News

In the Studio...

Although we had a winter focussed on renovating the new shop, I was still keen to create some new designs for each collection. Most notably, I wanted to develop some  ideas that combined multiple collections in one piece. 

Each individual collection is created with a slightly different method, representing a different aspect of the islands as inspiration - so even though they may all differ - the intention is they can also be worn together and compliment each other when combined. Whether that's a stack of rings, wearing one from each collection or the new Fathom range I first started to put together in 2024. Choosing three, four or five pieces linked together made these statement earrings a new favourite, equally for a special occasion as for the everyday (mine have become part of my daily uniform!) The design also offers the opportunity to customise - the combinations of different collections or choosing silver/gold mix make the possibilities endless.

The Summer season has been busy with new and familiar faces popping in - its been really fantastic when I've had time to leave the bench and pop upstairs to chat all things jewellery - an enjoyable part of the job as well as a valuable one to me as a designer. I love to tell people the stories behind each piece but as is so important with jewellery - it's been fascinating to hear the clients interpretation and what it means to them. Thats what makes jewellery such an exciting area to work in.

As the winter months approach I have sketchbooks filled with ideas to bring to life from drawing to workbench reality, some won't work of course, some will be left for another time to develop and some will make it to the cabinets... but thats the fun of designing and making your beautiful Scillonian jewellery.

Sophie x

It was meant to be…

I had always admired the beautiful Victorian shopfront of Chirgwins with it’s large ornate windows, pretty mosaic front step and wonderful original wall cabinetry inside… so when the opportunity arrived to take on this unique Scillonian property in this prime position, we couldn’t miss our chance. 

There were many late nights and full sketchbooks planning ideas for the layout and decor; how to dress the shelves, window displays, floor space and the atmosphere we hoped to create for our clients. From the relevance of the artwork on the walls to the importance of particular books dotted around the studio, each aspect finely thought through in order to curate the whole experience of what makes Sophie Hooper Jewellery… 

After a long winter of renovation (learning plenty of new skills along the way!) we transformed the shop floor upstairs and built a new big workshop downstairs. Dave and I opened the doors in April. We managed to be ready for the season and the response was far more reassuring than we could have imagined. 

It was a natural step to take as the business grew and the larger premises with a better location meant Dave could come on board and run the shop floor, enabling me to focus on making the jewellery. The balance has worked really well and, as I could happily talk to customers about jewellery and what inspires my work all day long, having Dave front of house means I can actually get some work done!

As September sinks in, the to do lists for winter start to appear; the completion of building the workshop downstairs and most importantly getting to work on new design ideas for the collections, and we can’t wait.

Thankyou to everyone who visited our new studio. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet plenty of new ones too - we’re so grateful to all our lovely customers for all your support this season.

Sophie x

ISLAND LIFE

Spring has been and gone and somehow we're already in July! Restrictions meant no World Gig Championships for the second year on Scilly - an occasion which always kicks the season fully into gear here on the islands so without it the months have whizzed by. The lovely visitors are certainly back though and over the next few weeks I'm sure it will really start to feel normal again. 

IN THE STUDIO

I'm working away through a full bespoke design order book, each project has and will be very exciting to work on - it's always a real privilege to be asked to make such special pieces for people. Alongside commissions, gallery stock and collection orders I've been creating a new sub collection to join Beach... Beach Colours. Everywhere I look on my bench, studio shelves, coat pockets I will always find a little collection of seaglass, I love the juicy palette these Scillonian beach colours create and decided to use this idea to inspire a new design. Carefully selected (ethically sourced) precious  gemstones set into the soft form and sand finish of the Beach collection. From subtle pastels through to deep blues and vibrant yellows I've chosen a range of stones that represent the most delicious colours we find here... they certainly sparkle, I hope you like them too...

Sophie x

ISLAND LIFE

We've had the usual winter storms but also plenty of bright sunny days to get out round the coast for a bit of family beach combing whilst jumping out the way of incoming waves (only one monumental soaking so far). We were even treated to some extra coastline excitement on the islands in January in the form of some visiting humpback and fin whales... it became a daily mission to spot them, and they didn't disappoint when we did! 

IN THE STUDIO

Quite a few new jewellery pieces to join the website over the coming weeks as Spring approaches. Alongside keeping busy with bespoke work I've also been focussing on a new collection.

The Island Collection is quite an eclectic mix of designs all tied together by their collective nod to island life; chain links inspired by our heavy mooring chains down the harbour have made a comeback, palm trees that are iconic to our Island landscape, coins from the rich archaeological heritage of Nornour, and the newest addition, Island Letters, each one carefully hand carved freehand in a traditional font inspired by the old Victorian printed pottery marmalade jars found on Town beach. I've always loved and collected anything with old fonts and typography - engraved silver cutlery, old signs, printed beach finds etc and this collection seemed to be the perfect excuse to create my own.

Anyway, roll on Spring! 

Sophie x