Tag: texture

Behind the Pendulum

One of my big loves in the creative process is to see the evolution of a piece from the design stage, through to the prototype and then to the final piece. The Pendulum Collection is the first collection to be designed and implemented across my main two mediums – Glass and Silver.

The original inspiration for this piece were based on Art Deco patterns. There are so many homes that have been stripped of their original Deco features, so this is my nod to those lost pieces. I really love the few curved motifs in this style so the fish scale pattern was the basis of the design.

The other main feel for the piece was to have a feel of a chandelier. Having movement and having more light reflection. Therefore the rest of the form came from creating balance in multiple hanging pieces.

As the Glass version of this piece was the first design, where colour was the eye catching focal point, the Silver was more about flipping the script. Where texture became the main body focus and colour to accentuate the Chandelier quality of the design.

Each Silver piece has a different texture to catch and reflect the light differently all created with hammer techniques. Creating it in both Earrings and a long Pendant to really get lots of movement as you move.

Colour is added through semi precious stone drops each with their own energy, so you can match your colour palette or bring in more a certain energy. Explore each meaning below.

Rose Quartz: is the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace.

Aquamarine: has a calming quality to help reduce stress and find stillness of mind. It is a stone of is a stone of courage.  Its calming energies reduce stress and quiet the mind. It also helps clarify your thoughts and clear and confusion.

Amazonite: Known as the ‘hope stone’. Said to awaken compassion for others, calm aggression and soothe the chakras. It enhances loving communication and is incredibly healing.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring the inspiration behind this beautiful collection and please feel free to check them out online now!
Pendulum Sun Catcher
Pendulum Earrings
Pendulum Pendant

It’s all about Maya..

Explore the unique fan shapes of pre-Colombian history with our new Maya Collection! Combining simplicity and elegance with the spiritual symbolism of this rich culture, these pieces will definitely draw the eye! This collection is the result of months of careful experimentation, sketches and research, with the aim of reviving this long-lost culture with a modern twist.
As history tells it, jewellery was considered a vital part of the Mayans trade with other neighbouring civilisations. Hence the name; the Maya Collection.

One of the most common ritual ornaments of the period, worn by warriors and priests alike, was the Nariguera (nose fan), a gold piece that was often hooked to the nostrils and was in the shape of an upside-down fan decorated with patterns and engravings. The elite would often wear them as pendants depicting gods or animals. This served as a key piece of inspiration for the Collection’s design process.

Jewellery also played a key part in this tribal narrative as it symbolised religious and ritual meanings. Many pieces from this period were made from gold which had an association to the Sun and was a powerful symbol of fertility. These pieces were also used in ceremonies to protect the community and cure sickness. In contrast, we have used sterling silver- the colour associated with the moon. As a of bringing something new to the design while also maintaining its historical roots.

The design process of these beautiful pieces started in Corinne’s studio where she would often lose herself in books on pre-Colombian tribal cultures. Like some of our past pieces, including the Navajo and Blue Lotus Collections, the story of these old cultures really caught her eye. She was fascinated by their unique shapes and stories which she later incorporated into the collections designs.

After multiple sketches and prototypes, Corinne settled on two earrings and pendants. Handcrafted with recycled sterling silver, these pieces come in both an Oval and Fan shape. The juxtaposition of space creates balance through the open form of the oval/teardrop shape with the solid structure of the hanging fan. Her main goal however, was to pay homage to the beautiful and intricate design of this tribal jewellery while embracing modern textures and techniques.

So whether you wear these pieces with your vintage finds or with your chic office attire, these pieces are easy ways to elevate any look! Wear them alone or together, as these pieces are wonderfully versatile! Our pendants can also be worn as the centre piece of a layered look or as a single statement piece. Embrace your inner tribal beauty with your own flare or draw inspiration from our styling and pair the pieces with patterned scarves and kits, and your favourite vintage finds.

In our journey to explore the roots of our jewellery-making ancestors we have really enjoyed designing these pre-Colombian pieces. We hope you love them as much as we do! Head on over to the shop page to check out the Maya pieces. We would also love to hear your thoughts on how you combine things old and new in your daily life, please tag us on Instagram or Facebook, with you favourite styles. Until next time…

Love the ASC team xx

An Exotic Journey with the Islamic Collection

The Islamic collection takes you on a journey to an exotic place through intricate designs and vibrant colours. However, the collection itself has also been on a journey of experimentation and finding balance in ergonomics, shape and design. Corinne has always loved Islamic architecture, in particular the curves of the archways and the ornamental details which complement each other ceremoniously to create stunning architecture. From mixing different decorative elements, patterns and forms, the Islamic Collection has evolved many times to what it is today.

The Islamic Stone Pendant designs have matured the most. From originally featuring a top archway design to coming full circle to become the enclosed tear drop centred frame, it is today. Whilst the half frame mimicked the Islamic archways more closely, the precious stone could not be suspended as gracefully as Corinne had envisioned it. So extensions to the arch top was added to create structure around the sides. This structure led to a full Recycled Sterling Silver base which could completely encircle and support the revolving stone.

Corinne didn’t just want to draw on Islamic architecture for this collection, but also add a Native American tribal feel to her pieces. This is where the embellished patterns of crescent moons, arrows and dots shine. The design underwent many changes, as Corinne experimented with geometric shapes to create beautiful patterns. It was important to ensure that the detailed patterning, structure and stone harmoniously complimented each other to achieve balance. This mixture of cultural inspiration added an unexpected element to the collection, creating a boho vibe and gypsy style.

The Islamic Studs and the Islamic Small Pendant are the perfect pieces to add a delicate touch for a subtle and elegant look. Or layered with other pieces in this collection to draw attention and add interest to any look.

In this collection you will find 2 semi-precious stones featured. The turquoise stone was chosen to compliment the Native American Indian aesthetic and highlight the geometric shapes and lines. As well as provide protection and healing powers. Whilst the Amethyst stone emanates a softer, warm atmosphere to bring balance to the collection and provide its own unique healing qualities, especially for physical and emotional ailments.

The Islamic Stone Earrings and the Islamic Stone Pendants are the perfect statement pieces to bring a bohemian feel to any look. We love layering the Stone Earrings and the Stone Pendants with the Islamic Small Pendant to create an effortlessly elegant look.

We have loved taking this exotic journey and exploring different patterns and elements from around the world in this collection. We would love to see you embrace your inner gypsy and style these multi cultured pieces in your own way. Tag @asilvercircle on Instagram, wearing these unique jewels!