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“Do not complain beneath the stars about the lack of bright spots in your life.” Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
Inspiration for my jewellery comes from many sources, and the Beneath the Stars collection is no different.
I don’t have a fixed way of working. Sometimes, I sketch out ideas and then create them in silver. Sometimes, I play around with some material and see what ‘sticks’.
Beneath the Stars came about from me experimenting with square wire for pendant shapes. Once I had created the first circular / crescent moon shape I knew I was onto something. I liked the clean, contemporary feel of these pendants, but there was so much more to it.
Since I was little, I was fascinated by astronomy and although I’m not very knowledgeable (I can just about point out Orion in the night sky) that fascination has never left me.
I love science fiction as a genre, and at the same time, the archaeologist in me is fascinated by the many meanings and mythologies that people have woven around the planets and the stars for thousands of years. Just think of the many deities that symbolise the heavens or elements of it, like the Greek / Roman moon goddess Selene / Luna, or the Egyptian Nut, goddess of the (nighttime) sky.
So, inspired by all these elements, I created a whole series of pieces that are reminiscent of the moon, the stars, and the night sky, and all the associations that come with it.
It was clear to me that silver was the main material to use, reflecting the association of ‘silver moonlight’ as opposed to sunlight, which is more associated with gold. In some cases I use brass stars to set accents.
And to stay with the theme of ‘night sky’ in this collection I am using stones that are in some way associated with the sky, either by their colour (blue, purple, black), by name (moonstone) or by their meaning - or by a combination of all f them.
I hope you enjoyed reading about what inspired this collection and maybe even enjoy wearing a piece from it!
The gemstones
Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a beautiful, intensely blue metamorphic rock that has been used for making jewellery as far back as the Neolithic and has been found in the archaeological remains of many cultures, including in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Egypt. Healing properties associated with this stone are communication, intuition and inner power.
Blue goldstone
Blue goldstone is a beautiful, sparkly, human-made semi-precious stone. It’s essentially glass with silvery flecks of cobalt that make it look like a starry night sky. Its origins are not confirmed. The most likely and accepted version is that it was invented in the 17th century by the Miottis, a family of Venetian glass makers.
Amethyst
The beautiful purple amethyst is said to have strong protective and healing powers. The birthstone for February and stone of St Valentine, it is also associated with love and fidelity.
Blue moonstone
Blue moonstone is a beautiful, pale stone with a moonlight-like inner glow. It’s thought to have feminine energy, calming and healing properties, and it is believed to provide protection for travellers.
Rainbow moonstone
Rainbow moonstones have a beautiful blue and rainbow coloured glow that shimmers across the surface of the stones. In many cultures, people believe it has a connection with the moon, emotions, peace, and femininity. Its properties are said to include intuition and spiritual guidance
Black tourmalinated quartz
Black tourmalinated quartz is clear quartz with interesting black tourmaline needle-like inclusions. As this is a naturally formed stone the growth of the black inclusions is unique to each stone and no two are alike. Healing properties: energising.
Photos:
Bust of Selene in a clipeus, detail from a strigillated lenos sarcophagus. Roman artwork, early 3rd century AD. Artwork in the public domain.
Illustrations of Nut and image of night sky: Canva
All jewellery photos: (c) Ampersand Design by HB
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