Continue reading »]]> With Valentine’s Day not too far off I thought I would join in on the love theme and make some new jewellery.

Love is in the air with my red chilli perspex and silver pendant and earrings. Give your loved one a little bit of spice with these fabulous jewels. These can be purchased on my online shop

I have lots of colours of perspex to choose from so if you would like these made in another colour get in touch.

I will also be exhibiting at the Morningside Makers Market on Saturday 4th February from 11-4pm at the Columcille Centre, Edinburgh. So if you want to get something really unique for your special Valentine then come along to the show or visit my online shop to see what other pieces are available.

I will be adding more jewellery to my online shop in the next few weeks so check it out.

Continue reading »]]> I really enjoy making bespoke commissions for clients and know that the process can take some time. Sometimes you meet people interested in your work when you do exhibitions, but for some reason they don’t purchase something then and there. They take your card and have a wee think about it. Some come back others do not, but it’s all part of the process of getting your work out there and meeting new potential clients.

Back in August, I met new customers at one of my shows in Edinburgh. They were really interested in my unusual stone set pieces and particularly liked my dendritic quartz ring on my old business card. Unfortunately for them the piece had sold but I showed them other stones that could be made into something similar.

I spent a lot of time with the clients discussing what could be made. She really liked one of my larger dendritic quartz stones and suggested getting it made into a ring. However she wanted to go away and think about it.

Now sometimes when dealing with people, they go away and don’t come back. But 4 months later, her partner got back in touch asking if that stone was still available. To his surprise it was and we know that it was meant for his partner. Originally his partner wanted a ring made from the stone but due to my expertise, I suggested that as the stone was so large. This was me, who loves making large statement rings saying a stone was too big! But I as the designer though it would work better as a necklace, the client agreed.

Here are the original designs

He decided the simpler of the two designs would be more suitable (second sketch). Here is the finished piece in silver with Dendritic Quartz stone and oxidised detail.

Back of the piece with steel pin and tubing for chain to go through. Can be worn as a brooch or pendant.

Front on chain, shows how it would look as a necklace.

So if you have seen my work at a show ages ago and would like something made into a nice piece of jewellery get in touch.

Continue reading »]]> Another two galleries which have stocked my jewellery over the years are Pebbles Jewellery, Edinburgh and Cecilia Colman, London. They haven’t had my work for a least 6 months so I got back in touch with them to see if they wanted to stock my new range of perspex and silver jewellery. They both came to visit my stand at the BCTF, Harrogate in April and both took a liking to the glacier green collection.

They both have been restocked with the full range of the glacier green collection and Pebbles also has a small selection of my pale blue perspex and silver pieces which included these gorgeous cufflinks.

Why not treat your man to a nice pair of cufflinks for Christmas?

Or add a little colour in your life as the nights are getting darker and purchase a nice piece of glacier green perspex and silver jewellery. Classic, stylish and timeless designs.

Continue reading »]]> Over the past 4 years of being in business I’ve realised that it’s good to keep in contact with your current galleries, let them know of new ranges and designs, build a relationship with them and refresh your stock regularly in order to increase sales and keep your work fresh.

So as I’ve had my jewellery in the Smokehouse Gallery, Eyemouth and Artifex Gallery, Sutton and Kalo Jewellery, Glasgow since last Christmas and my pieces have continued to sell well, I decided that it was about time to do a restock in time for Christmas to make the most of the sales.

The Smokehouse has been refreshed with my rollered collection

Artifex has a lovely selection of my popular frame with gold leaf collection

and Kalo has been topped up with my Tourmalinated quartz component and geometric wire with green quartz collections

It’s now a good time to start buying your Christmas presents and jewellery is a fantastic gift to give to your loved ones. So why not head over to these stunning galleries to see what’s on offer and to inspire you to start your shopping!

Continue reading »]]> During the past few months I’ve been busy sourcing new galleries to stock my work in time for Christmas. The first new gallery to stock my work is The Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge.

This new gallery has a selection of 20 pieces which range from my frame and labyrinth collections

to my Tourmalinated Quartz geometric wire pieces

They also have some of my green quartz and aquamarine pieces as well as a few new pieces.

