Relaxed Christmas Shopping with Friends

Taking Christmas bookings already!!!
Some of you may not know that I do also offer a Private Viewing Service for jewellery lovers.
I came across one of my customers today wanting to place her Christmas list order with me (already) which prompted me to blog this....
By late November last year, I unfortunately had to let some customers down as I couldn't fit in any more bookings, because they left it too late. From mid November until Christmas, it's the busiest time of year for me, and especially if you want jewellery to sport at your Christmas function, you will certainly have to get your ice-skates on!
Of course, customers can always purchase my jewellery via the website, but a Private Viewing is a fab way to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience with all your mates over a glass a wine. This way, YOU get exactly what you want for Christmas, nicely packaged and you don't have to pay for delivery either!
I'm also buzzing to showcase my Aromatherapy Candles, which sit beautifully alongside my jewellery, and will certainly make reasonably priced luxury gifts (from £14) that friends will really appreciate. With these new additions, this will no doubt be the busiest year yet!
So to avoid disappointment, please do ensure you contact me shortly. Just work some date options out with 10 or more friends/family (who preferably love jewellery andor luxury scented candles) and contact me as soon as possible to arrange a booking.
It's the most relaxing Christmas Shopping experience you will ever have!
The Studio: 01656 651527
Email: sales@melindamulcahy.com

My New Candles

As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to create my very own scents to remind me of tropical holidays and living in Australia. It's almost like bottling my childhood in the sun.
After years of dreaming about what makes an exotic scent and my love of candles, I decided to learn about aromatherapy and candle making, so that I could combine the two. I have extensively researched and as always I strive for the best possible quality. In doing so, I now fully understand my need to do this, so that I could not only enjoy them, but also heal.
For some it's drugs and others it's a new car, but after suffering postnatal depression, my mind, body and soul was calling out for nature to help, in the form of essential oils, and so came my need once again to create.
The power of essential oils are awesome, they can change a mood, inspire and even aid ailments.
After months of testing, these little luxuries are ready to market, and I am now just working on the packaging and such before making them available on my website.
I have decided to release the first two or three scents which are:
"Relax" featuring Rosewood, Geranium and Lavender, "Invigorate" with Lemongrass & Ylang Ylang and "Spirit" with Ginger, Lime and Lemongrass. I am holding back the frangipani for a little later.
I am so excited about these new candles, I simply can't wait to get them in the shops! And judging from the responses of those who have received samples and burnt them, it all appears very positive.
Watch this space for more news....

My Jewellery Buddy

Since meeting Jayne Wade (a fellow designer) 18months ago at a trade fair, we have kept in touch via emails ever since and recently met up at the IJL (International Jewellery London) to see what's happening in the industry and compare notes.

Like me, Jayne started her jewellery business around the same time as me, based in Chester, and has progressed to where she has approx 35 stockists and recently opened a shop. Although Jayne's jewellery is my competition, I always like to spread the word and help her too, because, like me, Jayne is offering a different choice for customers, for without designers like us, everyone would all be walking around in exactly the same accessories.

What has been interesting and at times, reassuring, is the paralells in which we are both travelling in the jewellery industry, both of us struggling just to keep our businesses going, the never ending battles of getting our jewellery known in the market, the stresses and strains of owning our own businesses, not to mention the lonliness of working from home.

There is no doubt most retailers are suffering as a result of the current economic climate and from walking around the trade fair, the manufacturers are too. It was amazing how many big names in the industry who tried to hit the market running with large marketing budgets, but who are not longer around. Reassuring for both Jayne and I who are building our businesses slowly and, although we don't exhibit, we both hope to be around a while yet.
There wasn't really much to report, from the trade fair from a design point of view either, but one thing was certain, diamond beaded necklaces, like mine, were being snapped up from Indian suppliers!

Jayne has her own label of beautiful and contemporary jewellery design collection available to purchase in her new shop (pictured above) and online at www.jaynewade.com and will soon be stocking some of my jewellery and new candle collection available in store from October.
If you are in the area, this is one shop you definitely wouldn't want to miss!

May I wish Jayne the very bestest of luck in her new and exciting venture.....

