CHARMIAN HARRIS

A generous use of gold characterises my work, warm in colour and richly textured. I choose stones for their interesting shapes and colours, unusual ones often suggesting the direction a new piece will take.

I texture the surface of the gold and silver using paper-pressing techniques and reticulation. I make most of my jewellery from sheet metal, wire and tube, however I also make some pieces using lost wax casting.

I am mostly self-taught as a jeweller having studied Studio Pottery at Farnham School of Art 1973-76. I set up my business in 1984, then using mostly silver, brass and copper with semi-precious stones. I’ve changed over the years to prefer stones that transmit and/or play with light, often opals, moonstones and tourmalines. Sometimes I combine gold with the silver, but often simply use a high carat gold. Our daughter Meriel is very much involved in making and designing the work now. Her company & input are invaluable, we make a terrific team!

Apart from the joy of making, a large part of the business is the people one meets during selling at Fairs. Not only the contact with other makers, but the friendships that develop with customers over the years.