So if you are in the area take a visit to the Heart Gallery and purchase some gorgeous jewellery for Christmas presents.

Continue reading »]]> A client contacted me recently who was interested in getting a simple wedding and engagement ring set and didn’t want to spend too much money as we all know weddings can be very expensive.

She didn’t wear much jewellery and wanted it to be timeless, easy to wear and understated. She also preferred white metals to yellow gold so went for the option of 9ct white gold as that was also within her budget.

Here is the completed set

The natural colour of 9ct white gold has a slight yellow tinge. If you go to most high street/ big brand jewellers they will only give you the option of the 9ct white gold with rhodium plating. This comes off over time and will need re plated at least 1-2 times a year depending on wear. My client decided to go with the natural look as the colour is very subtle and it suited her complexion.

So if you don’t have a massive budget and would like a simple, timeless engagement or wedding ring please get in touch.

Continue reading »]]> As a jewellery designer maker I spend quite a lot of my time making jewellery for galleries/shops, remaking my commercial pieces which sell well and taking on bespoke commissions. So sometimes it’s hard to take time out and design fun, statement pieces which I always did while at art school. Be really creative without thinking if a piece will sell and just experiment.

For two days I decided to take time out from making commissions and pieces for galleries to spend the time on making something really unique with my unusual stones. I recently read about this seasons trends from the Guild of Jewellery Designers Website. It looks like this trend will continue into next Spring too.

Characteristics across the Autumn/Winter themes are:

• Statement Everything! Jewellery is even bigger and more adventurous than before. Rings, chokers and cuffs are bolder, more colourful and more varied, with greater attention to colour blocking and mixed media.
• Gemstones are huge and not necessarily traditional faceted stones. Rough cuts and agate slices are a popular look.
• Layering and stacking of bracelets, rings and necklaces will still be a key trend – almost like building your own statement piece! It offers greater versatility and creativity for jewellery lovers; smaller, finer, lighter pieces can be layered in a variety of combinations allowing you a bespoke look every time. It’s also a style well suited to the capsule wardrobe, so great if you’re on a budget.
• Shoulder dusters – earrings so long that they literally ‘dust’ your shoulders.
• Metallic – large, heavy metal pieces, ergonomic designs and layered, woven chains; with shiny, textured, coloured and oxidised finishes.
• Personalised and kinetic jewellery is still in vogue. These pieces are great conversation pieces as well as being something unique and symbolic.

…and realised my own work actually fits into this seasons trends so I found it quite easy to design new work. I bought stones back in February at Inhorgenta, Munich which I kept on meaning to make into something, in particular statement rings. One of my favourite stones is dendritic quartz as I love the natural inclusions or ‘dendrils’ that form while the quartz is crystalising. Each piece is really unique and has character. I wanted to make something quite rough and rustic looking, here is what I made. Dendritic quartz and oxidised silver ring (approx size N-P, difficult to size due to thick square band).

I had some rough Tourmalinated quartz nuggets which I had had for ages and had been meaning to make into something. So I made them into this fabulous statement neckpiece.

I recently sold my Kyanite Wire Ring, which was one of a number of large statement rings which have sold in the last year. Sometimes I make a gorgeous ring and it is drooled over by dozens of women over a couple of years at shows. Once snapped up I hear comments like It sold, aww I loved that ring since I saw it 2 years ago, Where is the … ring, I had been admiring it for a while. So if you fall in love with a ring like the new dentritic quartz ring, it’s best to snap it up whilst you can.

If you would like to buy either of these pieces, please contact me for prices.

Continue reading »]]> After exhibiting at the wedding show in Dundee earlier on in the year I met with a couple who wanted me to make their wedding and engagement rings.

The female client already had an engagement ring which was purchased a while ago but was not to her taste any more. As it still had the sentimental value she wanted me to use the diamonds in the ring and set them into an 18ct white gold band which was to be her wedding ring. For the new engagement ring I was to source a princess cut (square) diamond which was to be set in 18ct white gold and the two rings were to fit together. And for him – he chose a simple classic silver wedding band, the bottom sketch.

Here are the sketches of the design

Here is the finished 18ct white gold engagement and wedding ring set

When I asked the client if she was happy with the design and how it turned out she said they had turned out even better than expected.

I’d like to thank all my customers who have commissioned a bespoke piece, it gives me a chance to experiment with designs I might not normally produce and challenges me skills. I really enjoy taking on commissions like these.

If you would like a bespoke wedding or engagement ring made from scratch or made using some of your old pieces of jewellery please get in touch.

Continue reading »]]> Back in February I had the opportunity to visit Munich as a research trip and attended one of the worlds largest jewellery trade shows Inhorgenta, it’s basically the Crufts of jewellery shows!

The show itself was absolutely massive and totally overwhelming to begin with as there was so much to take in. Unfortunately cameras were forbidden in the hall so no photos I’m afraid.

With a hall devoted to tools, display, packaging and technology, one hall for large brand jewellers (like Thomas Sabo – who had a huge funky stand) and watches (Fossil – giant wooden cube). There was a hall for smaller designers which were separated into collectives/groups, universities. It was nice to see some British designers like Jane Adam and recognised some silversmiths who exhibit at goldsmiths. This hall also had the more established independent German designers. The range of work was mind blowing and the Germans really are the most talented jewellers! Their pieces were mostly made in 22ct yellow gold, most of which were very simple but chunky designs. The pieces were extremely well made and finished to a very high standard. It was really inspiring to see such innovative designs and it’s made me realise that I want to produce creative, one off statement pieces again.

Two huge halls were also devoted to precious, semi precious stones and beads, I was in heaven! It was an amazing experience and I could have quite easily spent an absolute fortune. But I went with a budget in mind and Alan helped me keep my sensible head on and stopped me spending too much! I could have spent my whole budget on the first stall I found as it was full of my favourite stones, including Kyanite, dendritic quartz, rutile quartz in the unusual cuts that I use.

Some stalls had open shell schemes with tables covered in loose stones to pick up. I learned quite quickly that some stalls were more expensive than others as stones were individually boxed and locked in cabinets. These stalls were set up as a retail outlet. They were also a lot quieter so you knew not to enter those ones unless you had mega bucks to spend!

Lots of stalls sold strands of different gems and beads, hanging from the top of the wall right down to the ground. Quite a lot of the bead stalls had the same or similar stock but charged different prices, so it was good to look and compare before you bought. Some gave discounts when you purchased a set amount, most had minimum spend in store. This was quite annoying as I saw some nice strands but only wanted a few things but their minimum spend was €500.

They all had different ways of pricing, some didn’t have prices. Most were in euros and had weird codes so you had to ask the staff for help. All the stalls had small baskets or trays for loose stones (these were priced per carat). Most stalls only took cash and you had to specifically ask for receipts. One of my friends visited last year so I was prepared with cash and ready to ask for receipts but some places wouldn’t write them so I had to make notes of what I spent and from whom.

As the show was so big we split it up into two days, one day for stones and one to look at the designers (though I did go back to one of the stone stalls to get some more). Here are two of my favourite type of quartz.

Dendritic Quartz

Tourmalinated Quartz

These are some of the stones I bought and can’t wait to make some new exciting pieces. Hopefully I’ll have some of these made into fantastic new pieces by the Westend Festival in August, so come visit my stand during 6th-14th to see what’s new.

If you would like something made with any of these stones please get in touch.

Over the years I have been collecting stones. I now have a large selection of stones which are ready to make into some gorgeous pieces of jewellery. Here are a set of green amethyst (purchased from my London supplier) and two topaz which I purchased in Mexico a few years ago. Now that I am a full time self employed jeweller I will have the time to make some exciting new pieces with these stones.

Continue reading »]]> One thing I love the most about doing a commission is working closely with the client and seeing their reaction when a piece is complete.

I was contacted by a male client to make an unusual ring made in 18ct white gold using his partners own diamonds from old rings she didn’t wear any more.

