100 to £80, matching stud earrings are also available.
I’ve also created a gold section on my online shop. I also make pieces in gold to commission, so if you prefer wearing gold jewellery any of my silver pieces can be made in gold.
I have added 16 other items of jewellery which can be seen in the front page of my online shop. Scroll down to Check out these great products. on my online shop.
This Tourmalinated Quartz neckpiece is on sale from £300 to £220. What a bargain!!!!!
To see what other bargains are on offer visit my online shop.
Apr 09
It’s the time of year for the wedding fairs and if you are a couple who are getting married, it’s definitely worthwhile visiting lots of wedding shows.
If you are in the Dundee area, there will be a Wedding Fair on Sunday 5th May at the Caird Hall, 11.30-4.30pm. The show is part of the Scottish Wedding Directory who have their own website and produce wedding magazines throughout the year to help with all aspects of planning your wedding.
The wedding magazines are saying that pearl jewellery is back on trend. Pearls never go out of fashion, wither you want a classic, elegant, vintage or statement look my bridal jewellery collection has it covered.
I individually hand-make my bridal jewellery with irregular baroque fresh water pearls and silver, so each piece is unique.
This is an image of my beautiful client and bridesmaids on her wedding day. I made the silver pearl and crystal, bracelets, pendants (worn by bridesmaids) and the tiara hairpiece and cluster pearls, crystal and silver earrings for the bride. I also made thistle cufflinks for the grooms party and headbands and bracelets for her 3 flower girls.
As well as my bespoke service I also have a range of finished bridal jewellery. My wedding jewellery will be available for sale at the Wedding Fair on the 5th May at the Caird Hall, so please feel free to come and visit my Genna Design stand. You can also purchase jewellery direct from my online shop.
I also have a bespoke service where you can get your tiara, wedding/engagement rings, cufflinks and bridesmaids jewellery made to your own specifications. This way you will have completely unique, handmade jewellery that no one else has.
If you are interested in finding out how you can get a bespoke piece made get in touch.
Mar 23
This year it’s all about making a statement with your jewellery and pearls are back in fashion. Spring/Summer trends are saying that jewellery is getting even bigger!!!
You can certainly keep with trend and make a statement by wearing Genna Design jewellery. I love making statement pieces and was recently commissioned to make a bespoke necklace, bracelet and earrings set for a client.
My client provided the pearls and I designed and made the silver catches and set my agate stone with the pearls.
Here is a close up of the gorgeous agate stone which I used. I feel that I matches the peacock pearls perfectly and so does my client
The pearls were hand strung and knotted in between each pearl for added security. I handmade the silver catches and wanted to keep it as simple as possible and to not over complicate the necklace and bracelet.
The image above is the catch detail of the necklace. Just a simple lobster catch with handmade bar and 3 jump-rings.
This commission was made as a surprise anniversary gift for my clients wife and she was absolutely thrilled. I love seeing a happy client. It’s great when I bump into them in town and so that they are wearing my creations!!! what a great feeling!!!
If you would like a bespoke piece made feel free to get in touch even if you don’t have your own stones I can source your favourite ones for you.
Mar 22
When you have your stock in a number of galleries it’s good to refresh your work and top up stock regularly. So after the busy Christmas period, I have now managed to stock up my 3 best selling local galleries with new jewellery.
The first to be restocked was Alchemia Jewellery in St. Andrews. It’s a lovely jewellery shop stocking various independent and small makers like myself. In the shop you will find pieces from my pearl collection as well as various other pieces.
The Tayberry Gallery in Perth is a lovely gallery which also stocks jewellery from individual makers but sells other crafts such as textiles, glass and prints. In here you will find pieces from my perspex and silver collection as well as my frame collection.
And my closest gallery to my studio is the DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) shop. This is the most recent outlet to be restocked. It is a nice shop with lots of handmade products including ceramics, textiles, toys and lots of gift ideas. They have a selection from my component wire collection and have pieces from some other collections as well. So pop into the shop to see what else is in stock.
Aquamarine component pendant and earrings
If you are a gallery interested in stocking my work please get in touch. I am always looking for new stockists.
If you are interested in purchasing some unusual jewellery for a gift for friends and family or for a wee treat for yourself it’s worth a visit to either of these stockists. To find all the other places which stock my jewellery please visit my website.
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