Going Back to Where My Jewellery Making Started

Back when I first started making jewellery, long before I discovered silversmithing, I made lots of beaded jewellery.

I loved finding different beads to work with, but I especially remember discovering handmade Lampwork glass and Venetian glass beads. I was drawn to all the different colours, patterns and tiny details, and that hasn’t really changed!

Over the years, my jewellery making has moved on and these days I mainly work with recycled Sterling Silver. I love working with silver and all the different things I can do with it, from adding patterns and textures to creating pieces completely from scratch.

But I’ve never completely left my love of glass beads behind.

I still use Lampwork and Venetian glass beads in my jewellery from time to time, and whenever I come across some beautiful ones, I find them very difficult to resist.

This time, however, I may have got a little carried away! 😂

I recently came across a gorgeous selection of handmade Lampwork and Venetian glass beads and ended up buying rather a lot. There were so many different colours, shapes and designs that choosing just a few clearly wasn’t going to happen.

Of course, once they arrived I couldn't wait to start making with them.

I’ve been combining the beads with recycled Sterling Silver to make lots of colourful earrings. I love how the handmade glass works alongside the silver, and because the beads themselves are handmade, each pair has its own little differences too.

There’s also something really lovely about using a material that takes me right back to the beginning of my jewellery making. My style and skills have changed so much over the years, but I’m still drawn to the same colourful glass beads that caught my eye all those years ago.

And considering how many I bought, I think you’ll be seeing plenty more Lampwork and Venetian glass pieces from me for a while yet! 😂

Jo x