Gold granules for seeds of creativity
- Hannah uses the ancient art of granulation
- She often repurposes her clients’ precious materials
- Complex pieces combining precious stones, granules and mixed precious metals are her signature
Hannah Bedford is a renowned contemporary jeweller who is one of today’s few true granulation masters. Granulation is an extremely delicate and time-intensive technique used to embellish jewellery pieces with gold droplets. Hannah combines this with contemporary design innovations, ranging from intricate necklaces and bangles to bespoke engagement and wedding rings. She is influenced by organic growth patterns in the natural world and by water, especially. This fascination is reflected in the granule whorls she designs. Hannah's work is the antithesis of throw-away fashion: she focuses on responsible and sustainable ‘slow jewellery’, using considered and conflict-free materials. "For every piece sold online, a tree is planted and a donation is made," she explains proudly.
Interview
- What is the granulation technique?
- Granulation is an ancient art form, dating back over 5,000 years, in which jewellery is adorned with extremely fine droplets of precious metal. Each unique granule is crafted on a charcoal block before being cleaned and individually applied.
- What do you like the most about creating jewellery?
- I love to make bespoke jewellery on commission as the client experience fuels my creativity. Imbuing personal narrative and meaning, repurposing clients’ own precious materials and unexpected jewel combinations add complexity and nuance to my work.
- What attracts you to nature, and particularly to water?
- Even as a child I had a fascination with the ever changing nature of the sea and the minutiae of natural formations. I loved collecting tiny shells, pebbles and seeds – examining how they fitted together and I traced their patterns and textures.
- What is appealing about working with precious materials?
- There is something intrinsically magical about the ‘alchemistic’ process of handcrafting granulation from precious metals. Craftsmanship and preciousness combine to form jewellery with longevity – to be cherished and passed down as future heirlooms.
Hannah Bedford is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2005
Where
Hannah Bedford
