Minimalist, considered wedding jewellery from ISLE Jewellery
Today’s blog is courtesy of the absolute gem (geddit?) Geraldine from ISLE Jewellery. ISLE Jewellery is a jewellery brand with a gorgeous focus: a minimal aesthetic with maximum story. Each design is inspired by the natural beauty of Ireland and the adoration of simplicity in Japan, a mix that works so wonderfully. In a time when everything can feel like it’s coming atcha reaaaaal fast, these pieces remind you to slow it all down just a teeny bit. We A D O R E every single piece they make - and we know you will too.
What do you do?
We craft simple, considered pieces of jewellery that not only look beautiful but hold rich narrative too. We take inspiration from the world around us, the physical and the conceptual, with a focus on our home in Ireland and elements of Japanese culture (where ISLE Jewellery actually began). Our minimal aesthetic and respect for material is in no small part influenced by our time in Japan, while our creative process is a legacy of Irish legends and storytelling. Our designs celebrate simplicity, and carry hidden stories.
What do you do differently to everyone else?
We identify stories that link the islands of Japan and Ireland and allow that to inform our work. We marry contemporary ideas with classical, elegant art.
Why and how did you start?
I have always needed to create. I was drawn to jewellery because of how it marries technique and art. It demands a strong conceptual understanding alongside a foundation in craftsmanship. The business itself owes its start from having lived in Japan for eight years. The country itself inspired me, particularly the contrast to Irish culture.
Who or what inspires you?
Initially it was homesickness, being far from home made me think about it differently. I wanted to create something that spoke of Ireland, but I wanted it to be clean and modern. A minimal ode to what I was missing. The first collection was Fionn, named after the giant in the Irish legend of the Giant’s Causeway on the North Coast of Ireland. The angular forms of the basalt stones are mirrored in the angles of our most popular collection. Although my early collections where not directly inspired by life in Tokyo, the city made me think about home in a different way. Perhaps a better way. Now that I have moved to London, I’m starting to reminisce about life in Japan and my more recent work, such as the Ama collection, are little souvenirs from that previous life.
Talk us through a day at the office/Studio/wherever you work from.
I have a new daughter so my schedule is certainly not orthodox. I work around her schedule. A typical day will always include a conversation with my sister Helen, who lives in Belfast. We will tend to discuss the business side of things, namely orders, posting issues, and social media responsibilities. But we will also talk about new ranges, and upcoming events. It’s good to have those regular conversations so we can get a hold of where the business is at and where it is going. When I am in the studio, I could be doing any number of things. Preparing a set of earrings for a customer, finishing a ring for an upcoming wedding, or polishing a piece for a new range. On days when there is a bit more time I often work on new collection ideas.
What’s your favourite part about what you do?
It has to be thinking about new work, in particular bespoke orders. The lifeblood of ISLE is the design. We are a company that always endeavours to find new beauty. This involves a lot of study of the world around me, which is currently London. I’ll also take inspiration from other designers, fashion, and art.
What are you excited about for your business?
I’m excited for the new year. As we are now back in the UK, the opportunity to attend shows has increased dramatically. Whereas before, we were limited to one show a year, in Dublin. Now we have the chance to take our work across England.
Who are your three favourite wedding suppliers?
Rubina Press, another Northern Irish company. Their unique and contemporary way of preserving wedding flowers in an abstract pattern is really striking. What a way to remember the day.
Worm create free-flowing, elegant floral designs, so unlike the standard stiff bouquets we are used to.
Keady Row do really beautiful yet clean and modern wedding stationery, definitely one for the design conscious.
What’s your top advice for couples getting married?
In terms of jewellery, couples have a wonderful chance to tell their story with the jewellery that they choose. In amongst the planning for the Big Day, the plans for the wedding rings can get lost, yet these will be worn every day for years to come. People often don’t realise the emotional connection they will have with their rings; they can tell so much about the love that two people can share. We want to help tell that story with ISLE.
To see these gorgeous pieces in person, make sure you’ve bought your tickets for our London 2020 fair - tickets can be found here! The Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, Friday 7th February to Sunday 9th February