About Fiona Hutchinson
My passions for food, organic forms, and precious gems all play a part in my making of jewellery. I’ve been captivated by jewellery and beautiful gems since discovering my Grandmother’s jewellery collection as a child, and that magic has never left me. Now, many years on, I’m passionate about creating unique artisan jewellery—especially gemstone jewellery—that enchants and excites.
Turning the everyday into extraordinary jewellery
I find inspiration everywhere, and often in the most curious of places! With my spice jewellery, I wanted to capture the feeling you get when you smell cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom…those unmistakeable scents of glorious treats to come! Food and cooking are two big loves of mine, and my handmade foodie jewellery focuses on the beauty of everyday ingredients that I can’t live without. From peppercorn necklaces and coffee bean rings to deliciously exquisite Silver Nutmeg and a Golden Pear pendants, my food and spice jewellery celebrate the little things in life that bring me so much joy!
With all my ready-to-wear jewellery, my creative process is very organic. I use centuries-old techniques, albeit with modern tools; I love that connection to the past, that sense of tradition. There’s a real physicality to all the sawing, hammering and polishing involved in making handmade, artisan jewellery. You can tell the journey that my ‘perfectly imperfect’ jewellery has gone through. Each piece has a story to tell.
Outstanding, handmade gemstone jewellery
As a qualified gemmologist and Fellow of The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), I know a good gem when I see one! That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily expensive, just that it’s a gorgeous stone with a life of its own . For example, I’ve been commissioned to make a pendant out of pebble from a Cornish beach! I love the challenge of creating fabulous, unusual jewellery that’s as affordable as possible. I don’t do ordinary.
I’m obsessed with finding the perfect gemstones not just for each piece, but for each person. It’s why I adore bespoke commissions—they’re the treasure hunts of all treasure hunts! I get such a thrill from finding a client a special gem that really speaks to them, and then collaborating to transform it into the jewellery of their dreams. For one client, Claire, that meant sourcing a gemstone that was the colour of her husband, Harry’s eyes. Harry is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer, so it was vital that Claire loved the piece. Together we created the most beautiful Chrysoberyl ring—without doubt, the most significant, emotionally charged piece of my career.
Where to find Fiona Hutchinson Jewellery
Since launching my first collection in 2011, I’ve been fortunate enough to be supported by a number of fabulous galleries around the UK, from Baxters Gallery, Dartmouth to Pyramid Gallery, York. For a current, up-to-date list, click here. Each year, I also exhibit at London’s Desire Fair, and in May and December I exhibit in an Artist Open House as part of the bi-annual Brighton Festival. You would be very welcome to come and meet me in person at Salon des Source, 4 Chanctonbury Road, Hove, BN3 6EL. A wonderful way to view a wide variety of artists in their ‘natural environment’, why not come along to the next one? It would be lovely to meet you!