Jayne Wade's NEW shop address is: The Cross, High street, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8QX
Tel: 01948 861219

I've cracked it

After much tinkering and dabbling every night for months, I have finally come up with the essence of my childhood memories.
Frangipani has always been my favourite flower, probably because we had trees in our gardens when I was growing up and their fragrance was so pungent and signaled the prospect of summer. Smelling it's essence now fills me with warmth, the sweet feeling of the sun upon my skin, simply because I had a joyful childhood by a beautiful beach.
Our garden in sunny Cronulla, Southern Beaches of Sydney, had a fab pool, tropical garden and huge pergola with built-in BBQ and Mum and Dad always put on the best parties for family and friends to enjoy. From Hawaiian nights to Toga parties, we did it. Usually the police would call to request we turn the music down (those of you who know me, this should sound familiar).


Scents of Paradise - The Frangipani!

So several months ago, I embarked on the challenge of making aromatherapy candles with the prospect of capturing this idealistic childhood memory in candle form.
Aromas have always played an important part of my life as they take me away to tropical fantacies of white sandy beaches and never-ending sunny days.
Wonderful aromas always fill our house (not just curries) and visitors always ask what essential oil candles I am burning.
Now that I have finally captured my own essence, soon they will be available to share through my website and hopefully the Welsh Hamper Company who are excited to feature them in their hampers.
Watch this space....

Tahitian Dreaming....

There have been so many different types of crafts I have played with over the years, silk painting, cake decorating/sugar crafting, abstract painting, more recently candle making to name a few and certainly nothing is more fulfilling (apart from giving birth to a beautiful baby) than realising the fruits of one's labours.
When a blank canvas presents itself in front of me, it takes a while to get acquainted, usually with several glasses of Cava!
Whilst I wouldn't proclaim to be an artist in this field, it's truly amazing how confidence and my sheer willingness to try, allows me to forget I am a novice.
The weather has been horrendous this summer, especially with the kids off school, so I decided to immerse myself in painting with a dream of taking me away to sunny distant shores.
I remembered my visit to Tahiti when I was about 15 years old and I immediately felt excited and compelled to get started.
The memories of mangos flooding the roads, white beaches, glimmering turquoise waters, and the dreamy smiles of the local ladies surrounded by tropical floral delights.
My painting actually allowed me to forget about the weather and I was in fantasy land.
These creative elements in my life allows me to grow and fuels my determination to drive myself further into the unknown. I am now looking forward to progressing this lady, along with more Cava....
Ah, what a great feeling.

Misinterpreted

Tears cried are not weakness
Smiles are not strength
Angry but forgiving
Ignored and tired of breath

Mirror shattered
Bruised and raw
But the touch of baby
Brings hope and warmth

Melinda xx

Happily Marrieds

Here are friends from Cowbridge, Helen Alden, who tied the knot with Mike Reilly. A big "Congratulations" goes out to our happy couple who drank in the hot Tuscan sun & sipped cool champagne with friends and family last August.
Sadly, not long after this wonderful day, Helen's beloved father passed away. So this is dedicated to Jeff Alden.
Helen wears the V07 Necklace (on snake chain) and Earrings in White & I have to say she looks just gorgeous.

Fab Fashion Quote

Attention all Ladies, keep this quote on the edge of your tongue when negotiating your next season's shopping budget with your husband and his platinum credit card:
"You have a better life if you wear impressive clothes!" Vivienne Westwood.
And she would know.

Artworks

I have just received my painting from Jean Dayton and I am very pleased indeed!
I commissioned the artist to paint a beach scene of my daughters to remind me of glorious sunny holidays spent playing at the beach. Seeing this, takes me away from the grey cloudy rainy days.
What a truly satisfying feeling, commissioning an artist not for investment, but purely for pleasure and I thoroughly recommend it.
Of course, one could argue that photos are better, and we certainly have plenty framed and awaiting a slot on my dressing table or mantle, needless to say there are only so many spaces and the house is starting to look like an old peoples home!
I love original art and I intend on filling my home with it, in various forms. This way, I have the memory of my two beautiful girls playing at the beach captured forever on canvas. Brilliant!
As always, I am delighted to share my secrets. Jean's work can be found at www.jeangdayton.com where you can also read about commissioning the artist!
Mx

Gemstone buying trip to India

My mates thinks I’m brave and my parents think I’m crazy, but India is where I’m heading and it’s definitely where it’s at. Gemstone buying that is, in search of the next big thing for next season’s jewellery collection.

