Dazzle has been such a big part of my jewellery journey. I started working for Tony & Christine in 2007, the year I graduated from Middlesex university, when the lovely Kathie Murphy recommended me after doing a work placement with her, and I am still working for them 14 years later! I have made so many lifelong friends through working for Dazzle – it really is one big family. The support from other makers and Tony & Christine has been so valuable and helped shaped what my business is today. It has given me the confidence to continue working in such an unusual material. Seeing all the exciting and experimental work come through dazzle shows first hand is inspiring. I’ve also been building a little collection of contemporary jewellery myself over the years, (not a patch on Christine’s!) It’s certainly been a real learning curve for us all this last year trying to adapt and continue during these challenging times but we successfully managed to hold the first virtual exhibition – Dazzle Invites and now our second to celebrate 40 years. So happy 40th anniversary to Dazzle Exhibitions – it’s been a blast!
Dazzle during Covid times – Edinburgh 2020
Ruby Celebration Colour Fade Brooch
My celebratory brooch is handmade from 40 individually cast silicone hollow forms to represent each year of Dazzle. As an alternative to the precious Ruby 40th anniversary stone, the silicone graduates from a deep ruby colour to a pale rosey pink. Each silicone cup moves freely on an intricate domed framework, made up of a grid of small silver circles, making the back just as interesting as the front. The combination of the silicone and grid like structure makes this brooch lightweight and suitable to wear on most fabrics.
How it’s made
Here are some work in progress shots with a little insight into how it was made, from the intricate brooch framework to silicone colour fade.
As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, Dazzle presents 40 Brooches for 40 Years exhibition. 40 makers from across the four decades were invited to make a special brooch for the occasion. These are available to buy by clicking link below – until the end of October 2021.
