Q&A with Ayshe Brandts from Brandts Jewellery
Location: London
Discipline: Jewellery
Biography:
I have attended jewellery making courses at Central Saint Martins where I learned essential jewellery making skills such as piercing and soldering, and most recently a stone setting course. In 2023 I exhibited my work at Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair in Chelsea in March, Craft Festival Bovey Tracey in June and my work is currently on show at Llantarnam Grange in Cwmbran as part of their Modern Alchemy exhibition until 4th November.
Please describe your creative process/practice?
Formerly a landscape architect, my jewellery is inspired by my love of the natural world and celebrates the beauty of shapes, textures and patterns created by it. Creating my own moulds, I cast from a constantly growing library of twigs, editing and manipulating the natural forms into beautiful, but most importantly wearable, sculpture with a special interest in responsibly sourced gemstones.
Your influences and motivations?
I draw my inspiration directly from nature. As a trained landscape architect, plant knowledge, especially the study of twigs, buds and flowers and their growth patterns and branching habits, is at the forefront of my mind when I see plants at different times of the year. I love to bring the naturally created forms into my jewellery designs, adapting them so that they are still clearly designed by nature, but modified so that they are practical and wearable at the same time.
What are your sustainability / environmental credentials?
Sustainability has been an important component of my business from its inception. Although many aspects of the jewellery supply chains are not traceable, I do my utmost to make choices that respect the wellbeing of our planet. All silver and gold used in casting my designs are 100% recycled, and I also offer the option of having them cast in Fairtrade gold. When using diamonds, I offer a choice between Canadamark diamonds (which are responsibly mined in Canada’s Northwest Territories, with respect for the sustainability of the natural environment and northern people) or lab-grown diamonds manufactured by a certified 100% carbon neutral manufacturer.
See Ayshe’s work at MADE London from 3 November.
Brandts Jewellery, Willow Twig Hoop Earrings, 9 carat yellow gold 12mm, £195
Brandts Jewellery, White Topaz Drop Earrings, 9 carat gold 20mm, £355
