A visit to Susannah's Washington studio gallery will enable you to fully appreciate the exquisite beauty and diversity of her unique designs.
Each item of hallmarked sterling silver and gold jewellery has evolved through a lengthy design process.
The initial inspiration for a design is often drawn from a variety of sources, sometimes as simple as the twisted stem of a leaf or flower bud. The idea is then sketched and re-sketched until it becomes a workable piece.
A combination of many years of design experience and a broad technical knowledge enable Susannah to select materials which complement the design and making process. Only the highest quality British Hallmarking Standard Sterling Silver and Gold are chosen along with specially selected precious and semi-precious gemstones.
During it's making, each item of jewellery requires a variety of specialist skills, many of which have not changed for centuries. Susannah utilises traditional jewellery making techniques to transform silver and gold sheet along with silver and gold wire into a three dimensional version of the original design.
The tools which are employed in the making process include a piercing saw (a much finer version of a hacksaw, used for cutting designs from sheet metal), needle files (small hand files used to shape metal), engraving tools (to apply pattern to the metal surface) and a soldering torch (to solder together all of the components).
An enjoyable part of the jewellery making process is to work with a client on a personal commission. This enables you to combine your own ideas and inspiration with Susannah's skill and expertise to create a truly unique item of jewellery personal to you. Even a simple sketch or explanation of an idea can be enough to start the process. Susannah will work closely with you at every stage of the process, helping you to select the correct materials and to turn your ideas into a working design. Once the consultation process is complete you will receive a detailed sketch and full written quotation for the final product for your approval. A charge of £30 is made for the initial drawings, but this will be deducted from the final balance. On receipt of your approval work will commence on you design. Where possible we will communicate with you via email to keep you informed of progress.
Charges for design commissions will vary greatly depending on the materials used and the complexity of the piece. As a general guide a silver design will normally cost from around £60 upwards, 9ct gold from £150 upwards and 18ct gold from £180 upwards.
If you have your own ideas for a jewellery design and would like to discuss it, please contact Susannah by email on sales@susannahaynsley.co.uk or by telephone / fax on +44 (0) 191 419 1494.