Meet Evie Scarlett, Norfolk’s Whimsical Jewellery Maker.
In the heart of Norfolk, Evie Scarlett is transforming old spoons and broken pottery into stunning, sustainable jewellery. As an independent silversmith, Evie combines her love for craftsmanship with a passion for sustainability, creating unique pieces from forgotten materials.
Join us as we delve into Evie’s world, exploring her inspirations, creative process, and dreams of becoming a full-time jeweller. Learn how she transforms the forgotten into the extraordinary, one whimsical piece at a time.
Discovering a Passion: The Journey Begins
Q: Hi Evie, I hope you're doing well. To start, could you tell us about the inspirations behind your jewellery journey and what sparked your passion for creating such unique pieces?
A: My journey into jewellery making began during lockdown. The extra time at home allowed me to explore various forms of creativity. The initial spark of inspiration came from making spoon rings from antique silver spoons. I found the process of taking something ordinary and reshaping it into something beautiful and unique really fun and exciting. This naturally led me to explore silversmithing, which opened up a whole new world of techniques and design possibilities. The precision and patience required in silversmithing taught me to appreciate the beauty in detail and the joy of creating something truly handcrafted.
Crafting Unique Pieces: Materials and Design
Q: Your jewellery pieces are so unique and charming. What kind of materials do you typically use, and how do you decide which ones to incorporate into your designs?
A: One of the main materials I love working with is recycled sterling silver. It’s 92.5% pure silver mixed with a bit of copper. I chose sterling silver because it's high quality but still affordable for my customers. Another significant material is the broken pottery shards that I set into the silver. These fragments, often discarded and forgotten, have their own history and tales to tell. Incorporating these shards into my designs gives them a new life, transforming what was once broken and overlooked into something cherished and valuable.
Q: That's beautiful. I love the idea of giving discarded items a new purpose. Which piece have you found the most special to create, and why?
A: Each pottery shard is a fragment of a larger design, which makes every broken piece completely different. The uniqueness of each shard means that no two pieces of jewellery will ever be the same and the idea that you are the only owner of such a unique piece adds a special charm. In a world where mass production often overshadows individuality, owning a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery is a refreshing and personal experience.
Sustainability and Ethics: Core Values
Q: How important are sustainability and ethical practices to your brand?
A: Sustainability is definitely one of my biggest priorities when it comes to my jewellery business, which is why I predominantly use recycled and repurposed materials. The combination of eco-friendly materials and pottery shards allows me to create jewellery that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in history and environmentally conscious. It is this unique blend of creativity, sustainability, and storytelling that drives my passion for jewellery making, enabling me to offer pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.
These fragments, often discarded and forgotten, have their own history and tales to tell.
Challenges and Future Aspirations
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your journey as an independent jewellery maker?
A: As an independent, self-taught jewellery maker, my biggest challenge is balancing creativity with business demands. Designing unique pieces is my passion, but it requires time and dedication, which means juggling design work with marketing, sales, and customer service. Being my own boss can be overwhelming without a team to share the load.
Q: You seem to be doing a great job so far! What are your future plans for the brand, and how do you see it evolving?
A: Thankyou! I aspire to become a full-time jeweller, creating pieces from the comfort of my home studio. By working from home, I can also maintain a balanced lifestyle, integrating my personal and professional life. Building a dedicated customer base online is another key component of my future plans. My primary sales platform is Etsy; however, I intend to expand beyond this by launching my own website. I aim to engage with my audience through social media, email newsletters, and customer service.
Advice for Aspiring Jewellers
Q: And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring jewellery makers?
A: If you’re looking to enter the industry, start by learning basic techniques and tools through courses or workshops, either locally or online. Hands-on classes can build foundational skills in shaping, soldering, and finishing silver. Once you’re proficient, practise with personal projects and consider internships or apprenticeships with experienced silversmiths for advanced techniques and business insights.
Evie Scarlett’s journey from lockdown creativity to sustainable silversmithing highlights the beauty in transforming the forgotten into the fabulous. Her dedication to sustainability, unique materials, and handcrafted designs sets her apart in the jewellery world. As she continues to grow her brand, Evie’s commitment to creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces remains at the heart of her work.
Find Evie here.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ESJewelleryShop
https://www.instagram.com/eviescarlettjewellery_/
Interview by Aoife Morrall , TCL
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ESJewelleryShop
Other Posts
