‘My approach to contemporary jewellery is based on feeling and intuition, with a strong connection to the materials, processes and surfaces. I am delighted at the resurgence of craft and integrity. I create a personal collection of pale silver rich surfaces, embossed with handmade papers, detailed and contrasted with darker coloured metals, all within a framework of a minimal soft geometry. I am drawn to jewellery that is fine, effortless, and chic in form.’

What informs your work? ‘Wabi-Sabi is the Japanese aesthetic that derives from simplicity, economy, modesty, intimacy, and an appreciation of the honesty of natural materials and processes. I became aware of these values whilst living in Singapore as a teenager, my mother taught me the forms associated with Ikebana flower arranging and Jianshi the art of fine paper-cutting. As a jeweller and a printmaker my relationship with both metal and paper is nuanced by the marks of the maker. Metals age and burnish over time, thus recording the marks of the wearer, and aligns with the transience of the paper that is fragile yet still embosses the metal, and is much less controlled than with machine made processes. My personal demands for perfection and finish come from a desire to continue the traditions of good artisan craftsmanship. Each piece has a relatedness to the maker and the wearer, and bears it’s own similarities and differences, the idea of interconnectedness appeals to me greatly.’

What’s next at papermetal? ‘I’ve recently fallen in love with modernist 60’s jewellery and have an on-going love affair with minimalist design; combining the architectural with the organic is inspiring new signature pieces to sit alongside the current collection.’

Julie Bailey is a British designer/maker producing studio jewellery under her brand name papermetal. She is also a fine art printmaker. She sells through independent galleries, on-line and made-to-order for private clients.

Julie Bailey trained under master jeweller Brian Newble and was sponsored by the Platinum Advisory Board. She has both Art & Design and teaching post-graduate degrees and has been involved in Arts Council supported Public Arts Events. Julie has exhibited her jewellery and her print-work in both UK and abroad. Now full-time in the garden studio at her home in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, UK, she also offers private jewellery workshops by appointment.