About Me
Hi, I am Melanie Bowler, a well-established jeweller working in both Silver and Gold; My work often incorporates precious gemstones and consider my specialities being bespoke and commission pieces including engagement rings, wedding rings, pendants, earrings, rings and more.
For the past few years, I have been specialising in remodelling of old jewellery into new pieces for clients. Each piece created is totally unique to that person including recycling materials and gemstones where possible.
I love to be able to create beautiful new pieces for people who would otherwise not wear what they have because they have been inherited and are not to taste in this day and age.
Sadly pieces sit in a box never to be worn which is a real shame as the sentiment, love and memories are there.
Being part of the process of transforming and facilitating such lovely old jewellery into wearable, practical, up to date, and desirable pieces is wonderfully rewarding and satisfying. I encourage the use of existing materials and stones, the ultimate in upcycling really.
I melt down Gold and Silver and refashion it into new sheet and wire to create stone settings, ring shanks etc. Stones can be re-polished to look as good as new too.
My skills, knowledge and years of experience allow me to maintain high standards of craftsmanship and perfectionism.
I studied at Berkshire College of Art and Design and gained a BTEC diploma; she then continued my studies at Plymouth College of Art and Design, gaining an HND in Design Metals. Both courses gave me a deep grounding in fundamental jewellery and silversmithing skills.
I set up my own business in 1996 and has been making and designing jewellery ever since. I have also spent some time working for Mortimers – an independent jewellers in Exeter – experiencing all aspects of the antique jewellery trade..
I have been teaching since 1999, in and around venues in Devon and have completed City and Guilds adult education training. For more information, please click here.
I have been fortunate to win four awards to date:
- Royal Society of British Sculptors medal design competition
- Prince’s Trust bursary
- Antony Everett award (Prince’s Trust)
- Michael Spiers Jewellery award (Southwest Academy summer exhibition)