As a designer/maker with my own label, I travel each year to far and distant destinations, all by my lonesome, in search of interesting materials to use in my designs, like shells & Corals from Hawaii, Turquoise from Arizona, Pearls from China, and Murano Glass from Venice. This time, my customers have requested I jot down an insider’s guide to gemstone buying in India, the coloured gemstone capital of the world....
Stepping from the comfort of the hygienic, air conditioned aeroplane and onto the steamy tarmac runway laden with cabin baggage and coat tied around waste, I’m instantly smacked with the heat, humidity and smell that is India.

The road traffic in India is like a D Grade symphony using their car horns as instruments! But if you can ignore the total disregard for rules, it’s quite mesmerick to watch how travellers duck and dive and wonder why the government ever bothered painting dotted lines for lane control. It takes your breath away watching whole families balancing on a single motor bike as they weave through chaotic traffic conditions. A child just old enough to stand is at the helm holding onto the handle bars whilst the father, seated and driving, wears the only legally required helmet (for safety of course) and the mother sits side-saddle at the rear clutching her baby precariously dangling under one arm, whilst the other arm is rapped around the husband’s skinny waist! It really is as crazy as it sounds, and is something I never get used to seeing, as I hope to god I don’t came across any human, or for that matter cow road kill during the journey.
Pictured left: Emerald & Ruby Graduated Rhondell beads.
Yet, if you can ignore the constant mess, litter, dust and wondering cows, you can stumble across the most amazing jewels of architecture and indeed workmanship in all aspects of industries, which rivals some of the best artisans in history. Perhaps this is the reason India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and not just because of cost effective labour alone? They don’t copy like the Chinese are known to do, rather, they have their own identity, albeit a little fussy for my liking, particularly in jewellery, it’s ultra intricate and well, show-stopping. For instance, in my opinion India gave us the true meaning of chandelier earrings, and my goodness they are amazing. If you like a bunch of very posh grapes draping from your lobes, you won’t go further than 20 G’s of tiny faceted pink sapphire teardrops (briolettes) crafted with superfine gold wire to provide perfect movement and sparkle in 3D form like a Christmas tree, and oh yes, you will sparkle. Always in vogue on the red carpet, with thanks to Boucheron, but probably a third of the price!

India is renowned as the Gem capital of the world for good reason, they simply love colour and lots of it in their jewellery designs. Wherever you visit in the country, you will see some of the most exquisite jewellery in an astounding variety of colours. Their high streets have been graced with some of the world’s most famous jewellery designers, like Pippa Small, which is hard to believe when you see the way in which they do business, cross-legged on the floor! The main streets are peppered with jewellery and gem shops, but if you can brave the back streets, check out the shoebox sized shops where you will see colourful gems scattered all over their well-scratched glass counter tops, selling, sorting, and of course, crafting. Brokers bustle from shop to shop carrying large quantities of precious gems in old canvas bags, which in most countries would require an armoured security van and major CCTV coverage.
Picture:back streets where shops are located, and cattle rome!
But trade shopping in India is not for the faint-hearted especially if you don’t like overwhelming smells, lackadaisical hygiene standards and rodents! Whilst Indian’s are often tarnished with being untrustworthy, it’s surprising to find they are often genuinely good, honourable people, like my supplier Daya (pictured). However, whilst they do take pride in their work, they unfortunately also have a relaxed work ethic that “near enough is good enough” so it’s difficult to get exactly what you want, and is often where mistakes occur. If, however, you return for more business the next year, you will certainly earn their respect as a genuine buyer, when you can be a little more demanding and they will be more eager to please.

The first time a met my supplier, he diligently organised my accommodation, picked me up at the airport and everyday collected me from the hotel to take me into his shop, which was very reliable indeed. Whether big or small in business, Indian traders appreciate all business and there is no snobbery which is astonishing given the nature of the industry. I know my supplier also supplies well known design houses like Bulgari so I can get my hands on anything from rough cut diamonds to 10 carat Marquises cuts and of course in any quality to suit any budget. This time I managed to invest in some cherry sized coloured gems for some of my private customers, like the 22 carat Oval AAA Grade Orange Citine which throws red flecks set in a pendant designed to float on fine gold chain.
Pictured: One of my reliable gemstone suppliers, Daya.
As for the gems, which is ultimately what I’m there for, it’s like going into a sweetie shop brimming with a multitude of choice, but without the calories. The variety is so enticing, it really is so easy to get carried away, but it’s important to keep track and stick to a budget, although I always tend to break them as I usually see a “must have” string of London Blue Topaz at the last minute. Usually colour is my first approach, followed by cut and clarity. Of course, my style of jewellery doesn’t require triple A grade gems, but I always look for the best I can get with my budget.

