Best of British Contemporary Jewellery Interview Alice Gow

Alice studied at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, and continued working in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, creating bold and beautiful jewellery, featuring coloured aluminium, silver, and wood. Alice describes her work as being bold and beautiful jewellery featuring beautifully textured coloured aluminium, silver and wood. Alice’s designs display movement and interchangeability, simplicity and elegance.

1. How did you become involved in jewellery design?

After studying art at A-level, I went on to Art College and did a foundation art course, where I specialised in 3d, and developed a taste for jewellery.  I continued to develop my jewellery skills, studying Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham's prestigious School of Jewellery.  After my degree I extended those skills with a graduate apprenticeship before setting up my own business, Alice Gow Designs.  

2. How would you describe your jewellery?

Bold, bright and beautiful! 

3. Whose jewellery do you admire?

I love Georg Jensen's flowing forms, has work straddles the discipline's of jewellery and silversmithing, and excels at both. 

4. Which of your designs/collections are you most proud?

(A picture would be good if possible.)

It's tricky to pick a favourite collection, but I would have to choose 'Revolve' .  It's a range that began in my final year at university, which has been developed and refined into a collection which embodies my design ethos: simple forms, carefully composed to create an elegant yet interesting finished product.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers?

Work hard, it's the only way!  But hopefully you'll love your work, so it shouldn't be a chore. 

6. What does the future hold for your company?

I've recently brought out a new range of jewellery that was made possible using CAD (computer aided design).   I'm currently working on new pieces for this range,and am hoping to work more with CAD in the future, to develop work that would be impossible to create using traditional techniques. 

7. Do you undertake commission's, what sort of thing have you been commissioned to make?

I've just completed my first ever Wedding Ring commission, two rings in 18ct Gold.  The customers loved the work I already make, but I was able to tweak the designs to make their perfect rings.

You can see Alice's work at The Best of British Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition or you can visit her website: www.alicegowdesigns.com