Social Media Archives - Saskia Shutt

Certified craftsmanship

Saskia Shutt — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:04:24 +0000

Exciting news

Exciting news. Over the summer, I received the label of certified craftsmanship. So, this is what happened… During the month of June 2016, I put together a portfolio of my work and career. It was this portfolio which was sent to the “Ambacht Commissie” (Board for craftsmen). So, after presenting my portfolio and defending my application, I had to await the result. As a result, my application to the Federal Government For Economy of Belgium has been accepted. Naturally, I am proud to have received recognition for certified craftsmanship. Personally, this is an important certification to have, as I am a proud craftsman(woman). I am dedicated and proud that all my jewellery is 100% handmade by myself. In support of the craftsmen, the Federal Government of Economy organizes the Day of the Craftsman. It is a yearly event. Held for the past 15 consecutive years. It brings together the craftsmen and the general public.

The Day of the Craftsman

One Sunday a year, craftsmen and women open their workshop doors to the general public. Dag van de Ambachten or Day of the Craftsmen, is a wonderful way to show the public how we work. Furthermore, the public has access to a world they never get to see. What happens behind the closed doors of the workshop… In previous years I have always participated in the Day of the Craftsman. Unfortunately, this year, this event falls on the same weekend as Meesterlijk. Since I had already subscribed to Meesterlijk, I can’t participate in Day of the Craftsman. I find it disappointing as this event is important for our industry. The craftsman is a dying phenomenon. But with events like this, we are seeing a slow revival. Because it is important to keep our artisan skills and craftsmanship alive. As the art of craftsmanship is hands-on skills. And the public needs to experience this. But, most of all, to inspire the future generation of craftsmen. Saskia Shutt Designs Interested in having a piece of jewellery made. Browse through my website, especially the commissions and remodelling pages. Interested in what you have read so far, make an appointment to visit my workshop and discuss your ideas for your perfect jewel.

The post Certified craftsmanship appeared first on Saskia Shutt.

Meesterlijk 2015 te Amsterdam

Saskia Shutt — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:50:58 +0000

Meesterlijk Event

The month of November is upon us, hence it’s an exciting time in Saskia Shutt Designs’ workshop.

An open-door workshop event with Journée de Artisan, on Sunday 22/11. Also an expo with Meesterlijk, the last weekend of November, held in Amsterdam, which sees the launch of Saskia’s new collection of jewellery.

Unveiling of new work

The new collection is inspired by the shapes and complimenting colours of the gemstones themselves. Most noteworthy, vibrant pink tourmaline set together with deep velvety peridots, make for exciting pieces of jewellery. As a result, the combination of the two colours and due to the size of the gemstones, which are audacious, create stunning jewellery. The collection sees striking rings, a pair of earrings and as the centrepiece, a pendant. The image displayed, is a taster of the collection to come. Silver hand carved heart shape ring, set with oval peridot centre gemstone and pink tourmaline scattered around the entire ring.

The combination of colour is bold and daring and will appeal to the more outgoing personality. Someone looking for a showstopper or a statement piece will definitely find their mark in this collection.

It’s going to be an exciting and busy time in the workshop to get everything ready for Meesterlijk. The new collection will be on display to the general public, for the first time, during Meesterlijk in the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.

Image: Large oval peridot set as the centre gemstone, with pink tourmaline scattered around the heart-shaped hand-carved silver ring.

The post Meesterlijk 2015 te Amsterdam appeared first on Saskia Shutt.

Design September 2015

Saskia Shutt — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:19:41 +0000

Design September 2015 Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

As summer ends, autumn begins to make its way in. September is a buzzing month filled with creativity. Cultural events are happing all over Brussel. This year, Design September 2015 celebrates its 10th anniversary. It promises to be the most exciting one yet.

A Month of Design and Creativity

Design September 2015 brings a fresh lineup of events. The festival features the Best Design Shop Layout competition. Also, Open Door Studios, exhibitions, and guided tours of artisan workshops. The event showcases the best in design. It brings together designers, artists, and craftspeople from many fields to share their work.

Open Door Event: Meet the Designers

One of the event’s main attractions is the Open Door event. It takes place on the weekend of September 18th, to 20th. During this event, designers open their workshops to the public. Visitors can see where the creative process happens. You can watch live demonstrations, learn techniques, and talk directly to the designers.

Join Me in My Workshop During Design September 2015

I’m excited to announce that Saskia Shutt Designs will be part of the Open Door event. It’s a great opportunity to see my jewellery up close and ask questions. I’ll be happy to explain the process behind each piece. Whether you’ve followed my work for years or are new to it, come and join me. It’s a weekend full of inspiration and creativity. Don’t miss your chance to connect with the designer community and celebrate the artistry of Design September.

