katrina alexander - oval cast ring

It’s our pleasure to feature the work of British Jewellery designer Katrina Alexander in this, the first of our ‘Designers’ interviews.
We hope to feature more designers in the near future.

katrina alexander - drop necklace with leaf and pearl

How would you describe your work?

Tactile and organic in form – I don’t work to structured drawings or shapes and pieces tend to evolve on the workbench. For example, I don’t make perfect round circles – deliberately.

How have others described your work?

“Wearable” rather than statement pieces, “timeless” and “classics with a contemporary twist”

How do you make your jewellery, what techniques do you use?

My preferred method is using the art of lost wax carving whereby I carve the shape into wax before it is cast into silver or gold. It is a lovely way to work, although very time consuming, and I am happiest when working this way. I made quite weighty silver and gold pieces this way.

katrina alexander

Who, or what, has influenced you?

That’s very difficult to answer off the top of my head. It depends on whether you mean inspirational influence. So many people along the way with wise words …. I suppose the strength and support of my parents and my grandmothers and latterly my husband has made me determined to move into a different career. As far as creative influence, I am inspired by so many different people from all sorts of creative backgrounds I guess.

Well, the obvious question … where do you get the ideas for your collections?

Some come straight away whilst others grow and may have been in a sketchbook for years but then suddenly develop one day. I see shapes in everything, all of the time, which can be quite distracting. Literally anything, from everyday objects such as a bunch of hangers, to lighting effects, designs on bars in restaurants, typography, curves on textiles, ironmongery, leather textures on handbags….I also collect pebbles, seed pods and leaves constantly.

If you could name one, what would your “I wish I had designed that” be?

Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It’s the most incredible 12th century temple complex. It is architecturally fascinating and very beautiful. I love the way that nature is entwined with it now amongst its ruins.

katrina alexander - infinity

Where are you happiest?

At the moment, on my terrace checking out my endless vegetable pots!

Where do you sell your work?

Good old Great Britain mainly, galleries and shops in England and Scotland stock my work but it would be good to get some outlets in Wales/Ireland to balance things out!

When you think of jewellery per se, what comes to mind?

I believe that jewellery can become a part of you. You instinctively love a piece of jewellery (or it grows with you and comforts you). It’s like clothes, shoes, etc – you wear pieces to give you confidence, to comfort you, to cheer you up or just for fun – a piece can make you smile every time you look at it. I don’t make collections in line with fashion trends though, I make pieces to be worn for a lifetime.

katrina alexander - multi cluster pearl bracelet

What is your latest collection?

My latest collections consist of solid sterling silver pieces which are always popular and a collection made using different coloured and shaped freshwater pearls which are also currently selling well.

Any plans for the future?

Yes, lots. I have just taken on a Jewellery Consultant who specialises in PR, marketing and sales, so watch this space! Exciting times ahead…

Thank-you Katrina and best of luck in your forthcoming endeavours!

Once again, you can view (and purchase!) Katrina’s work on her website: Katrina Alexander.

katrina alexander silver heart pendant