How I designed my latest collection June 18 2015

I thought it would be cool to share with you how I designed my latest collection, to show you some of the background work that goes into creating a new range.

Firstly, sketch, sketch, sketch. I knew I wanted this collection to be focussed around geometric patterns within the natural world so I created line drawings of loads of natural forms - rock formations, landscapes, creatures etc, looking for interesting patterns or forms that I could work with.

Here are a few of the initial line drawings and sketches that influenced the WINGS collection:

After selecting the sketches to move forward with, I experimented with simplifying these into geometric motifs and patterns that would be the basis for my designs. Here are a few, I won't bore you with all of them!

After selecting the shapes and forms that I felt were working, it's just a case of narrowing it down, and working out the practicalities. Below you can see some of my final designs. I made prototypes of these our of brass and spare gemstones that I had lying around, and the ones that were successful at prototype level made it into the collection.

Here's a guy that didn't quite make it. Though maybe he should have done?

Here are some other prototypes made using brass and some scrap silver I had lying around...

These two were my first finished prototypes in brass and silver... this is a picture I took just before I set the stones.

And now they are all living, breathing pieces of artwork, ready to be worn by anyone who isn't afraid to spread their wings and reach for the sky :-)

Thanks for taking the time to check this out. Drop me a line and let me know which is your favourite.

Until next time,

Anna xxx

How I created this pair of bespoke crow cufflinks - from start to finish March 24 2015

Have you ever wondered how a bespoke piece goes from idea to completion? I'm going to show you how I turned this customer's idea into a really special present.

Laura contacted me at the end of October last year, wanting to create the perfect Christmas present for her other half. He loved birds, so she knew that she wanted crow's heads.

The first stage was to get the ideas flowing and to draw some crows! Beak open or beak shut? How much of the head and neck should be in the included in the design? This stage was a brainstorm, not for anyone's eyes but mine. (And now yours.)

Once I'd made some decisions about to move forward, I sent Laura some intial designs, and we chatted about the design - about what colours to go for, and which gemstones to use etc. (Pricing has been blocked out, as this was a gift! If you have any questions about pricing, drop me a line at anna@annabyers.com.)

Next, I made a prototype. This stage is partly for me, so I can have a practice run - get a feel of making a new piece before I grab the silver, gold and rubies. But I also sent a picture to Laura so she could check how things were coming along and make any changes if she wanted to.

This prototype was made in brass, with a spare gem I had lying around for the eye. I cut it out of thick, sheet brass, and built up the laters, soldering them together, filing them down, and adding the feather texture at the end.

Once Laura confirmed she was happy, I then went ahead and made them in silver, keeping her updated with photos...

Next, time to flush-set some rubies into the eyes....

I used laser-engraving to get a strong, clean line in the beak, and also to engrave the future owner's initials on the back.

And then the piece went to Hatton Garden in London for polishing and black ruthenium plating. When they came back, I couldn't wait to show Laura.

Take a look at my workshop.. (It's really not glamorous.) March 18 2015

I thought I'd let you into a secret... my workshop is in an attic. It's a tiny, pokey space where you can barely swing a cat. There, I said it! Something I wasn't sure I would ever share on my blog. I feel as though a weight has been lifted. No spacious, central London studio for me, just a space as big as a walk-in-wardrobe, which can only be accessed via a creaky old ladder, in Radlett, Hertfordshire.

This is where my jewellery pieces begin their life. But before they are made they have to be designed... so lets climb back down the ladder to see where that part happens....

These pictures are stills from a 90 second video about my business commissioned by i2i Events and UK Trade and Investment, and produced by Leaf Films. You can watch the actual video below...

Until next time,

Anna x

Where to find Anna in the run up to the holiday season…. November 21 2014

If you have been meaning to get your hands on an Anna Byers piece but would like to see it up close first, or if you have a commission you'd like to discuss, I have some events coming up around London and Herts where you can come and see me…

WEDNESDSAY 26th NOVEMBER - The Clerkenwell Collection, Farringdon Road

SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER - Christmas Sale at Ognisko, South Kensington

SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER - Jewellery Party in Radlett, Hertfordshire - please RSVP for address details.

Jade from Little Mix is the latest celebrity to wear Anna Byers November 17 2014

Little Mix's Jade Thirlwell wore my Geo oblong ring on her thumb at Radio 1's Teen Awards. I am more than a little excited about this as I am a big Little Mix fan! So from today until 31st December I have decided to offer 20% off Jade's ring from my website. Just enter discount code JADELITTLEMIX to get a 20% discount on the Geo Oblong Ring, in silver or gold! Available here:

http://annabyers.com/collections/rings/products/geo-oblong-ring-available-in-silver-and-gold-vermeil

Anna Byers on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing October 14 2014

It was a lovely surprise to see the gorgeous Tess Daly presenting he BBC's Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night (11th October) wearing my jewels. The presenter, who is admits on twitter that she is 'never knowingly under-accessorised' shimmered in the super-glam 'Golden Tailfeather Earrings', (£98) paired with the Chunky Folded Wing Ring. (£195.) Both are available to buy here.