Like all designers, I keep my ear to the ground for new cuts, like last year for instance saw the introduction of B Grade diamonds cut into tiny beads. Whilst this trend has yet to really take off in Britain, I bought a selection of colours not yet seen in trade and had them exclusively cut into cubes for that delicate twinkle that only a diamond can give. I handwire them on a 0.3mm wire and mix them up with either chain or pearls. The current trend also favours huge and very colourful gemstones, which are obviously much cheaper than the traditional white diamond, and in my opinion are far more exciting to flash about, like my own recent purchase of a 20.5 Carat Brazilian Blue Amethyst, a deep purple colour that throws flecks of hot pink, cut into a Triangular shape - Divine!
Pictured: AAA Grade Aquamarines in various colours.
When you buy jewellery with gem beads, these are often lower grades to those found in settings and are therefore less expensive. But don’t let this put you off, as they are still extremely sort after and the price reflects this. It’s also important to remember that all gems are precious, as they are a limited commodity, so whilst you may not be able to afford a gem the size of the Star of Africa, always look for colour, cut, clarity, origin and availability before determining the size (carat weight) so you get the most for your money.

What also amazes me, is the different gemstones and cuts that greet the market every year and it's such a delight to get my hands on the new and unusual. Whilst the hardness of a gemstone reflects the price, so too does rarity. A clear example is Turquoise from the Arizona mines like Kinman and Sleeping Beauty are fast drying up and so the stone is now far more expensive and sort after. Also origin plays a part as turquoise from China is less sort after due to it's availability, often deep marbling and different colour. It goes without saying, when a natural commodity becomes extinct, it also becomes more sort after, more expensive, and is therefore a future investment.
Pictured: The hotel I stay in was once a palace
What strikes me most is how happy Indian people are, even living in what I would term as poor conditions. A large proportion of the population are Hindu and they don’t believe in killing any living thing, including those pesky and disease-ridden mozzies! They are a very peaceful society plagued with famine, natural disasters and even terrorism, second to Iraq they suffer the most amount of terrorist attacks in the world! Yet they illuminate happiness, even as they live on the street, irrespective of their disorganised chaotic lifestyle, they never rush, (which is often frustrating as I run for my flight) it’s also an endearing attribute and perhaps the main reason I love to visit there. They are very religious, often visiting their temples 2-3 times daily and I believe it’s their faith that gives them this content state of mind. It’s inspiring and it certainly shames my stressed out, rushed existence. I only wish they could bottle it and sell it! Believe me, if they could, they certainly would.

India is definitely an adventure well worth exploring, like a gem, there are so many facets to the country and I would recommend it to anyone. My travel tips are simple by effective:
1). Do your homework. It’s worth finding out pitfalls that may tarnish your trip like fraudsters etc so get the facts from official tourism websites. It’s worth remembering the age old rule, don’t talk to strangers!
2). If you don’t want to get sick, stick to simple rules like; avoid eating raw vegetables as they have been washed in water; make sure your meat is thoroughly cooked; avoid eating at street stalls; drink only bottled water including when brushing your teeth and check the seal isn't broken; if drinking from a can, use a straw.
Whilst I always encourage travellers to adopt a “when in Rome” approach by eating the local cuisine, ask your concierge to recommend a restaurant even if your on a budget. If in doubt, just ask yourself if your budget will stretch to a week worth of hospital Bills and a memory you would never forget but would love to!
Good coffee is hard to find in India so if you’re like me and relish a morning cuppa, pick a “quality” hotel and enjoy it with a good breakfast before venturing out. And if you like your herbal teas, bring your own! It may be one of the tea capitals of the world, but they usually only offer basic Indian brews.
Pictured: The artworks are colourful & fine in detail like this Mughal style painting.
If you don’t fancy the prospect of contracting Malaria, avoid the monsoon season when mozzies are at their peak, slap on a good insect repellent before sundown and steer clear of stagnant water areas. Obviously precautions are better than cure so consult you’re Doctor well in advance of your trip as tablets need to be taken weeks before for full coverage.