He spent some time looking at designs on the internet, but they were quite traditional and he knew his partner would like something really unique. Originally he wanted to get it made as a surprise but in the end we included his partner in the design process.

These are the original designs which were selected as inspiration.

Out of the designs he had originally selected and some other ones which his partner chose, we discussed the elements which she wanted to be in her new ring. There was a lot happening in the designs. I asked my client to choose which rings she liked the best. This helped me to refine my own design for the ring.

So I went away and designed a variety of rings on paper for her to choose from and this was the final design that was chosen. My client really wanted a large statement / knuckle duster style ring with the 10 diamonds from her old rings set into it.

I was pleased that she ended up choosing a really unusual, chunky statement ring as I really enjoy making one off pieces and this design was a great challenge. Here is the final ring made in 18ct white gold with 10 diamonds.

The actual ring lies along the finger to the knuckle and is apporximately 3cm in length. My client was absolutely thrilled as it was exactly what she asked for getting something totally unique that no one else has and fitted perfectly.

This piece truely is a one of a kind Genna Design!

If you would like something totally one off made bespoke for you, please get in touch.

Continue reading »]]> I took part in a fantastic fun night of craft in Drouthys, Dundee organised by The Two Dolls.

They have recently set up shop on Meadow Side and organise sewing, knitting, embroidery classes as well as creative writing workshops. Check out their facebook page

The event the other week that I went to was Speed Crafting. There were different crafty projects to do including paper box making, corsage packs, fabric stuffed with smelly things and demonstrations on how to make one of Jill’s fabric bangles using the embroidery machine.

It was a fun relaxed atmosphere and was a great chance to meet new people interest in making things. Here’s what I made

square fabric bangle

corsage fabric brooch

This is totally me as it has stripes and polka dots and of course has red and black in it!

Looking forward to attending more events like this, well done Jill and Zoe!

Continue reading »]]> A client contacted me who had some old gold rings that she never wore and she also had a troy ounce gold ingot that was kept in her jewellery box. She wanted two rings made from the gold that fitted with her current engagement ring, one as a wedding band and one as an eternity ring.

Normally when I make commissions or other jewellery I buy in the materials and make the pieces from these. So this was a new challenge as I had not melted down gold before, never alone seen a real gold ingot so this was really exciting!

Clients gold rings and ingot

The rings themselves were a combination of 9ct and 18ct and the ingot was 999. As I had never worked with 999 before I wanted to use the ingot to make these rings and to get it hallmarked at the highest standard rather than mixing the golds together. The diamonds from the rings were also to be used and set into the new rings.

I decided to make silver sample rings before going ahead and making them in the gold, the ring in the centre is the clients own ring. I made one v shaped and the other curving round the engagement ring to create a different look. In the end we thought that the V shaped rings either side would be best. One of the rings would be thicker to fit the 3 larger diamonds and the other ring was to be thinner with the two tiny diamonds and the 2mm diamond taken out of my clients old rings and reused.

Silver sample rings with clients engagement ring

The process of melting the ingot proved to be difficult and time consuming, but was a great learning curve. I purchased a skillet to melt the gold into and cut the ingot into strips and laid them into the skillet. Unfortunately the skillet obtained most of the heat and my blowtorch couldn’t make the gold melt. So I tried laying the gold strips onto my honeycomb blocks and melted the strips together which worked!

Then by using my drawbench I drew the gold down into square wire and used my rolling mill to flatten the metal.

999 carat gold is such a soft metal to work with. It files, sands and forms very easily so it was very nice to work with but you have to be very gentle with it. The next stage was to create the V shape, form the ring and solder.

Ingot made into gold ring

I did this process twice but made one of the rings thinner than the other as the smaller diamonds were to be set into this ring. When wearing all rings together it would have been really chunky if both rings were the same thickness so I thought it would be best to make one thinner and the diamonds wouldn’t be lost with a thinner shank.

Next I smoothed the  edges by filing and sanding with soft grade files and paper. Then soldered the 18ct white gold tubing onto the rings, cleaned, polished and then finally set the stones.

