Daphne Krinos

Jewellery maker

©Paul Reid

©Juliet Sheath

Handmade art jewellery

Daphne is known for her distinct architectural designs
She is passionate about helping young makers develop their practice
She creates jewellery with recycled gold, black oxidised silver and precious gemstones

Daphne Krinos is known for creating handmade one-off pieces of art jewellery in her London studio. She creates sculptural jewellery in striking colours and explores form, shape and texture in her work. Her creations can be found in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Goldsmiths Company, among others. Daphne graduated from Middlesex University with a degree in jewellery design in 1980 and started working in her studio soon after. The first gold object she ever made was a fibula with a blue steel pin and two stones which she still owns. Although she masters various techniques, acquired over the years, her particular favourite is using oxidising techniques on silver. "I love to thoughtfully design and create pieces of jewellery that reflect the unique style of my clients," says Daphne.

Interview

©Sylvain Deleu

©Paul Reid

Why did you choose this craft?: I wanted to pursue a career in the arts since I was about ten, and making things by hand has always been a pleasure. Coming to the UK and enrolling on a foundation course in art and design enabled me to realise that three-dimensional design was the area I wanted to specialise in.
What are your sources of inspiration?: The urban environment in which I grew up and now live, as well as mid-century art and architecture are some of the things that inspire me. I am also inspired by forms found in nature, especially the light and colours of my native Greece, which I try to incorporate in many of my gold pieces.
What does 'well made' mean to you?: A piece of jewellery that ‘works’ well on the body: a brooch that will not flip, a ring that will feel comfortable, a pair of earrings that will not be heavy. It goes without saying, but a piece of jewellery that will not break or fall apart also falls in this category.
What would you say to a young person wanting to follow this path?: Try not to make what you think people want. Look at things around you, take pictures and try to draw. Open your eyes to the different shapes you see. These days, too much emphasis is put on building a brand, but without design skills, a brand very soon gets forgotten.

Daphne Krinos is a master artisan: she began her career in 1984 and she started teaching in 1985