Connect to the Crafter

Our newest jewellery collection celebrates the art of our signature Music Bar, crafting it into new shapes and wearable designs to create a capsule of handcrafted everyday pieces. We’re proud to have partnered with Edinburgh-based jewellery house, Hamilton and Inches, to create this collection, who have lovingly crafted each piece of the capsule in the heart of Scotland.

To celebrate the launch of our newest jewellery collection, we caught up with Hamilton and Inches’ expert artisans, who talked us through their craft, working on the capsule, and why they love silverwork…

We sat down with Ruth and David, both silversmiths at Hamilton and Inches, who worked to handcraft this collection. Ruth joined Hamilton and Inches following a three-month placement as part of her BA (Hons) Degree in Jewellery & Silversmithing at the Edinburgh College of Art, and draws contemporary inspiration from the urban landscape. 

David is a Senior Silversmith and has worked at Hamilton and Inches for 17 years. David is proud to be surrounded by exceptional Scottish craft and champion the next generation of Scottish craftspeople through their Craft Academy.

What do people misunderstand about craftsmanship?

Ruth: Often people don't realise what's involved in the making process; I think there’s a misconception that all jewellery is made the same. With the pieces we make, it takes a lot of skill and training to produce high-quality pieces of jewellery, so the pieces pass through the hands of many skilled craftspeople.

What inspired you to go into silversmithing?

Ruth: It's always been a creative output for me. I like to make, and I like the idea of the physical and the creative challenge of silversmithing. It wasn't until my eight-week placement that I decided that silversmithing was for me. The main thing that draws me to the craft is the idea of making an item that is going to be loved and cherished not only for now but for generations to come - that really motivates me as part of the job. 

David: My summer job! It was only for two months cleaning the trophies for the Royal Highlands chauffeur presentation.  While I was working in the polishing room, I saw the guys next door making all the trophies, quakes and jewellery and it looked so interesting - that was what I wanted to do.

What role does music play in your craft?

Ruth: It's a great mood booster and motivator, especially when we're working on large quantity orders. For us, we have a shared workshop speaker. So that almost creates a sense of connection and teamwork and a kind of unity within the workshops. It's also a sense of division and a sense of humour. 

David: It has been really exciting to work with Strathberry’s iconic Music Bar, and bring that kind of essence of the company into wearable pieces of jewellery.