London Fashion Week, here we come! September 09 2014

Time has been flying by, and it's nearly time to head to Somerset House to set up for London Fashion Week. It's my first time showing at LFW, so I am more than a little excited to be launching the new collection there from 12th-16th September.

I will be showing with my amazing PR company, JAPR, alongside other amazing designers such as Kasun, Maya Magal, Ruth Tomlinson and Phoebe Coleman. We'll be in the south wing, on the ground floor.

Click on the image below for the LFW website. Hope to see some of you there!

Introducing the new collection GEO WINGS, launching at the end of the month. August 13 2014

I have been working hard on the new collection, and it the time has nearly come to reveal it. The collection is still concerned with geometric pattern, but this time the inspirations for the collection are based on the natural geometry of birds and wings. Nature is full of fascinating natural geometry, and wings are comprised of beautiful and complex patterns, which I have translated into striking statement jewels, using silver, gold vermeil and gemstones.

This month I am revealing the new collection on Facebook, in the run up to the launch at International Jewellery London, on 31st August. If you'd like to see more in the run up to the launch, including a sneak preview of our photoshoot, take a look on our Facebook Page, and don't forget to like it!

Anna x

Anna previews some new pieces and Handmade in Britain May 13 2014

I've just about recovered from Handmade in Britain over the weekend. The show, which was held in Chelsea Town Hall on the King's Road, showcases the best of British craftsmanship and design. Here's a little glimpse of my stand, and some new prototypes that I had on display to the public for the first time, featuring Swarovskis, Champagne Quartz, and Peridots. The full collection will launch soon!

Heart Home Magazine covered the event, and I was really pleased to be included as one of their 8 'Top Picks' from Handmade in Britain. To see all 8 of their Top Picks, click the image below...

Attire Accessories also covered the event, and I was really pleased to spot myself in their May issue:

Kimberley Walsh wears Anna Byers in new video April 25 2014

I was excited to catch this sneak peak of the filming of Kimberley Walsh's latest video.. She is recording the new official Tour de France song, The Road, along with Alistair Griffin.

Kimberley is rocking her Anna Byers Hex Two-Tone Double Ring in the video. Love you, Kimba!! <3

New portrait shots of Anna April 10 2014

I'm loving these new designer portrait shots taken by photography duo Ilka and Franz last week… (ilkafranz.com)

Fine Jewellery Blogger Katerina Perez in her Anna Byers bespoke earrings April 08 2014

I love this picture of Katerina Perez wearing her bespoke Anna Byers earrings. The earrings were designed and made to match Katerina's black and gold cuff. (Pictured below.)

Katerina is a freelance journalist specialising in fine jewellery, and she has a beautiful blog, which you can check out here:

http://www.katerinaperez.com

This Big and Bold Collection is off to Barcelona! March 28 2014

This plastic-fantastic range of chunky statement necklaces, earrings and cuffs are being packed off to a new stockist in Barcelona today.

Hand-crafted in our workshop in perspex, silver and gold vermeil, this collection features colourways that were specially requested by the stockist. The recipient, 'Laietana de Llibreteria' are a company based in Barcelona that have outlets in Spain's coolest museums, such as the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Park Guell, and the National Art Museum of Catalunya.

British actress Laura Haddock wears Anna Byers on the cover of Fabric Magazine March 25 2014

This month, British actress Laura Haddock graces the cover of the March 2014 issue of Fabric magazine, wearing the Anna Byers Perspex Rubick's Snake Necklace, paired with a white coat and dress from Jaeger, and grey 'Shard' boots from Kurt Geiger.

Commissions and Bespoke work by Anna March 17 2014

Recently, a customer (who has a passion for rocks,) brought me this little selection of stones, to be made into jewels. Clockwise from the top we have a Rutilated Quartz, a New Zealand Jade, a pair of Charoites, a Lapis Lazuli flecked with gold, and some green tourmalines paired with green sapphires.

I thought I'd let you know how I'm getting on! The Lapis Lazuli is now a statement silver and gold ring with a twisted wire border….

The Chaorites are now a pair of earrings….

The Rutilated Quartz had fallen out of it's silver ring. It has now been repaired, and is back to its old showstopping glory.

If you've got a gemstone that you love, why not email info@annabyers.com and see what can be done with it?

Hester Clarke's Designer of the Month March 02 2014

I am delighted to be showcasing at Hester Clarke Fine Jewellers this month as their Designer of the Month.

This independent family jewellers in the heart of Aylesbury was founded in 1892, and is into its fourth generation.

The collection pictured below, amongst other pieces, will be available to buy at Hester Clarke throughout the month of March.

I will also be in store on Saturday March 8th, so if you are local to the area, why not come and say hello?

