Feature Friday Q&A with Hannah Bedford Jewelry Designs

If you don't know it by now, then you haven't been paying attention.  But I L-O-V-E, love, unique jewelry!  Designs that speak to the organic, raw, guttural emotions that are created when you feel like you are in the presence of something a bit amazing.  Those pieces and their designers inspire such a sense of awe in me.  And, I admit it, a bit of jealousy.  How lucky are they to have such creativity in their veins?!  

Well, today's Feature Friday artist is a designer who evokes all those emotions in me every time I see her work!  Their organic nature; their sense of whimsy and even the way they appear to grow and move right before your eyes is humbling - much like standing in a place of great historical significance can be.  (Personally, I'm picturing the Sistine Chapel right now...)

And, I know that when you see the work of Hannah Bedford Jewellery, you are going to understand exactly what I am talking about!

Hannah Bedford of Hannah Bedford Jewellery Designs

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

I always knew I wanted a creative job. I love how designing jewelry not only allows me to be creative but also to create something with a purpose - something that becomes part of a persons life.

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?

I love the bespoke pieces and all of the work I create to commission.  I have a particular soft spot for a rose cut diamond ring. It was a reworking of a clients mothers ring and the yellow, pear-shaped diamond is a very old antique. My client had seen her mother wear the ring since childhood. Using granulation processes, I remodeled the design into something new which my client loves to wear.  Giving antique pieces a new life really pleases me.

Stacking Sapphire Granule Ring - Isn't it just stunning?!  I love how the granules appear to be reaching for
the sapphires much like the stalks of plants seek out & reach towards the sun.

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

My favourite day is making in the studio and particularly developing new pieces. Granulation is an ancient process and I love exploring new ways of using it to create different contemporary designs.

Gold Granulated Cuff - Ok, so note to anyone who is looking for gift ideas...THIS!
I adore cuffs & this sterling silver & yellow gold granulated cuff is nothing short of perfection!
It definitely tops my Wish List!

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

It is hard to pick one – there have been awards and prestigious exhibitions but really what makes me most proud is the bespoke work – and in particular creating wedding and engagement rings which I know people are going to wear for the rest of their lives.  I always feel honoured to be included in that process.

Yellow Diamond Ring - This stunning, bespoke creation was re-working of a
customer's ring that Hannah did.  Isn't it amazing!

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

I’m always looking at different organic growth patterns and natural landscapes. I find inspiration in everything from the structure of seeds inside a flower, a cluster of barnacles on a rock or the movement of grains of sand in the sea. I also love seeking out unusual one off stones. 

Granulated Hoops - You can really see the 'seed structure' that inspires Hannah's work in these earrings.

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?

I have a passion for rings, they are the things I most love to make and wear.  The fancy sapphire ring is my own and has a really unusual grey/pink sapphire.

Stacking Granule Rings - These are just amazing!  I adore these rings.  I can even picture mixing them
with my collection of Art Deco wedding bands - especially the yellow gold ones!

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

I love mixing things up – mixed metals is part of my signature design style.  The combination of old and new really appeals to me.

Granulated Ring - This sterling silver & yellow gold granules are the perfect example of Hannah's trademark
mixed metals look.  Of course, it matches my dream cuff (above) so it's only natural that this one is also tops on my Wish List!

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 stacking rings. I have some granulated bands and cluster rings in my Granulated Collection which are specifically created to be mixed and matched. It is always interesting to see how customers choose to combine and mix different designs.   

Silver Lace Ring - Another example of how dynamic Hannah's work is.  Can't you just see the movement in this piece.

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

I would advise jewellery designers to try and get as much experience working with other designers-makers as possible.  You not only hone your craft - you can also make great contacts and glimpse the reality of life in a studio. 

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?

Scandinavia 

Several more examples of Hannah's stunning, mixed metals designs!  Yes, I am in love!

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