JEWELLERY is like the perfect spice – it always complements what’s already there,” designer Diane von Furstenberg once said. And if you’re looking to add a bit of extra spice to your wardrobe – for everyday wear or a special occasion –Scotland’s army of independent makers are almost certain have a necklace, brooch or bracelet to suit.
This month’s featured maker, Lana Butters, takes not only inspiration but also her materials from nature, preserving beautiful wild flowers in environmentally friendly resin to create stunning pendants, rings and earrings.
Real flower necklace, £20-22, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/wishesonthewind
These vibrant, delicate creations are bound to start conversations as well as attract compliments.
In a similar vein, the exquisite creations of Edinburgh-based Esther Dobson include earrings made from real leaves encased in 18k gold and necklaces made from beach stones and vivid blue-green sea glass collected on the shore.
Turquoise necklace, £35-£45, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/estherdobsonart
READ MORE: Meet the Maker: Kitchen table crafts become precious jewels
For another splash of bright colour take a look at the blue opal stud earrings from Glasgow-based Silver Rain Silver, who also make a range of whimsical little earrings including tiny sterling silver pinwheels.
Earrings, £11.95-£15.95, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SilverRainSilver
Pinwheel studs, £5.85, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SilverRainSilver
Jeweller Marion Barclay’s contemporary styles include a silver eternity bracelet that would make a perfect gift for a bridesmaid, partner or close pal, and a beautiful silver infinity ring – symbolising endless love and friendship – for which she took inspiration from the Saltire.
Eternity bracelet, £44, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MarionMadeJewellery
Infinity ring, £35, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MarionMadeJewellery
If you’re looking for something more explicitly Scottish, Aileen Clarke has incorporated a thistle into her gorgeous iridescent shawl pin brooch ( £19.95).
Shawl pin brooch, £19.95, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AileenClarkeCrafts
If it’s a gift for an animal lover you’re looking for (or a super-cute treat for yourself), Glasgow-based Silver Sky Creations offers gold vermeil bunny studs and The Bonny Boutique has a wide rang of pendants featuring everything from sausage dogs and seahorses to elephants and bears. One of the jewels in their crown is a tiny bee, complete with a Czech glass bead drop of “honey”.
Gold bunny studs, £36, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SilverSkyCreations
Bee necklace, £12.99-£31.99, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheBonnyBoutique
For everyday wear, a simple shape is often the perfect way to complete your look. MUKA Studio in Glasgow has a fabulous range of elegant earrings and earcuffs, rings and necklaces, made using high-quality materials and traditional metalsmithing techniques.
Our favourites include the chevron stacking rings – with a high-shine hammered finish – and double triangle studs with a modern deco feel.
Chevron stacking ring, £49, www.etsy.scom/uk/shop/MUKASstudio
Triangle stud earrings, £25.50, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MUKAstudio
Chic designs from Edinburgh-based Silver Pickle range include drop earrings made up of hand- forged silver rings of different sizes, and bangles ranging from the super-simple to a charm-packed Hebridean double bangle that’s described as “perfect if you want a bit of jingle jangle but no dangly charms”.
Couldn’t we all do a little bit of jingle jangle in our lives?
Layer circle drop earrings, £30, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silverpickle
Hebridean bangle, £110, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silverpickle
Isla rose pendant, £48.50, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwoSkiesScotland
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