KATHLEEN BAIRD

Sterling Silver Flower Stacking Rings

Standing at over 400 feet, the London Eye Ferris Wheel is one of the tallest ferris wheels in the world.

Standing on the banks of the River Thames and sandwiched between the Westminster and Hungerford bridges, the 13-year-old structure is visited by over 3 million people a year.  England is also home to Kathleen Baird.

Baird’s sterling silver jewelry is a fine example that presentation is everything when it comes to simplicity of design.

Adding pop to minimalist drop earrings or silver pendants doesn’t necessarily have to be the color or cut of a gemstone but bringing life to precious metal through manipulation of form and texture.

“In 2000 I studied Fine Art at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Ireland but it was not until 2005 that I got involved in making and designing jewelry.

I worked with Irish designer Pamela Wilson in Ireland; Marcos Davidson who is from Australia; and Gill Galloway-Whitehead in England.  I wanted to develop and improve my skills,” says the winner of the Goldsmith's Craft & Design Silver Award.

Sterling Silver Oval Necklace
with Gold Plated Finish

Baird plays up the malleability of sterling silver metal with concaves, subtle curvatures, floral patterns and accents of oxidation.  The matte, brushed finishes of white or blackened metal adds to its tactility.

Her Flower, Overlap and Oval collections that feature silver stacking rings, silver stud earrings, and bangle bracelets are a virtual exploration of sinuous form.  I like that she has the confidence to forego bling and let her hard earned silversmithing prowess take center stage.

Sterling Silver Overlap Bangle Bracelet

“My work is often inspired by the shapes and forms found in nature.  I am interested in creating a 'visual rhythm’ by the repetition of the unit and/or the use of a line.

Ideas arise and are developed as I am manipulating the metal experimenting with textures, composition and shapes.”

Note:  An official website for Kathleen Baird is currently unavailable.