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I am a contemporary jewellery designer and maker. I work with enamels, precious metals, gold and silver leaf- Who am I?

I am Emma Sedman

How did you come to be a jeweller?

After completing a foundation course in art I began a degree in Art and Design. I always thought I wanted to be an artist and illustrator and happily began the course. During the first year we spent a number of weeks studying different areas of design, one of which was jewellery. I was hooked from those first few weeks and at the end of the first year I changed my course so that jewellery was my specialist subject area and I’ve never looked back!

Where did you train?

After my foundation course in Harrogate I completed my degree at the university college of York St John and was privileged to have the jeweller Pamela Dickinson as my tutor. Fifteen years later and I still feel that there is always something new to learn and I am a member of various related organisations including the Guild of Enamellers and the Association for Contemporary Jewellery.

Where is your studio?

Although I am not open to the public I have a lovely studio in Leyburn, with a window overlooking the Yorkshire Dales and a ginger cat for company!

What is the main inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration originally came from marine life and I focused on the colours and patterns of brightly coloured sea creatures. Over recent years my designs have developed from these but have become much simpler, using single colours and strong clean lines to define the pieces. Colour is now the main feature and inspiration of my designs.

What medium do you prefer to work with?

Enamel - I love the intensity of colour that can be achieved and its versatility depending upon the design and application. I mainly work on silver and use transparent enamels for their wonderful depth of colour. Enamels are great to work with. I often combine them with precious metal leaf, which adds contrast to a design.

Do you have a favourite tool?

My kiln! It has been my faithful friend since leaving college and even though I have three now, my first one is still the one I use the most and wouldn’t be without. As it has been with me so long now, I tend to judge the temperature and length of time that each piece needs for firing by eye, but even with knowing it so well it still gives me surprises!

What are your future goals?

Since leaving my workshop in Reeth to take a couple of years out while having a family, my goals are now to re-establish a workshop open to the public. I found it a great way of meeting my customers and finding out what inspires them about my jewellery. It was wonderful to work in an environment with other workshops and artists. I am also looking forward to working on a new collection of enamelled jewellery.

Do you offer workshops and jewellery classes?

Although I don’t offer workshops and jewellery classes at my own studio I teach enamelling workshops as a visiting tutor.

What has been your greatest achievement

It was a great achievement to have my jewellery exhibited internationally in New York, but closer to home it has to be my involvement with Aura Exhibition. I am a founder member of the annual event that first began in 2005 to showcase the work of four Yorkshire jewellers.

Where do you exhibit your work?

I exhibit my jewellery through various galleries including Palterman and Thomas, Swansea, and Pyramid Gallery, York. I also take part in selected temporary exhibitions, such as ‘Alchemy 10’. These exhibitions take place over Christmas at the Craft Centre and Design Gallery in Leeds. I exhibited at the British Craft Trade Fair for a number of years and found this a good way of meeting and building relationships with gallery owners throughout the country. Each year my work is also exhibited at ‘Aura’ an annual jewellery exhibition in York.