Meet the Maker - Fiona Mackay Jewellery

Meet the Maker - Fiona Mackay Jewellery

INTRODUCING FIONA MACKAY AND HER BEAUTIFUL HANDCRAFTED JEWELLERY

Fiona Mackay makes beautiful, silver jewellery that incorporates precious stones and twist designs. Her designs have a very contemporary feel to them and her rings are perfect for stacking. All her jewellery is made by hand in her little workshop in Horbury, West Yorkshire. Fiona also runs a jewellery business with her husband; Mackay & Pearson. Read on to find out more!

Could you tell us a little bit about you, and how you came to start your business?

After I graduated from Sheffield Polytechnic with a BA in silversmithing and jewellery in the 1980s I worked for a small jeweller in Whitby North Yorkshire and have been making jewellery ever since , setting up a small jewellery workshop and Gallery with my partner David Pearson in 1998.

How long have you been living in Scarborough?

We moved to a small village just outside Scarborough.It’s a real treat being on the coast with the fresh air, beaches, sea and countryside.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I think everything around me influences my work. I like pattern and texture and am experimenting more with mark making on metal to give different finishes.

From left to right: Rainforest topaz gemstone silver stud earrings, large twiggy circle silver pendant, and large keshi pearl studs.

When you are not creating, what do you do?

Walking our 8 year old dachshund Bert - we love the beach! Mostly at the moment we’re working on the house we moved into - it needs quite a bit of loving!

What’s your favourite current piece?

I’m liking the expandable bangle from our Ribbons range it works well on its own or stacked with other bangles.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

Not getting distracted by Bert and computers - give me a hammer any day!

If you had one piece of advice to give other makers, what would it be?

Do your own thing!

Are there any particular artists or sculptors that inspire you?

I always liked the work of Line Vautrin, fab mirrors.

Describe your work in 3 words!

Organic, tactile and wearable.

Without giving away any state secrets, what’s next on your design agenda?

I’m liking the architectural details on the buildings in Scarborough so that might be something I’ll explore.

You can see more of Fiona Mackay's lovely work here...