Feature Friday Q&A with Kate Wood of Kate Wood Jewellery

Movement.  Not only is the word demonstrative of an action (to move) but it's also a descriptor (the appearance of visual motion; not static).  But what does it all mean in the context of jewelry?

Well, I can tell you that from the first time I saw the work of today's Feature Friday artist, this was the first word that came to mind.  Largely self-taught, what makes her pieces so impressive is how they have such a universal appeal and situational diversity.  They go with everything from a rugged pair of jeans to the ultimate wedding dress!

Kate Wood of Kate Wood Jewellery has the most amazing pieces that are, quite literally, full of movement and yet still so visually engaging.  They are dainty without being simple.  Her sources of inspiration come across so clearly in her work.  You can see how nature's bunches and groupings have influenced her intricate pieces!

I just know that you are going to be as enthralled with her pieces as I am! 

At the bench - Kate Wood.

1.  What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?

I've been interested in jewellery since I was really little – I used to love visiting the bead shop and making simple beaded pieces, and re-using bits and bobs to make necklaces and earrings.  

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?

It's always the last thing I've made!  At the moment my Small V Tassel Necklace is my favourite, but I also wear my Pagoda earrings (the large and small versions) and Scallop Necklace from the Talisman collection a lot – all in gold vermeil.

Large Silver Pagoda Earrings - Three tiers of satin-finish silver chain, terminating with a semi-circular detail.
Made entirely from different types of curb chain, which combine to create a flat, fabric-like
structure, which looks almost like metal crochet or lace, £215.

3.  What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?

A good day in the studio where everything comes together, I'm making a new piece that's going well and I'm in the flow of it, losing track of time.  Or maybe an inspiration day.  I admire a lot of the new jewellers coming out of Australia, so I'd love to visit Pieces of Eight in Mebourne.  It's always a pleasure to look at the ancient pieces in the British Museum too, and I'd love to check out Ted Muehling's New York store.  Maybe not all in one day though!

Pearl Multi-Chain Cluster Bracelet - A slim cluster of freshwater pearls encrusts the central three chains of
this 9-chain bracelet & is available in oxidized (above) or sterling silver, £160.

4.  Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?

Exhibiting at Origin in 2011 gave my career a real kick-start, and I was proud to have got there all by myself, as a self-taught jeweller.

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

It could be anything, but I'm always coming back to the growth patterns of plants, and clustering forms.  Everything percolates together and comes out somehow in unexpected ways. 

Ruby Waterfall Earrings - Each ruby bead is meticulously wire wrapped by hand onto delicate trace
chain with a hand-made gold vermeil pin, £290.

6.  In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?

Necklaces!  They're the easiest to wear for me.  I like long necklaces that you can throw on over any neckline. 

Green Amethyst Cluster Sautoir - Two glittering clusters of silvery-green amethsyt adorn the sides of this
waist-length necklace, or sautoir.  Further faceted beads are scattered in between, £315.

7.  When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?

The more the merrier!  I don't wear much silver but love to mix gold with black oxidised finishes, and an outfit always looks better with some old and new, high and low end. 

8.  Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look?  How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings? 

I love it on other people but tend more towards minimalism myself, although I sometimes layer my Alex Monroe Bee necklace (everyone seems to have one!) with a chrome diopside Pompom necklace I made years ago.

Lapis Lazuli Cluster Fringe Earrings - Each intensely blue lapis lazuli bead is attached by hand
with a gold-vermeil pin, in a graceful crescent shape. The chain fringing adds glamorous shimmer & movement, £205.

9.  What advice would you give to budding jewelry designers? To budding fine jewelry collectors?

To budding jewellery designers, keep working at it, take time to find your own style, and don't quit the day job for a while, it takes time to build up your clients and get some recognition.   

To collectors I'd say get to know the work of independent designers, there's so much variety out there.  Visit craft fairs and galleries and don't be afraid to ask for variations or commission pieces directly from designers.

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?

Iceland!

Pearl & Silver Row Necklace - A deceptively simple & delicate pearl chain necklace.  A fine line of tiny seed pearls
are pinned the entire length of this silver curb chain - a chic alternative to a simple chain.  Closes with a
lobster clasp & oval extension chain finished with a single pearl.  Available in satin-finished silver or
an oxidized finish to contrast with the white pearls, £335. 

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