Laura Essayie

Jewellery maker

The beauty in the raw and simple

Laura describes her jewellery as miniature sculptures
She prefers raw materials and works with recycled silver
Her jeweller great uncle was a major source of inspiration for her practice

Laura Essayie is a jewellery artist who creates organic pieces that are meant to withstand the test of time. "I want my designs to last – something people would not get tired of," she says. As a child, Laura spent summers in the south of France with her jeweller great uncle who was trained by pioneer Torun Bülow-Hübe. Drawing from this influence, Laura favours raw, enduring materials and works mainly with gold and recycled silver. "I am creating small sculptures, not just jewellery. I want my objects to be interesting, even when they are not worn. They should be something that one simply has the pleasure of looking at," Laura says. Inspired by daily life, architecture and her travels, her pieces often become a part of those who wear them.

Interview

What is at the core of your practice?: The joy of doing what I love. For me, the essence lies in the pleasure of creating – finding a new shape, a new sculpture every time. When I create something new, it often feels like it was already there waiting for me to discover it.
What has been the nicest compliment your works received?: My most complimented piece is a signature piece of mine, a two-finger ring called Tornado. Clients contact me weekly to tell me how comfortable the ring is and how others admire it. I still find it incredible that it is well-loved and makes people so happy.
Does your work reflect your personality?: I am drawn to simplicity and the raw character of a material. I do not add tones to my work, preferring to use just the raw silver or gold. In a way, this reflects how I see life. I look for human connections, the simplicity of a good meal, a good laugh or a meaningful conversation. I value things that last and carry a sense of quality, so I try to include these characteristics into my creations.
Do you create customised pieces?: Most clients choose pieces from my own collection rather than commission new pieces, which is something I am really happy about. I never really have to make something completely different from my style, just small customisations to my designs from time to time. This allows me to stay true to myself.

Laura Essayie is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2017