Modern and playful jewellery inspired by ancient adornment and folk traditions.
All Studio Rua jewellery is thoughtfully designed and handmade, using the age old technique of lost wax casting. Each wax design is shaped by hand, leaving subtle traces of fingerprints and tools marks, much like ancient treasure unearthed from archaeological digs. I primarily draw my inspiration from ancient jewellery, British folk traditions and Mother Nature. My designs unashamedly embrace imperfection, the visibility of the maker is celebrated.
Featured Pieces:
A 'Hagstone' or 'Holey Stone' is a naturally occurring rock or stone which has a hole running through it. This can be caused by wear and age. Hagstones are often found on beaches, rivers or other places with running water.
Thy have long been seen as 'lucky' and are often strung up outside houses in a protective fashion or worn in a talismanic way as a necklace. They are said to be a 'key' to see into other worlds, and some say they have protective and healing powers.
I collected these found Hagstones whilst beachcoming on Hayling Island in Hampshire and also on my mudlarking trips to the ancient tidal Thames foreshore. When cast in metal they have a truly sculptural feel and are incredibly tactile and substantial to hold. They make a beautiful talisman, strung on a leather cord or on the chain provided.
There is a choice of 2 stones, with approximate dimensions of 2cm x 2cm.
They come in bronze or eco silver, with a corresponding 14K gold filled or sterling silver chain.
The circumference of the chain is 20".
Each sterling silver HAGSTONE comes with a full UK hallmark from The Assay Office.
The last two pictures show the eco silver version with oxidisation (this finish adds a dark patina to recessed areas of the Hagstone). There is a drop down option on the listing to select this finish at checkout. Oxidisation as a finish is available for eco silver only.
The solid 9ct gold Asteria necklace is based on the deity of the same name, who in term was both a Titaness and the daughter of Helios. The name Asteria means 'starry one', or 'of the stars'.
The front features a relief design of my depiction of Asteria and a series of stars in the night sky. The reverse is plain but includes echoes of maker's marks which would have featured in the original wax as part of the making process. The bail is part of the piece.
It measures approx 1.8cm wide x 2.5cm high including the attached bail. Each one is impressed from a original so can vary in size slightly.
A full UK hallmark is struck to the reverse of the piece. All gold I use is recycled.
It comes with a 9ct gold cable chain necklace. Chain has a full hallmark. The chain has rounded links and a pleasing weight.
The circumference of the chain is 18".
All gold pieces are made to order, so please expect an approx 6 week wait for your necklace.
The BEL VISO sun face pendants are individually cast from wax in solid bronze using the ancient technique of lost wax casting.
The front features an embossed stylised sun face and the reverse is plain but may includes traces of my fingerprints which the wax has picked up through the making process.
They have a pleasing weight and can also be detached from the hoops and made into two pendants.
These earring can be ordered in solid bronze or eco silver.
Each pendant is attached to a hollow 1.6cm wide 14K gold filled hoop.
Each pendant measure approx 1.5cm x 1.5cm.
*Please note the thickness of the hoops in the head shots are incorrect-thet are there to show the size of the earring when worn.
When creating the REYA sun face I drew inspiration from ancient depictions of astrological deities and also my favourite abstract impressionist artists of the twentieth century. The sun in mythology can be seen to represent the never-ending circle of life and creativity.
The REYA sun face coin necklace is cast from a hand-carved wax original in solid bronze or eco silver.
Each piece will be struck from the same original mould, so will look the same as the piece pictured.
It is double sided, with a different stylised sun face to each side.
It measures 1.6cm x 1.7cm x 0/3cm not including the jump ring.
Attached is a soldered 14K gold filled or sterling silver jump ring (unmarked).
It comes with a gold filled or sterling silver cable chain with spring ring clasp. The chain is lightweight and has rounded links.
The circumference of the chain is 18" or 46cm.