Coming to the end of my buying trip, I contemplate my purchases and start to play with designs to incorporate my newest additions. As I sip my long cool G&T on the front terrace of my palatial hotel, I am ogling a pair of solid marble elephant sculptures, one on either side of the front steps, seated and saddled at the ready for another hard days work and shimmering in the sunlight, and I wonder how much they would be and how I can ship them home. But then I’m slapped with the realisation that my husband would kill me, followed by the obvious question of where I’m going to put them! It’s amazing treasures like marble elephant sculptures you see every minute, if you open your eyes, and reminds me that’s what traveling to old worlds like India is all about.

Melinda xx

Wax lyrical - To blog, or not to blog

I was thinking about this strangely enchanting world of blog. There is so much to read about, it's mind blowing. And the idea of being able to type all your thoughts into this space has become, well, addictive.
Like last night, when i was in the zone again and started to play with words, in bed (whoppee). So i thought that it might be fun to perhaps have a regular "blog lyrical" if you like.
Now it's based on famous quotes, in music, films and perhaps the odd philosophy, so here's the start:

"Blogs away...." The Dam busters (Dad would love this one)
"We will, we will, BLOG YOU" - Queen
"By blogs, she's got it" - My fair Lady
"Your only supposed to blow the bloody blogs off" - The Italian Job
"She must be a blogger" - Sean Connery as James Bond
"To blog, or not to blog, that is the question?" Shakespeare
"How does that work? You go to bed one night, wake up the next morning, and poof - you're a blogger?" - Carrie Bradshaw: Sex and the City
"My momma always said life was like a log of blogs…you never know what you're gonna get!" - Forrest Gump
"Just blogging is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower" - Hans Christian Anderson
"Life's a bitch and then you blog" - Nasir Jones
"Like a virgin, blogged for the very first time" - madonna

he, hee, heee..... and this is only just the start....

Thought for the month

The BUTTERFLY of FREEDOM

"Why do you fly outside the box?"
"I fly outside the box because I can."
"But we know the box. We are SAFE inside the box."
"That, my friend, is why I leave it. For YOU may be SAFE....

..... but I AM FREE!"

This philosophical quotation is the musings in art form by artist Edward Monkton. Available as hand pulled silkscreen limited editions from various galleries.

Charity of Choice

It's so easy to choose a Charity on the based of what i intend to receive from publicity. I know loads of local Charities that, if supported, will guarantee coverage in the media of some sort and that's how some businesses choose their charity.
There is nothing better than getting all dolled up and hob-knobbing it in your posh dress and black tie, alongside fellow businesswomen/men and high society. You also get to see the fruits of your donation in that the charity and it's representatives will be there to invite you back to the next society ball next year, perhaps with the promise of a celebrity flyby!
However, i'm a little deeper than that and for so long, i have wanted to wholeheartedly help someone somewhere in the world. It's almost as if i've been planning for this moment all my life and i want to make it absolutely perfect. Perhaps i've just been inadvertently programmed by the adverts on tv?
Africa has always pulled on my heartstrings, and even more so after having children. I know there are so many dieing, particularly babies and children, so every little penny counts. However, i also know that sometimes the money that is donated is diluted when it reaches it's destination.
I have tossed and turned over how i can make my support go the furthest and I am yet to decide how it will end. One, most likely thought, is that i will travel there myself loaded with a suitcase full of offerings, alternatively, hand over a wad of cash.
What i do know is that this decision will not be taken lightly and may require imput from further afield. My friends and acquaintances, take note! Cause i will be hitting you hard for ideas, donations and support.
So please do watch this space for my decision, progress and it's effects when i log any progress, soon.

Who's the model?

Oh, let me introduce JoEmma Lavin, she's basically the face of my jewellery. Lovely, isn't she!
She's probably the most perfect person i have ever since in real life. But then i don't get out much. I still wonder if her lips are real, they are amazing. I did try to get the plastic surgeon's number, but she assures me they are really real. Bugger.
We had a great photo shoot that day and she certainly made it look easy. She was extremely professional and experienced, each shot was amazing and she knew just what to do.
Since meeting her last year, we get together for lunch from time to time and she tells me snippets of her celebrity filled life, like her recent trip to Vegas. Though she never boasts, it's just not her.
Actually, she is also girlfriend to Boxer Joe Calzaghe, so she certainly gets out and about, because he has had a phenomenal year in the media (oh and in the ring of course). Though when i interviewed her for the modeling job, and she mentioned his name, i (stock, horror) didn't have a clue who the hell he was. Then again, if i passed him in the street, i still wouldn't have a clue. Shame on me. I am, however, led to believe he is rather dishy!
I am in the process of conjuring up something a bit more artistic for the next photo shoot, which i am hoping JoEmma will do again for me. please, please with cherry on top.
Also, if i get the time and money to put together a launch, as i am working on something in the pipeline, no doubt JoEmma will be there to support me as a friend and jewellery lover. I say with confidence.
If you go onto the website, you will see loads more pictures of JoEmma wearing the jewellery and, as always, looking absolutely gorgeous.

