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Books on jewellery and adornment I have collected or been given over the last 30 years have not only shaped my jewellery journey, but are still my most treasured ‘tools’. Some written on technique, others on ancient museum collections and some are simply goldsmith bibles - catalogues of the most significant designers in contemporary jewellery. All as valuable as each other. Books stand the test of time, a constant and reliable reference to go back to year after year.  The wholeness of pages bound together in a specific order, carefully and intentionally - no algorithm, diversion or distraction. Books provide a solid and physical presence of unchanging reliability which in the nature of design, an evolving process, is an essential anchor.

Studying a masterpiece can mean looking at a simple fluid shaped 1970s bangle design, a 3000 year old Egyptian gold amulet or a highly intricate Cartier diamond brooch. All as relevant as the other in their design importance to me, I find it’s almost better to not concentrate too much on how a piece has been created (in order to limit unwanted influence) but instead to focus on the intent and effect from maker to wearer.

For me, jewellery is a wonderful recipe of three main ingredients in equal measure; sentiment, skill and beauty. To achieve this books are crucial. It sounds obvious but when it comes to classic, authentic and high quality jewellery design and creation, the addition of great books is a key part of my studio equipment. They encourage consideration, time to absorb the form and functionality of a piece or technique whilst working through my own concept I may be trying to develop at the time (They also discourage shortcuts… something that is increasingly accessible but always best avoided when striving for quality).

Books allow more time for our own thought to get involved, and in jewellery design this has to bring in not only creative ideas but also a chosen method. Of course the technical process and the artistic concept cannot exist without each other, but in my design one often causes the other; for example the Ocean nugget. An idea first conceived when contemplating a collection on the movement of the Atlantic waters surrounding Scilly. Whilst reading a book on Nubian gold I saw a picture of a large gold nugget with a beautiful form shaped entirely by the ground it came from - that’s when my curiosity looked to whether I could create the same ‘natural’ form but with water, specifically seawater… I could, and the Ocean collection was born. 

Nothing comes close to sitting down with a heavy book on Calder or Grima or revisiting Tim McCreight’s instruction with my own sketchbook in hand. Nothing except museums, they are also crucial… but that’s another story…

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 would also 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