SHONA JEWELLERY

We are in Glasgow, Scotland today visiting the Green Botanical Gardens, which is a pleasant escape from the city's bustling streets. A marriage of city park and museum the garden houses interesting sights to investigate.

There is the Enormous Doulton Fountain made entirely of terracotta, and believed to be the largest fountain in the world!

Scotland is also the hometown of featured jewelry designer, Shona Macaulay Fidgett.

To me, the power of classical music is in the subtlety of its quiet, flowing cadences. Due to this, there are moments when I feel as though I am not listening; actually, without knowing it, the music had me from the first moment, as it lulls me into sleep.

The subtle power of Fidgett's classic, designer jewelry has a similar affect (sans the lulling part). The simplicity of her designs is deceptive as it allows for highlighting the matte or high gloss finish of an alloy, and displaying her indelible metalworking skills.

Fidget developed her skills by studying jewelry design at Dundee, Scotland's school of art, Duncan of Jordanstone, as well as Glasgow's School of Art where she learned to fashion three-dimensional artwork using flat sheets of metal.

While working with precious metals, Fidgett grew captivated with the infinite alterations creating jewelry provided. Fidgett also acquired a naturalistic approach to design while attending the San Diego State University in California. Eager to utilize her knowledge once she returned home, Fidgett set up her workshop in Glasgow's West End, and Shona Jewellery was born.

She works primarily with sterling silver, implementing 18-karat gold contrasts, and occasional diamonds. Highly influenced by architecture and geometry, she opts for clean curvatures, and angles focusing on both the beauty of the metal and skillful artisanship.

Fidgett enjoys integrating movement in her creations such as her orbital pendants, necklaces, and rings that feature a smaller, "moving circle" within a circle.

She also welcomes the challenge of implementing her clients' ideas into her custom-made engagement and wedding rings. She approaches such designs with great care, "I am creating the symbol of a couple's wish to remain together forever," she says.


Fidgett's lovely, handmade jewelry designs are featured prominently in galleries including Orro - Contemporary Jewelry, Dazzle, and Roger Bilciffe Gallery.

Who's Who in Gold and Silver, a prestigous online directory of contemporary British jewelers, recenlty included Fidgett among its list of distinguished artisans.
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Photo 1 (top right): 18-Karat Gold Pillow Pendant Necklace with Diamond
Photo 2 (bottom right): Sterling Silver Orbit Ring with 18-Karat Gold Moving Circle