Artistic influences

Apart from my deep affinity with glass, I love the versatility, texture and colour of timber and the warmth it brings to a grey winter's day.
If I were to design my own house, which I dream someday to do, it would have a predominately Balinese influence mixing timber and glass, my two favourite building materials. It's almost a statement of opulence verses nature, with the two working together in harmony.
When travelling, apart from shopping and getting in the sun rays, I love architecture and my favourite Architect, without a doubt is Frank Gehry, designer of the infamous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
But have you seen the Science Museum in Valencia by Santiago Calatrava? Bravo!
Then there is the modern classic designer, Arne Jacobsen, architect and creator of various works of art including furniture. My favourite item that i still lust over and desperately want in my living room is an Egg Chair, preferably in Orange (hint, hint). Pictured

Then there is the iconic Barcelona Chair, created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for his 1929 German Pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona. Each piece is a tribute to the traditional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Classic, stylish, luxurious.
Phillipe Stark - the famous rocket style juicer
The Mathmos Lava Lamp by Edward Craven Walker - a cult phenomenon
Ron Arad, furniture designer.
Alessi - playful kitchen accessories
Anything Italian
Swiss precision. You've got to admire the quality!

My fashion influences

Some of the greats including Viviene Westwood, Respect! Though i really wish she would use a little bronzing powder to reduce the ghostly white glare from her fine porcelain coloured skin.
Christopher Kane - WOW WOW WOW WOW
Julian MacDonald - Welsh man living in Paris, what's that about?
John Galliano - One of the best designers ever.
Sonia Rykiel - You rock.
Roger Vivier Shoes (pictured here) - Best known to have created the first stiletto heel - though my poor sore feet won't thank him for it.
Louis Vuitton - regardless of their outrageous prices, quintessentially timeless quality.
Roberto Cavalli - feminine & flowing, his clothes are divine. I only wish i was 5 inches taller.
Alexander McQueen - yummy
Valentino - Aaaahhhhh, kkkooooo, ggaaarrrr
Emilio Pucci - i only wish i had his family history.
Missoni - what this girl can do with a thread is breath taking.

How is it men can design so beautifully for women, but there are far fewer women who can design for men? Donna Karan did it, but i can't want to thank her for the bodysuit.
And above all, drum roll....Karen Millen, who, year after year, has brought quality fashionable creations to aspiring middle class women and bridged the enormous gap between inaccessible catwalk and high street. And i have never been disappointed. Hip, hip, hooray

Fashion Accessory or Traditional Jewellery - Can't it be both

It's so strangle how so called "industry professionals" are unable to recognise my "wire" jewellery as traditional as I am not a silversmith. In addition, I have been turned down at various trade fairs within the "Designer Collections" as they don't class me as a designer.
If, however, I show my jewellery to fashion boutiques, they will say it isn't an accessory as I use precious materials. So which jewellery genre does my jewellery fit into? Can't it be both i.e. fashionable jewellery?

