£1,200.00
Contemporary ring, remodelled 9ct gold, hand fabricated, milled, forged, with granulation. With large pewter ‘portrait’ of original piece.
This pair of objects was created from the treasures found at the back of the drawer in Claire’s studio. Among other items, she discovered a gold chain bracelet that once belonged to her grandmother. To retain a portrait of the past, Claire took an impression of it in delft clay and cast it in pewter. The precious metal of each link in the chain was deconstructed and reformed into a contemporary ring, using traditional skills. The ring shank was formed by melting, milling and forging the bracelet from an ingot. Claire used the technique of granulation to melt increasingly more chain links to build a graduated bridge of golden spheres, which reaches the last existing link.This work reflects the process Claire focuses on in her practice: taking an unworn piece of jewellery, found at the back of a drawer and creating a second life for it.
Measurements: pewter portrait: approx 8cm.
Claire trained in silversmithing and jewellery in Belfast and Finland. She now makes jewellery from her hometown outside Belfast. Her designs are drawn from her artwork that explores the value of the sentimental jewellery of the past, transforming it into contemporary pieces for the future. ‘I create bespoke jewellery, giving sentimental, heirloom gold new life by reworking the metal and forging a new, contemporary piece to be worn and enjoyed once again.’