'You'll wear this with anything, for a very long time' say emeraldstreet.com February 20 2014

Emerald Street have given us a shout out in their latest jewellery feature 'Fine Pieces,' where they reviewed the Slim Perspex Cuff in Smokey grey and SIlver. We're in good company, listed right underneath an Isabelle Marant ring.

To read the review, click here.

Anna Byers at Jewellery & Watch Birmingham February 10 2014

A few pics from last week's adventures, exhibiting at Jewellery & Watch Birmingham, with the lovely Phoebe Jewellery. It was a wonderful week of making new contacts, taking orders, and eating delicious curry.

ABJ on the catwalk.. check out the new double cuffs!

Introducing… the FUTURE FACETS! December 03 2013

Introducing London's hot new girl group!

FUTURE FACETS are a new jewellery collective made up of Myself, Christiana Christoforou, Sara Gunn, Rosie Sanders and Phoebe Jewellery.

We all met when we were selected by the British Jeweller's Association as their 'Kickstarters' for 2013. As 'Kickstarters,' we exhibited together up and down the country, and we got so used to exhibiting as a group, we didn't want it to end. So now we have formed the FUTURE FACETS, to carry on where Kickstart left off.

Come and see us at our launch at the EAST LONDON DESIGN SHOW (http://www.eastlondondesignshow.co.uk) on 5-8th December in The Truman Brewery, London.

You can also visit our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

About the members of FUTURE FACETS:

ANNA BYERS Anna’s luxurious statement pieces are characterized by a bold, geometric style. While travelling & living in Jerusalem Anna fell in love with the geometric patterns on the buildings and places of worship that surrounded her. Anna is also fascinated by Optical Art, and her ‘Hex’ collection plays with perceptions of depth and three dimensions.

CHRISTIANA CHRISTOFOROU explores social identity through her jewellery which centres on the contrast between our public and private identities. Inviting strangers to imprint an object into clay as a symbol of their identity or using found objects can be starting points for Christiana’s collections. Her jewellery consists of multiples of these fragments of identity, such as tiny crucifix charms, which are cast in silver, with elements plated in rose and yellow gold.

SARA GUNN creates bold and distinctive fashion jewellery in leather and metals. Abstracted images and patterns inspired by microscopic details within the body become rich textures in metal and leather. Sara makes each piece individually by hand in her East London workshop and her belief that that jewellery should be as individual as the wearer has led her to explore organic processes, such as acid etching, which ensure a high degree of variation. Many items are one-off pieces.

ROSIE SANDERS creates neo-classically inspired luxury jewellery with a contemporary feminine edge using precious metals, enamel and gemstones. Each curvaceous hand carved collection celebrates scrolls as enduring symbols of opulence and power, what Rosie refers to as ‘Neoclassical Couture’. ROSIE SANDERS jewellery is designed to offer discerning dames a range of subversive statement pieces and tiny trinkets that are perfect for contemporary style adventurers.

PHOEBE SHERWOOD-MOORE is based in Lewes, East Sussex. Much of Phoebe’s inspiration comes from stories she loved as a child and wildlife. Her award- winning first collection, ‘Woodland’ features squirrels, acorns and oak leaves using silver, gold vermeil and real hand-turned oak. ‘Moonlight’, Phoebe's latest collection combines moons, bats and stars with twinkling gemstones, and takes its inspiration from the natural magic of the night sky.

November Press November 18 2013

This month, Anna Byers Jewellery was featured in Jewellery Focus magazine, and I was also delighted to be featured on the front cover. For the digital edition, click here.

The Grove Resident also ran a lovely double-page feature, with a reference on the cover. For the digital edition, click here.

Saturday 16th November - Come to my Notting Hill Trunk Show! November 11 2013

If you're looking for something to do this Saturday, why not pop down to Wolf & Badger in Notting Hill, to get your hands on some cake, bubbly, and jewellery? I'll be there, and I'll be offering discounts on the day, along with the chance to WIN a pair of white sapphire studs.

Come and say hello, and bring your friends :)

I hope to see you there.

RSVP to info@annabyers.com

Coming soon to the Saatchi Gallery October 23 2013

I am delighted to announce that from 17th November Anna Byers Jewellery will be available from the Saatchi Gallery's brand new shop.

Handmade in Britain, 8-10 November October 23 2013

If you're looking for ideas for days out, come to Handmade in Britain at Chelsea Town Hall. The show brings together Britain's best designer makers, showing the highest quality of work in ceramics, jewellery, glass and furniture, all for sale. You won't want to miss this.

Newcomer of the Year - Votes needed! October 16 2013

I am thrilled to announce that I have been shortlisted for the Best Newcomer Award by the British Jeweller's Association. The BJA Awards recognise the talent and the contribution of BJA members to the membership and the industry over the last 12 months, and I am very honoured to be a part of it.

To win the award I need votes! I would really appreciate if you could take a minute to click on the unicorn above and and vote for me on the voting page.

Thanks a million!

Anna

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