It begs the questions, what constitutes a designer? Surely if I create original pieces with a thought process which starts with nothing and ends in an object of beauty, isn't that design?
Lets just look at the history of jewellery, shall we....
According to archaeologists, the first ever signs of jewellery date back 40,000 years, the Cro-Magnons originated from the Middle East, used animal sinew to thread crude necklaces decorated with bones, teeth, and other species including the occasional mother-of-pearl shell.
Following this some 20,000 years later, small cone beads purposely shaped from stone and pierced with holes have been found in archaeological bigs, suggesting the first ever development of the bead. The first sign of precious metal used in fine jewellery comes from some copper jewellery pieces, dating from about 7,000 years ago.
Then the Romans were the first to develop fashionable jewellery with the practical use of brooches to clasp togas together. They also used pearls and glass beads.
So why is it then, my jewellery doesn't fit into traditional jewellery, just because I don't use a blow torch? When in fact, it's conclusive that beaded jewellery is more "traditional" than metalwork.
Whilst I profess to be predominantly self taught as I have dedicated my life's work to learning every day, I have also studied at Central St Martins in London and fully understand and appreciate the metal working process. I have sat with crafters who exclusively create jewellery for royalty, rich and infamous to laboriously perfect my über fine wiring techniques to make 1mm diamond beads into chains with 0.3mm wire. I will always continue to update my skills with regular courses whilst I quietly scrutinize the works of some of the greats.
I simply chose wire work because I can produce a finished piece of jewellery faster than metal smithing which inevitably feeds my apatite to produce more, and like my life, at lightening speed. In addition, and based on the vast designs I have produced to date, I find wire making far more diverse. I thoroughly enjoy the creation process, and with wire, it's just one big long creation, unlike metal working which is a series of different stages, there is no defined stage. Creating jewellery with wire is streamlined and actually quite basic. Within minutes, you can start to see the fruits of your labours, which is perhaps why it's so addictive. It's uncomplicated and, well for me, it just flows.
Finally, regardless of what materials are used and which ever way you cut it, jewellery is still just an accessory!
The picture above is a bracelet from my Limited Editions featuring divine Black Spinel (Garnet) in Ladies Tooth step cut handwired with Sterling Silver.

Dressing with accessories

Ideas for accessorizing with my designer jewellery...

Often, customers come to me with an outfit and ask my advice on what accessories will match.
So I was thinking about doing a regular feature to help freshen up some simple outfits.

My ideas will not only show just how versatile a good statement piece of jewellery can actually be, but how to polish off an outfit, rather than just finish one.
For instance, here is a Custo (Barcelona) tank which is one of my favourite designers and i've chosen to add the long LA Pebble earrings in Dyed Pink Chalcedony & Orange Carnelian which gives it a really playful, yet chic style.
Or how about adding a dash of colour to a simple white dress, like this one from Monsoon, which can be worn day or night.
With more styles to come, please do tune into my regular blogs on dressing with my contemporary designer jewellery.

Contemporary Designer Jewellery

For Designer Jewellery Enthusiasts

At last, I've managed to sit myself down and find out about this blogging lark....

My first priority was to sort the website out to show my life's work, then update it with all the usual trimmings, so now it's only fair I give my customers, stockists, friends and foe an insider's guide, without the umbrella-in-hand loud speaker, about my work and perhaps some snippets of my family life.

Let's start with the low-down. I am a creative! And sometimes I am so far out of the box, I need Scotti to beam be back. Being creative comes with it's blessings & curses. As is always the case, where there is creation, so follows comments, good and bad. The mountain top highs, like when a retailer agrees to stock my jewellery, and deepest depths of the ocean lows, like every door that slams in my face. Creatives are generally dreamers, which i am, but equally as a business person, one has to be so down-to-earth, I spend my days digging. Like when a supplier misses a deadline it's not just devastating to my business but my psyche takes a blow too.

Then there is the financial burden setting up business weighs heavily and this has caused more stress than I ever imagined. Though I don't do money well, I leave that to the accountant, AKA my husband. At least, I don't let it rule my life or my thoughts. I believe what goes around will eventually come back around, so I try not to make decisions based on making money, because I have always only ever been in this journey to feed my creative juices, hand-on-heart truth.

On this journey, I am constantly surprised at how versatile I have become. I drive my husband crazy with my sometimes hair brain ideas and thoughts. I want to make everything I see better and I can't switch it off, well except with a goldfish-bowl glass of sparkling wine..

So I decided to focus my energy into creating jewellery and with over 400 designs under my belt, I have far exceeded my own expectations as a designer. Now, I want to use this blog to try and portray an honest account of my life as a Designer. I am, however, NOT a writer, so I apologise now for any mistakes.

These are real accounts, and I promise I will try not to hurt any humans or animals in the making of my life's blog.

Design is my passion and I have always held top designers with the highest regard. Albert Einstein once said "imagination is more important than knowledge" and this philophy is key in my creative exploration. Yet I see some designers commanding extortionate rates with little regard for quality and this is just another notch in the design world which spurs me forward. I want to produce quality, to be proud of my work and I want to be the best I can, not matter how far I rise or indeed fall.