Clients engagement ring in centre with the two new rings made from the ingot either side.

It was a great experience making these rings and I learned a lot from it. So if you have any gold jewellery that you no longer wear which is sentimental to you. Instead of leaving it in your jewellery box come to me to get it made into something that you can enjoy wearing again.

Continue reading »]]> A client recently contacted me to make an engagement ring for his soon to be fiance (now fiance). His partner is an architect so it seemed quite apt that he wanted to commission me as my work is inspired by architecture. He liked the simplicity of my designs and knew his partner would too.

He spent some time deciding which design would be perfect for her and knew he wanted a baguette or princess cut diamond. For the final design chose this 18ct white gold with 4mm princess cut diamond with satin finish.

Another client wanted a platinum wedding band to fit her engagement ring. Her ring had an unusual shaped setting but I managed to make the platinum band fit.

If you would like to commission some jewellery then don’t hesitate to contact me.

Continue reading »]]> This time of year is busy for the jeweller with the run up to Valentine’s Day and the Wedding/Engagement ring period, (lots of couples tend to get hitched in the new year). This year has been particularly busy for me.

As well as working on special commissions for individual clients (future posts will be put up once pieces are completed) I’ve also been restocking my galleries after a busy Christmas period.

These galleries include Primavera in Cambridge with more geometric wire pieces,

Artifex in Sutton with more frame gold leaf pieces

The Smokehouse Gallery in Eyemouth with more classic silver pieces.

So be romantic this year and treat your loved one to a fabulous piece of jewellery. If you can’t make it to the galleries (currently about 20 throughout Britain) that stock my work, you can still purchase pieces from my online shop.

Happy shopping! and have a fantastic Valentine’s Day!

Continue reading »]]> After having great sales during the Christmas period at my local gallery, the DCA, I have now restocked them with some fabulous new pieces in time for Valentine’s Day. These include my small silver component wire ring and earrings with aquamarine.

The DCA also have a special Valentine’s offer from 12th-14th February, customers with the Red Card (special loyality card for the DCA, sign up at DCA) will get 15% off jewellery in the DCA shop. So grab your loved one some beautiful handmade jewellery for Valentine’s Day.

Continue reading »]]> I was recently commissioned to make an unusual chain for a male client. He didn’t wear much jewellery but wanted one of my pieces to wear on special occasions.

He liked my work and wanted something simple and not too blingy or flashy. The design was basically left up to me and I didn’t have much to go with but he wanted it made in silver. I asked him what type of things he liked but he just said I like your work so have some fun, I’ll leave it up to you.

So I decided to make a simpler, less chunky version of my labyrinth neck-piece. Here is what I produced, it’s silver with oxidised detail, approximately 20″ in length.

So sometimes you may not have any ideas of your own but want something unusual made. I knew the client liked my work but he never gave me any ideas of what he wanted so I was worried that he wasn’t going to like it. Thankfully he did!  It’s a bit risky working like this but as the client wasn’t giving anything away it was totally left up to me.

If you would like an unusual piece of jewellery made, for men or women, I can design something in my style especially for you.

Continue reading »]]> Love is in the air! As valentine’s Day is just around the corner jewellery is the prefect gift for the special someone in your life.

I have lots of gorgeous pieces to choose from my online shop. I’m still offering free postage on orders over £50. For jewellery with the love theme, I have some heart jewellery to choose from including my red and blue perspex heart charm silver bracelets.

Silver and perspex heart neckpiece with chunky handmade silver chain, approximately 19″ in length. I also have red perspex cuffs, red pearl pendant and red perspex and silver rectangle pendant and studs. So check out my website to see what fabulous jewellery is available for valentines day.

As we’re on a romantic theme I thought I’d let you know about my first show of 2011 which will be The Wedding Show at Caird Hall, Dundee, on Sunday 20th February. Last year I launched my wedding jewellery ranges including engagement rings and bridal jewellery for the bride and bridesmaids including tiaras, pearl and silver jewellery with cufflinks and tie pins for grooms party.

crystal and pearl earrings

double textured bangle with pearls

Remember I’m available to make bespoke jewellery and wedding rings. So get in touch if you would like something made.

Continue reading »]]> Last year I launched my wedding jewellery collection which includes wedding and engagement rings for men and women, bridal jewellery including tiaras, pendants, earrings, bracelets, etc for the bride and bridesmaids and finally cufflinks, tie pins and kilt pins for the groom.

I also offer a bespoke service so if you have any ideas of your own or a wedding theme then get in touch to discuss what can be made.

Since exhibiting at the Wedding Fair, Dundee during February last year, I have been gaining more clients who want something different and special made for their wedding.

This year I will be exhibiting at the wedding show again but this time I will be in the Caird Hall, Dundee on Sunday 20th February 2011. (not 27th which I originally thought!)

On display will be silver samples of my wedding and engagement rings. All pieces can be made to order in your own specification. A selection of bridal jewellery in silver and pearls, including tiaras and cufflinks, will be available to purchase and take away on the day. I will also have pieces from my other jewellery collections available for sale.

If you can’t make it to the show then feel free to arrange an appointment at my studio in Dundee if you wish to discuss getting your rings made.

Continue reading »]]> The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) will be taking place during 3rd-5th April in the Great Yorkshire show ground, Harrogate. Its a great show to visit if you’re interested in purchasing exciting handmade work from British designers for your gallery or shop.

This will be my 3rd year of exhibiting at the BCTF and I hope to gain new outlets as well as my current galleries restocking my jewellery. Last year I had great feedback and good orders and am hoping to do well again this year as my jewellery really stands out from the crowd (Comments from last years show).

I am trying out a more contemporary display this year so hopefully my work will make a big statement. As well as showing off my expanded commercial ranges including my frame and labyrinth, geometric wire and component, perspex and silver collections, I will also have some statement gallery pieces on display to add some colour and wow factor (some of which are currently getting made so it’ll be your first chance to see some of my newest work).

If you’re a gallery owner or buyer interested in purchasing some exciting handmade jewellery then come visit me at my stand: Genna Design 281.

Looking forward to meeting you in April.

Continue reading »]]> I was recently contacted by a new client to commission a special ring for his girlfriend. He came across my website after searching for engagement rings.

The customer had a really unusual subtle pale pink morganite heart shaped stone and wanted it made into a ring. He really liked the simplicity and elegance of my engagement ring designs and wanted me to set the stone into one of my own designs. He chose a few designs which his partner would like and we discussed the design via phone and email. He then arranged to meet me at my stall in The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh where I could take the stone and receive deposit. When making commissions I always take at least 50% up front to allow me to begin with the piece and to secure the deal.

Here is the design sketches, we decided on the straight heart

The result was this chunky but elegant silver and morganite ring.

If you have a stone which you would like set in a piece of contemporary jewellery then please get in touch to discuss possible commissions. Most orders take about 4 weeks but sometimes if you have a tight schedule it’s possible to have pieces made sooner. So get in touch to find out more.

Continue reading »]]> I spent my last day before Christmas in my freezing cold studio today and I am really looking forward to a nice break over the festive period. I’ve had some fantastic commissions to do in time for Christmas including:

Silver and 9ct gold wire ring

A revamp of an old engagement ring into a fantastic contemporary design using the gold, diamonds and sapphire from the original ring

And a fabulous Dendritic Quartz statement ring for a friend

You still have time to order before 22nd December from my online shop and receive pieces in time for Christmas. (Free post over £50). Royal Mail Special delivery can take up to 2 days to dispatch so order now! There’s also the 23 outlets that stock my jewellery throughout the UK so have a look at my stockists to see if there’s a gallery near you.

Thank you everyone for being such great customers and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

from Genna Delaney

Continue reading »]]> I was recently commissioned to make a set of 18ct white gold engagement and wedding rings. My client doesn’t wear much jewellery and didn’t want anything to blingy or showy. But wanted something simple in an art deco style with a contemporary twist. She liked the simplicity of my engagement ring designs and wanted something different from the norm. We discussed various options with different shapes and sizes of diamonds. Here is the original design inspiration

The client decided to go with a single baguette diamond off centre so that when the wedding band was worn with the engagement ring, the design was complete.

I really enjoyed making this set and handmade the setting to fit the stone, then finally set the diamond. It was exciting but scary and am so pleased I had the opportunity to tackle this challenge.

Work in progress at the bench, 18ct white gold bands and handmade box setting

The rings were also to be rhodium plated. The natural colour of 18ct white gold is a duller gun metal so it requires rhodium plating to give it a slightly whiter, brighter, silver look. This coating will come off over time and will require replating each year, depending on how rough you are with your hands. The finished egagement ring is matt finish with the wedding band being highly polished to create a nice contrast.

The customer was extremely happy with the rings, saying Wow! Super Wow! Genna knew exactly what we were hoping to achieve and did wonders, turning our very rough pencil sketch into my most-treasured possession!

If you would like to get a bespoke wedding ring made or have had an idea of a special piece of jewellery made please get in touch.

Continue reading »]]> Yes it’s the time of year again for the Christmas craft fairs and this Saturday 13th November is the first of the festive exhibitions of this year. The show is in Hillhead Library in the heart of Glasgow’s fabulous Westend on Byres Road, and will be open from 11-4pm.

I’ve been busy making lots of new stock including some fabulous statement neckpieces for the festive parties. Here’s my new lavender amethyst geometric silver neckpiece and earrings.

I will also have plenty of bargains including my sale basket so you will still be able to purchase some unique handmade pieces at affordable prices. If you’re stuck on what to buy as gifts this Christmas the craft fair will really get you inspired So come visit the Glasgow Westend fair and start your Christmas shopping.

Continue reading »]]> Pebbles a fantastic jewellery shop with a wide selection of exciting pieces of jewellery, from the designer maker like me to the big brands. They have shops in Edinburgh and Bo’ness and have stocked my work since early in my jewellery business. They like to take on pieces which are a bit different from the norm. when they visited the BCTF in Harrogate they came to my stand and really liked my frame layered necklace and wanted a collection of these pieces.

This has given me the chance to design new pieces specific to them and allowed me to expand the range. Designing new pieces allows me to experiment and have fun making something new and in tourn spares off some other ideas. Some of these are one off statement pieces and this one off statment neckpiece would be fantastic to show at their Bo’ness Fashion show later on this month.

With these fabulous long statement earrings. Large statement earrings are in just now! and you will definitely wow! people wearing these.

Here’s new pieces in my expanded frame layered collection. These are one off statement frame layered oxidised silver drops.

Frame layered oxidised silver with a hint of 22ct gold leaf detail necklace and statement ring.

And this fabulous one off statment frame layered oxidised silver bracelet

If you like something less of a statement here is the elegant rollered silver with 22ct gold leaf earrings and pendant set.

Continue reading »]]> I visited Perth today to set up some pieces at a new outlet in Perth. Beyond Beauty is a different outlet to which I normally stock as it is a gorgeous salon and spa. What better chance to get yourself a fabulous piece of designer jewellery when you’re getting pampered.

They have a selection of my cheaper commercial ranges, so if you don’t have a large budget for Christmas presents you can still afford to buy my handmade jewellery.  Beyond Beauty have my funky perspex collections in red, aqua green and glacier green as well as pieces from my elegant textured and pearl collections.

3 textured drop necklace

Textured and wire with pearl pendant and earrings

Domed textured silver pendant and stud earrings

Fabulous textured cluster ring with pearls, Tourmalinated Quartz and a hint of colour with beryl

Treat your partner to something special and an affordable price and get on down to Beyond Beauty in Perth.

Continue reading »]]> The Tayberry Gallery in Perth had a successful exhibition during September and sold quite a few pieces. I have now restocked them with gorgeous new pieces including more from the aquamarine component range and pieces from my Tourmalinated quartz component collection.

Tourmalinated quartz component earrings

My fabulous statement rings are always popular, including my aquamarine large component ring

So if you want to make a statement this Christmas or want to treat your partner to a fabulous piece of handmade jewellery head to the Tayberry to see what other pieces are available!

