History

Whilst living in her native California, Rachel earned an A.A. Design Degree in 1996 from Moorpark College and a B.A. Jewellery Degree in 1999 from Humboldt State University. After her studies she worked as a production manager and product designer for a Northern Californian wholesale jewellery manufacturing company. In 2002, Rachel met her husband whilst travelling and relocated to the UK in 2003. She has set up her own business designing and producing contemporary jewellery from her studio in NW England.

Predominately working in silver, Rachel uses various fabrication methods such as forging, piercing, filing and chasing to bring texture and form to each piece of adornment. She often uses other precious metals such as gold, as well as semi precious stones and organic materials to incorporate colour and contrast into her designs. She is heavily influenced by her everyday surroundings and draws inspiration from geology, flora and fauna.

“Collecting has been a common activity throughout my life and natural objects like rocks, bark, seeds, petals and pollen are recurrent themes found in my designs. Capturing and preserving these items in precious metal reminds me of the moment I was first engaged with the object and illustrates my impressions and my understanding of it. Many of the current textures I use are influenced by sketchbooks from my travels abroad as well as outings into the English countryside.”

Rachel is a member of the Association of Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) and is an active member of the Manchester Jewellers Network (MJN).