Mary-Beth is a jeweller from Weymouth, Dorset, who recently graduated from the School of Jewellery in Birmingham. She is the creator behind Brodirose Jewellery, a brand she plans to launch soon, with a focus on creating pieces that raise awareness about mental health. Her passion for jewellery making began unexpectedly after the COVID-19 lockdown, when an apprenticeship at a local jeweller sparked her decision to pursue it as a career. Read on to find out Mary-Beth’s top tips, jewellery making favourites and much more.
Where did your love of jewellery making stem from?
At school I was never taught that being a jeweller was a potential career path, but after school and a covid lockdown, I didn’t know what I wanted to do as my career. I stumbled upon a kickstart apprenticeship at a local jewellers and thought I would explore being a jeweller. During this 6-month apprenticeship, I fell in love with making jewellery from scrap silver. I wanted to learn more, which led me to the School of Jewellery, where I have just graduated with a degree.
Can you name a few top tools in your workshop that you can’t live without?
It’s definitely got to be my buff sticks and pendant motor, because I use them on everything I make.
What materials do you prefer to use when making your pieces?
I mostly work in 925 sterling silver because of its affordability and colour but I have been working with both silver and gold in my latest collection, Perfectly Imperfect.
Why do you love making jewellery?
I love making jewellery for a few reasons but the main two are because I love using my hands to create art. Also I love seeing the whole process from design to the final piece and then seeing my customers delight. I find this very rewarding.
Are there any special techniques you use specifically for your pieces?
I have experimented with both traditional and modern techniques. I love working traditionally with my hands making jewellery using techniques like chasing and repoussé. I have also seen the benefits to design using CAD and the lost wax casting method. I like to mix both traditional and modern together where I can.
What are some challenges you face when creating jewellery?
Making jewellery comes with lots of challenges but the most frustrating challenge has got to be when you get fire stain. Luckily there is a way to resolve this with some micro mesh, polish and perseverance.
What aspects of designing jewellery do you find most rewarding?
I love seeing the whole process from start to finish but the most rewarding part is when you do the final polish and you get to see the final piece all shiny.
Have you encountered any memorable stories or experiences related to your creations?
All my jewellery pieces have a story or meaning. I created my latest collection, Perfectly Imperfect, to be a conversation starter, to raise awareness for mental health. I know so many people that struggle with their mental health, myself included, and we have lost so many to mental health struggle. Each flower in the collection represents a positive affirmation like resilience.
Describe your style or skill in 3 words
Tactile, Unique, Thoughtful.
What’s your favourite item to make?
So far, my favourite item to make is my Forget Me Knot ring. I love that this ring has different finishes and hidden elements, this makes the making process both interesting and satisfying.
Do you experiment with any unique or unconventional materials for your designs?
I try to stick with standard precious metals like silver and gold but to add definition, texture and depth to my pieces. I have used Keum-boo, gold/silver plating, platonal and rolling mill plates. It depends on the design and what type of jewellery I am making.
Have you noticed any emerging trends in jewellery recently?
I’m not sure if it’s an emerging trend but I have been seeing a lot of stacking rings and bracelets.
Do you create pieces that reflect both traditional and modern themes?
My jewellery reflects some aspects of traditional designs, but I would describe them as a modern style that’s functional.
Are there any upcoming designs or ideas you’re excited about for your future collections?
I have a few commissions I am working on like cuff links for a customer’s graduation. Alongside those I have lots of ideas I am exploring on CAD for future collections.
How do you keep your creativity flowing when designing new pieces?
To help get past design block or to get creativity flowing, I tend to revisit my source of inspiration. For me most of my inspiration comes from nature, this could be a flower, plant or the sea. I have found that when I revisit my source it helps me clear my head, I start to notice the patterns and shapes in nature that I take inspiration from.
Do you envision expanding your jewellery line in new directions or with new concepts?
I have a few ideas to expand my latest collection, like creating cuff links, earrings, broaches/pins or designing with different flowers but these need to be finalised.
Thank you to Mary-Beth for taking part in this interview, we are excited to see where your jewellery making journey takes you.
Natasha Mogul