About Simone Walsh:
handmade jewellery maker
I create my handmade jewellery in my home studio in the beautiful Blue Mountains outside of Sydney in Australia. However, my jewellery is owned by customers all over the world.
My interest in making jewellery began in the early 1990's when I was intrigued by a simple design I'd seen which used wire and marbles. I had a go at reproducing it and I was hooked!
Initially I created very simple wirework and beaded jewellery, but in 1994 I began studying full time at a technical college with the aim of greatly expanding my jewellery making skills and knowledge.
Later I undertook a visual arts degree with a jewellery and metal major at the University of Sydney. Learn more about my qualifications.
I have officially been in business since the late '90s and first started selling my handmade jewellery online in 2006. I am happy to report that I am now creatively self-employed!
You can learn more about me by visiting my blog, following me on Twitter or checking out my photos on Flickr.
My handmade jewellery
I aim to create beautiful handmade jewellery for unique individuals who appreciate quality handmade goods and contemporary jewellery.
My range of delicate and elegantly simple handmade jewellery is created with quality materials and using an array of metalworking techniques.
I'm most often inspired by the ornamental and of details in nature - and particularly enjoy combining both elements in my work.
Visit my handmade jewellery shop.
My jewellery collection
The jewellery I create is very much handmade. No two pieces will ever be identical and most will generally feature some evidence of having been worked on by hand, things I hope that wearers of my jewellery will cherish. Learn more about why buying handmade is a great thing to do.
My jewellery collection is made using materials such as sterling silver, gold, various gemstones, silk and more.
I use metalworking techniques to create my pieces, which have been polished by years of education and practice. And I'm always aiming to expand and improve upon my skills and knowledge. Favourite techniques include intricate saw-piercing and etching work.
Generally my handmade jewellery collection is added to at least twice a year, usually with distinct ranges of work, but new designs can be created an added at any time. Subscribe to the new jewellery feed in my shop or keep an eye on my blog for news about new work.
You can shop for my jewellery from either my Australian handmade jewellery shop (prices in AU$, shipping to Australia and New Zealand) or my international handmade jewelry shop (prices in US$, shipping everywhere).
My design approach
I approach my work from the perspective of a studio jewellery maker - otherwise known as a contemporary jewellery maker or jewellery artisan.
I initially learned my skills by undertaking a jewellery and metal major as part of tertiary visual arts studies, which gives me a very different design approach to that of a commercial or 'trade' jeweller.
My aim is for my work to be creative, engaging and unique compared to commercial or mass-produced jewellery - and for each of my pieces to look handmade, something I hope that wearers will cherish.
While of course I always work to ensure that my jewellery is made to a high standard, I rarely seek perfection in what I make, instead embracing the Japanese concept of wabi sabi, in which imperfection is seen as one of the highest forms of beauty. This also emphasises the handmade nature of the jewellery I create.
Social and environmental responsibility
My aim is to make my indie design business as green and as socially responsible as I can.
I do this in a number of ways, but in particular, the bulk of the precious metals that I use come from recycled sources. I also seek to avoid using any gemstones or other materials which may come from less than ethical sources.
Read my environment and ethics statement to learn more.
You can also make a donation towards offsetting the carbon for your purchases in my handmade jewellery shop.
Artworks and object making
Along with the wearable jewellery I sell, throughout my career I have also created a diverse array of artwork/exhibition pieces, some of which are more sculptural. View photographs of this work and see the exhibitions I have participated in over the years.
This work is more conceptual in nature and has ranged from a stainless steel mesh dress, to a cast glass shoe, to an anodised aluminium bra, to a choker made of tracing paper ... and lots more.
Some of this work explores ideas such as sentimentality and notions of possession, the relationship of ornament and the body, the relationship between nature and culture - and more.
I have created artworks in a variety of metals, both precious and non-precious, and have used a variety other materials such as textiles, paper, glass, wood and gemstones.
Currently my time for creating such works is very limited, but I hope to return to it when time permits.
Other work
I also undertake work as a web and graphic designer on a freelance basis.
In addition, I'm a volunteer co-opted committee member for Jewellers & Metalsmiths Group of Australia - NSW, currently working as the website co-ordinator. I was previously the editor of the quarterly newsletter, a role I undertook for four years.
(yep, I’m busy!)