The post Design September 2015 appeared first on Saskia Shutt.

Birthstone for August

Saskia Shutt — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:51:19 +0000

Peridot: The Birthstone for August

Peridot, the vibrant birthstone for August, dazzles with its vivid olive-green colour enhanced by hints of gold. Known as “the gem of the sun,” this gemstone symbolises warmth and vitality. Its rich history, which begins in ancient Egypt, highlights its enduring beauty and significance. Whether you’re an August baby or simply love its radiant charm, peridot connects you to the sun’s energy while blending tradition with modern elegance.

Folklore and Origins of Peridot

Peridot, born from fire, forms in volcanic rock and meteorites. Ancient miners first sourced it exclusively in Egypt. Later, miners discovered peridot in the mountainous regions of Pakistan, where they could only extract it during summer. This link to harsh summer mining conditions makes peridot a perfect birthstone for August.

The Meaning Behind the Name Peridot

The name “peridot” has a mysterious origin. It could stem from the Greek word peridona, meaning “to give richness,” or the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem.

A Gemstone with a Rich History

Peridot boasts a fascinating history. Egyptians treasured it as early as the 2nd millennium BC, calling it “the gem of the sun.” While its allure faded for a time, new mines discovered in Pakistan during the 1990s reignited its popularity. Find out more in my revisited article on peridot.

Where is Peridot Found Today?

Gem-quality peridot now comes from many regions beyond its original source on St. John’s Island, Egypt. Today, miners find it in Norway, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Myanmar, China, and the United States.

Discover the timeless allure of peridot with me. Let its radiant charm illuminate your jewellery collection with a touch of warmth, tradition, and elegance.

The post Birthstone for August appeared first on Saskia Shutt.

Repair of an heirloom

Saskia Shutt — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:20:27 +0000

Jewellery repair

A Specialised Skill

Not all jewellers offer repair as a service. Many jewellery shops lack on-site workshops or skilled craftsmen, which prevents them from providing jewellery repair services.

Repairing jewellery requires specific skills through training. It is a unique specialisation within the jewellery trade.

Learning the Art of Jewellery Repair

Honing my repair skills, while freelancing for a jeweller in the Brighton Lanes. Offering a repair services, to their customers. I learned this invaluable craftsmanship during my time there.

The Sentimental Value of Jewellery

Jewellery often carries deep sentimental value, which makes remodelling unsuitable in certain cases. Last week, a customer brought me a gold ring she had inherited from her mother. She wanted to preserve it and pass it down to the next generation.

images: customer’s inherited ring from her grandmother which needed sizing down 6 sizes.

Diagnosing the Jewellery Repair Needs

The ring needed multiple repairs. A small diamond was missing, and another was about to fall out. The central sapphire was also loose. I tightened the claws holding the sapphire—a straightforward task—but the worn-down gold claws required re-tipping, which was more complex.

To restore the ring, I drew down new 18ct gold wire and filed the old claws to match it. Then, I soldered the new gold wire to the old claws. Once I installed the new claws, I shaped them to blend seamlessly with the original design. Finally, I reset the diamonds.

A Treasured Heirloom Repaired

After completing the repair, my customer was thrilled to have a restored sapphire and diamond gold ring that she could proudly pass down to the next generation. If you have a cherished piece in need of repair, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be delighted to help bring it back to life.

The post Repair of an heirloom appeared first on Saskia Shutt.

My Social Media

Saskia Shutt Jewellery — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:00:05 +0000

Discover My Social Media and Stay Connected

I’m excited to invite you to explore my social media, where I share my jewellery journey with you. From the first spark of inspiration to the final creation, my social media platforms give you a front-row seat to my world of craftsmanship and design.

You can follow me on these platforms:

Facebook: On Facebook, I share updates about my latest collections, behind-the-scenes glimpses from my workshop, and details of upcoming events. Join the conversation and let me know what you think of my designs!
Instagram: Instagram is where I showcase the beauty of my jewellery through stunning photos, videos, and reels. Dive into the creative process and see how each piece comes to life. If you love visuals, my Instagram is the place to be.
LinkedIn: On LinkedIn, I discuss my sustainable practices, collaborations, and the values that drive my work. It’s the perfect space to connect professionally and learn more about the principles behind my jewellery.

Following my social media gives you the chance to stay up-to-date with my latest projects, events, and insights. It’s also where we can connect, share stories, and celebrate the art of artisan jewellery together.

Take a moment to follow me on your favourite platform. Click the links above, and let’s keep in touch.

I look forward to welcoming you to my social media community. Your support inspires me to keep creating and sharing meaningful jewellery stories. Do you have an idea to start your own jewellery story, feel free to contact my directly.

Warmly,
Saskia

The post My Social Media appeared first on Saskia Shutt.