Continue reading »]]> The run up to Christmas is a busy time of year for the jeweller and it is no different for me. I’ve been working like a trooper trying to get my work stocked in as many galleries as possible in time for the Christmas rush.

A totally new outlet for me is Kalo Jewellery, based in Glasgow and they have a fabulous selection of my aquamarine component wire collections. I have especially made new pieces for them including this fabulous neckpiece, it is a one off piece.

This bracelet is also a new piece. The component part moves!

Fabulous statement earrings to match the necklace

Aquamarine component pendant, earrings and ring collection

They have 25 pieces in this range so if you want to see more of this collection visit Kalo Jewellery

Continue reading »]]> As from next week The Rivers Gallery in Stoud will be stocking pieces from my Geometric Wire and Rollered collection.  This is the start of expanding my stockists for Christmas and is the first time exhibiting with this gallery.

Yes I did say Christmas, it will be here before we know it! As an artist designer you need to prepare outlets well in advance so start your shopping now and get some lovely gifts instead of buying things last minute.

The photos here are a selection of some pieces the Rivers Gallery will have.

Bracelets

Continue reading »]]> I exhibited at my first Wedding Show in the Caird Hall, Dundee. It was a different experience from the usual fairs that I do and it allowed me to exhibit my jewellery to a new market of clients.

I gained lots of feedback about my work with comments like “Your jewellery is unusual and unique, it’s great that you do bespoke wedding jewellery too.”

I also gave a few quotes to potential clients who want wedding jewellery made. Overall it was a good experience and will hopefully be doing more wedding shows in the future.

Here’s also images of my new bridal jewellery check out Picasa for my whole range of wedding jewellery

Continue reading »]]> I enjoy taking on commissions as it allows me to have a more personal relationship with the client. it also allows me the chance to find out more about them and learning what style of jewellery they enjoy wearing. This allows me to make that special bespoke piece for each individual client.

Revamping Old Jewellery

I have recently taken on a commission for a client who had her own set of chunky beads and she wanted me to revamp them in my own style by adding a bit of Genna Design glamour!

At that point I had just begun making some limited edition beaded necklaces with handmade silver pendants and catches. Designed around the style of beads this makes each necklace unique and incorporating silver makes them more precious and individual.

I was wearing my first necklace in this style and she totally loved it.

Remembering she had those old chunky beads lying in her jewellery box, she wanted me to work my magic on them.

I first began designing components which would fit in neatly with the shape of the beads then e-mailed my client designs. We both agreed straight away on our favourite. Then I got started on the silver component and catch. I added some button shape coral beads which I had in my box of goodies (I have built up quite a collection of stones and beads over the years which is an inevitable part of being a jeweller). I assembled the necklace and here’s the finished piece.

So if you like what you see and you have your own beads which you no longer wear, contact me and I can revamp them into something special.

Continue reading »]]> A client really liked my labyrinth style bracelet and wanted one made for her son. She wanted a long chunky main component in the centre and thicker wire links. Here’s what I came up with

This is silver with oxidised detail. I love the colour variations that sometimes occur when oxidising silver.

It is really effective on this piece.

Continue reading »]]> I love doing commissions – these are mainly when someone has an idea of the kind of thing they want but can’t see it in any shops. I work with the client to finalise a design then make it to their desired design. Happy client, unique jewellery made, experiences learned and a contribution towards those things artists and designers take for granted – food, rent, you know the non-essentials.

One area I have made a few commissions in is wedding jewellery. When it comes to commissions you can’t get more personal than that.

In the last few weeks I have taken photos of my wedding style jewellery that were not yet on the site and uploaded them to Picassa. I created a special Wedding page on my main site and I have booked into a wedding fair in Dundee on February 28th at the Marryat Hall, Dundee. Tonight I have put some ads on Gumtree Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and some online forums with trading sub-forums.

Hopefully I will get some commissions for wedding rings, engagement rings, grooms cufflinks, bridal jewellery or similar from it!