Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but sometimes we can’t all afford them, or have that special someone to shower us with gifts. The current trend for jewellery is bold, strong and beautiful with enough presence to complete your look. Sterling Silver is one precious metal that has stood the test of time in jewellery trends and nobody knows it better than Zoe Marsh.
Glance – Jewellery made by Zoe Marsh
The Zoe Marsh Glance collections of jewellery are all handmade in her studio in York using sterling silver. Zoe designs and makes the jewellery all herself, using traditional tools. Zoe studied fine art and then worked as a glassblower’s assistant, before setting up her own business making glass jewellery. She then became self taught in silver working skills and soon realised that she preferred designing and making jewellery in precious metals, rather than glass. Her collections now are primarily in sterling silver.
“I was attracted to jewellery because of the sentimental value it acquires, beyond its monetary value. Through wearing and use, pretty trinkets become treasures.”
LadyM Presents asked Zoe about her typical working day and she gives an insight into her trade;
On a typical working day I’ll be either making jewellery in my studio, or selling jewellery. If I’m making, I’ll start work when I’m ready, and spend a few hours sawing, hammering, drilling or filing. I use hand tools only as I prefer the finish they give. My favourite thing at the moment is my Archimedes drill, which allows me to drill through metal by hand without needing any electricity. I share a space with other artists, mostly painters, so we chat about our work through the day. My workspace is usually very messy, so I’ll spend a few minutes at the end of the day tidying.
Glance – The Collections
Secrete
A tactile and appealing collection. Each statement piece is made from a long continuous strip of silver folded into voluptuous curves.
Secrete Ring, by Zoe Marsh
Secrete Ring – measures 1cm x 3.9cm x 2.5cm £50
Ento
A fun, vibrant range based on beetle bellies. Each item is made from a single sheet of sterling silver which is sculpted by hand. Bright coloured satin cord is threaded through – available in shocking pink, bright orange or black.
Ento Earrings, by Zoe Marsh
Ento earrings - handmade sterling silver earrings with shocking pink cord hang on sterling silver earhooks. £69
Satellite
Highly wearable individual pieces. The satellite dish shape is achieved by hammering one side of the metal to stretch it.
The Satellite Necklace, by Zoe Marsh
The Satellite Necklace – a handmade sterling silver pendant measuring 2.3cm long hanging on an 18″ (45cm) sterling silver chain. £43
Erose
Dented, pitted and eroded, this range was designed based on corroded metal railings at the beach.
Erose Necklace, by Zoe Marsh
Erose Necklace – Erose necklace, handmade sterling silver pendant on sterling silver 18″ chain. Pendant is 4.9cm long, and each section is 0.5cm wide.
Refract
Using sparkling Swarovski Crystal and sterling silver wirework, Zoe takes her inspiration from a discarded chandelier. Zoe uses various coloured Swarovski beads in the range but can make bespoke items with different colours upon request.
Refract Ring, by Zoe Marsh
Purple Refract Ring - Sterling silver refract ring with purple coloured Swarovski crystal. Adjustable sizing. Ring measures 2.8cm x 2.1cm x 2.1cm at widest points. £18
Inspiration
Zoe’s vision for her collections is all about “decadent decay” using curling wire, sparkling crystal and corroded finishes.
“I think that things are beautiful when they shown the marks of age and use. I love things that are old and worn”.
Developing pieces for her collections can take anything from half an hour to several years, some of Zoe’s most successful pieces have been through several incarnations before arriving at a design she is happy with. Zoe recently registered a makers mark with the Sheffield Assay Office, and has had her first pieces hallmarked.
Zoe sells her jewellery collection online www.zoemarsh.co.uk (where postage and packing are free) from her market stall in the city centre of York and also at the Originality Gallery on Rawcliffe Lane, York. She also supplies a few local boutiques and takes part in exhibitions at various galleries around Yorkshire.