Epona Smith

Silversmith

©Epona Smith

Engraving at a cultural crossroads

Epona uses metal and gemstones as a canvas to bring intricate designs to life
She specialises in hand-push engraving, known for its fine textures and flowing lines
She is dedicated to preserving the endangered craft of hand engraving

Epona Smith studied Visual Communication in Taiwan and initially pursued a career as a graphic designer. Her lifelong fascination with jewellery and illustration led her to complete a Master’s degree in jewellery and silversmithing at Birmingham City University in the UK. Following this, she trained at Le Arti Orafe in Florence under masters of the Florentine hand engraving tradition. "This was a profound learning experience that revealed to me how my skills in graphic design and illustration could be harmonised through the timeless art of engraving," she explains. Today, in her London studio, Epona creates wearable art and precious objects that bridge heritage and modernity. Her jewellery pieces blend techniques like engraving, enamelling, and gouache painting to convey beauty and meaning. “My work is not just about adornment, but rather about art that speaks to personal and cultural history,” she says. Epona won the Collect Open award at the Collect Art Fair 2023 for her Oriental Boudoir art collection.

Interview

©Epona Smith

©Epona Smith

When did you open your workshop?: I opened my workshop in 2020, after being awarded a prestigious QEST Scholarship. This milestone marked my transition from working as a master engraver at Tiffany & Co. to establishing my brand and studio. With this move, I embraced the freedom to fully explore and express my artistic vision through bespoke and hand-engraved art.
Do you remember when you first thought of picking up this craft?: My path towards engraving was a natural evolution from my background in illustration and my love for gemstones. While I initially pursued graphic design, discovering hand engraving felt transformative—it was a way to 'draw' on metal. I could express stories through textures, patterns, and visual narratives, creating wearable art that embodies craftsmanship and storytelling.
What was the first piece you made?: The first piece I created was Geisha, a hand-engraved tribute to serenity and grace. Crafted in the timeless tradition of Italian craftsmanship, Geisha embodies the tranquil elegance of ancient Japan. Each stroke reveals textured layers that bring her beauty to life, with floral patterns flowing like silk. This piece set a foundation for my East-meets-West theme.
What are your sources of inspiration?: My inspiration flows from nature, mythology, and the meeting of Eastern and Western cultures, merging traditional European craftsmanship with Asian storytelling motifs. Each piece speaks to a world where myth and nature harmonise, drawing on timeless symbols, organic textures, and cultural narratives that resonate deeply with those who wear them.

Epona Smith is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2022