The history thus far? I found my way into jewellery making because: firstly, ever since I can remember I have had an allergy to base metals so I can't wear anything that is cheap, i.e "accessories". The green stain around the neck is not attactive! Secondly, traditional precious metal jewellery were usually limited in design and certainly not fashion-led. High-fashion, high quality jewellery were usually out of my price range and only for the rich and richer. And finally the catalyst, when I attended a jewellery party, I couldn't believe this so-called "artisan" was flogging such trash both in quality and design and I decided there and then, I could do better. It was then I decided to find out about studying the craft of jewellery making.

I signed myself up for various courses here and abroad and quickly skimmed through wanting more. I constantly experimented with designs and carefully studied all the work I could lay my eyes on, but then I have always surveyed the artistic worlds and catwalk design. During my studies, most notably Central St Martins, I realised that I didn't actually want to be a Silversmith, as Ii enjoyed wire working far more.

So I started sourcing and finding out what I could get my mitts on to make jewellery that I would be proud to wear. After months of careful sourcing, I started to realise that if I could bulk buy, I could get my hands on gemstones and Sterling Silver, even Gold if I wanted. Of course this required a significate amount of investment, but I just couldn't help myself. The gems were calling me with their luminous fires of light and I just had to answer. Luckily my friends supported my work and would ask me to "whip something up" for a special occassion to match their outfit, and well that was just the start of a very fruitful relationship with my tools and wire.

So here I find myself with my own label, real stockists and a fully functional website. But I have never been one to do anything by halves. I always seem to throw myself head first into the deep end, whether it be trying to order the best materials my budget can buy, pie-in-the-sky ideas for trade fairs or carefully fine tuning my wiring techniques with uber fine crafters in India that produce incredible works for royalty.

Now it's not just small gemstones I create my jewellery with, there are huge ones too and in all the colours of the rainbow. I have recently introduced Coloured Diamonds, and have always enjoyed the lustre of Cultured Pearls, the sparkle from Swarvoski Crystals, Venetian/Murano Glass, unusual Shells, exotic Corals, and much much more, all ethically sourced from around the world.

Whilst on the topic of ethics, as my integrity is part of my brand, no doubt there will be a blog to follow, as I have my own ideas on how to save the world, one glittering gemstone at a time.

No doubt this is just the beginning, as there is no stopping my imagination nor my desire to succeed. My true ethos is based on providing limited edition quality fashionable jewellery that is reasonably priced. The old clique couldn't hold more truth with my brand by guaranteeing; "you get what you pay for", no more and certainly no less. By sticking with this simple rule, I hope to stay in the game for as long as my customers buy from me.

During my new blogging escapades, or shall I call them blogscapades, I hope to enthrall my readers and customers alike with various buying trips and experiences, so you get a glimpse at the very weird and wacky world of a designer/maker.

So do remember to check in from time to time, when I will try to keep you abreast of my warp-speed life, including any news, events, collection launches and much, much more.

Many thanx for all your support. Enjoy!

Melinda xx

The jewellery featured in this article:

Top, apricot coloured bracelet is from my V07 Collection, featuring Murano Gold Filled Glass Heart, Cultured Pearl & Swarovski Crystal on Sterling Silver Chain.

Middle, Pink Amethyst Broilettes with cluster of tiny Cultured Pearls, Moonstones & Swarovski Crystals on fancy post earrings from my new Bridal Collection

Designer Jewellery

Magazine Feature

Melinda's contemporary designer jewellery regularly receives features in the Welsh national press and for one lucky glossy, decided to do a give-away (which is a very rare treat indeed).

Hilary Ferda, the Editor of Ladies First magazine, December 2007 wrote:

"With short courses at the infamous Central St Martins under her belt, Melinda's contemporary designer jewellery seamlessly bridges the gap between costume and fashion. Fusing her colourful Australian routes with her newly adopted Welsh Heritage, Melinda is influenced by worldly cultures and often commissions exotic items that evoke images of far-flung places. From the specially cut everlasting Shell to the sought after sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona, and her latest edition of Black and Coloured Diamonds, all pieces are cut to her specification. Each piece is then hand crafted by Melinda in her South Wales Studio and finished with a branded authenticity charm. With beautiful designer packaging thrown into the mix, these treasure make for beautifully bespoke gifts at www.melindamulcahy.com"

Contemporary Designer Jewellery