Inspired by ancient and medieval jewels, Merryn’s work reimagines classic pearl jewellery with a contemporary twist.
Merryn hand makes all jewellery in her Sheffield-based studio, designing and producing each piece herself.
Merryn’s work is crafted from recycled precious metals and is always made from solid metal, as she has a strong belief in making well made, long lasting jewellery. Her pieces are set with semi-precious stones and pearls, sourced as repurposed wherever possible to avoid new mining and farming.
Where are you based?
Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
How did your brand / company begin?
I started to build my brand in 2023 when I moved to Sheffield and reduced my working hours to part time, so I had the time to develop the style of jewellery that I want to make, and it has organically grown from there. I didn't want to rush into anything as it's important to me to be intentional with my designs.
How would you describe your company ethos?
As a maker, I’m drawn to jewellery because it is endlessly recyclable, unlike other crafts; there are so many ways to reuse, repair, and redesign pieces. I don’t believe in trend led jewellery; I think it should be carefully considered when deciding to purchase, and it should become part of your forever collection, a modern heirloom that becomes a part of you.
Where do your materials come from? (are they locally sourced?
I love using repurposed pearls as much as possible. I believe in sourcing what has already been farmed, as there is so much in the world already, so the Single Drop Pearls and the Pearl Necklaces are all made from repurposed pearls. While I source pearls for a specific design, there can be slight variations in the kinds of pearls that I buy, so it means each batch of pearl necklaces (usually of around 5 or 6) are slightly different and unique.
How long does each piece take to make?
It varies from piece to piece, the Blossom Drop Pearls and the Bobble Pearls take the longest to make as they require the most soldering and stone setting, and they can take around 3 or 4 hours to make.
Did you study design anywhere or are you self taught / naturally fall into this work?I studied at the British Academy of Jewellery in London for two years. I was studying sculpture previously so making jewellery felt like a natural progression to build my career in.
How does your design process work from idea to finished product?
Sometimes I sketch things, but I’m very visual and I find it easier to think through making, subsequently ideas often develop from playing around with different materials and processes. My designs go through a lot of sampling and refining, for jewellery, it is so important that each piece is endlessly wearable and comfortable. This means getting the weights right, especially for earrings.
What do you listen to or watch while you work?
Working alone means there’s lots of time to listen to either music, podcasts or the radio. I switch between NTS and Radio 4 (very contrasting, I know!) and podcasts like This American Life, If I Speak, and If Jewels Could Talk, but I mostly listen to music if I’m making something complicated.
How do you overcome creative lulls?
It always really helps me to go and do something else creative that’s completely different, like sewing, knitting or drawing. It allows me to rest and not overthink about the lull, and then I can come back to a project feeling refreshed and motivated. Being outside in nature is also very beneficial, I really value being close to the Peak District as the countryside calms my mind and resets something in me.
What is your favourite material to work with and why and do you have other projects in the pipeline?
I love working with gold. Most of my bespoke work is gold and I always find it such a treat to work with. I much prefer working directly with metal rather than working in wax and then casting, as working directly with metal is much more forgiving, unless the piece is very sculptural. I’ve got lots of ideas I’d love to develop, but it’s hard to find the time!
Do you have any tips you'd like to share with other artists?
Don’t worry about getting it ‘wrong’, you just have to show up for yourself and keep trying. It’s the only way to improve and understand yourself and your work better.
