Meet the Maker - Simone Selaib - Salandini

My name is Simone Selaib-Salandini and I’m a jewellery designer based in Notting Hill, London.

My work is made up of different collections including Victoria Regia, Industrial and Leaves. They all complement each other and comprise necklaces, rings, earrings, arm bands, bracelets, head pieces and anklets:

All my jewellery is hand crafted by me, I use silver 925 and 999, gold, bronze and semi-precious stones.

I graduated with a BA in Fine Arts and discovered my passion for sculptures and metal. After finishing university I lived in the Italian city of Naples and experienced the wonderful craft of restoration of church ceilings and sculptures.
I love the process of designing and making and I trained as a silversmith, took a course in professional development for designer-makers and began to sell to galleries and shops.

Recently I have participated in Arts and Crafts Fairs and I love the direct contact with the public and to see their reactions to my work.

I draw my inspirations from everyday experiences and the fascination I have for metal itself.

I like to play with line, space, light and shadow; where clear forms are integral part of each piece.

My inspirations reflect my artistic background. Jewellery is intuitive and spontaneous for me, influenced by sculptural and architectural works.

I once read .....‘my business is to create’ and this sums up exactly how I feel!

Simone will be at Homeworks next Sunday 4 December.

Meet the Maker - Hélène Turbé

Photo: Lily Bertrand-Webb 

Tell us little bit about who you are and where you are based?
My Name is Hélène Turbé, I’m a fine jewellery maker based in West London. I live near Kensal Rise and my studio is based just behind Ladbroke Grove.
I’m passionate about the handcrafting process and can spend hours working on details. I totally love working close to my work creating an intimacy with each of my pieces. My work is inspired by the ornate allure of jewellery dating from Antique, Byzantine and Victorian eras, enhanced by intensively repeated details, and by the use of coloured gemstones and pearls:



Where did you train and when did you start your business?
After working 10 years in Paris as a producer manager in the media Industry, I finally moved to London to accomplish my two dreams; to live in London and to study a fashion course.

In 2001, I joined London Metropolitan University to study jewellery and ended 3 years later with a First Class Honours degree.

In 2009, I set up my workshop while looking after my three kids. Very quickly, I managed to sell my work to few shops in London. I now work from an Artists Community Studio called Kindred Studio in St Marks Road (behind Ladbroke Grove) where I share my space with six other brilliant makers. I still work for the same retailers who have supported me from the beginning while making bespoke order for private customers. Very soon you will be able to shop through my website.




What inspired you to become a designer and set up your company?
Very young, I was fascinated by illustrations in children’s books, by my mother’s haberdashery and carving wood. I guess my curiosity never left me. I grew up on a little island surrounded by religious signs called Ile d’Yeu in West of France. Everything inspires me, all my surroundings. I’m fascinated by icon figures, icon medals, and rosaries:



Usually I start drawing some ideas and designs on my sketchbook, and once I’m happy and ready for it, I move to my bench where I start making a model before working directly on gold.
Depending of the piece, but sometimes it can take 2/3 weeks before finishing it.

Hélène will be at Homeworks on both 4 & 11 December.

Angela Cork

Angela Cork is a Jeweller and Silversmith. Her sterling silver Pillow collection for men and women is all hand made in her studio in West Hampstead.

She’s back at Homeworks for another year on Sunday 6th December: