The (new) beginning

The (new) beginning

My love for crafting jewellery began in high school; the only class that I would look forward to. I felt something I’d never felt before. With the opportunity to create from an idea in my head to a wearable piece, came a passion I couldn’t ignore. When school ended, so did my jewellery practice (or so I thought). My path was uncertain and unfortunately I didn’t follow on with my jewellery studies at that time.

A few years later, I was really getting into layered jewellery and found myself purchasing fast fashion pieces that would soon discolour and turn my skin green. I thought, ‘why don’t I create my own simple sterling silver stacking rings?’

I already had the skills for the simple styles that I wanted to create, it was just a matter of purchasing all the tools and materials that I would need to get going. I started creating in the garden shed out the back of my parents house. It was terribly badly lit, and freezing cold. My now husband cut a window in the side of the shed so that I had some ventilation while soldering. I would wake up before the sun and get a couple of hours creating in before heading to my 9-5 admin job. I’d create something for myself, like a sterling silver ring with a turquoise stone, and share it on my Instagram page. It didn’t take long for friends, family and eventually ‘customers’ to start ordering their own pieces.

The next couple of years saw me cut back from my ‘real’ job to spend more time making jewellery, move my bench from my parents shed to my husbands parents shed, travel Australia (with my jewellery tools, occasionally creating along the way) and eventually stop in Sunshine Coast. Around this time (2015) came the name Metal and Dust. Every Wednesday and Saturday I would set up a stall at a well-known market where I met so many lovely people and sold lots of jewellery. Between markets I was busy re-stocking for the next. Life was simple and fulfilling, creating freely with little responsibility (no mortgage and no kids!)

 

The pause

Back in Perth after travelling, we bought our home, got married and had our son in the space of a couple of years. I continued to create, but I experienced a big shift when I became a mum and a lot changed. I pulled back from making jewellery, taking the time to just be mum and reflect on where I wanted to go creatively. Unable to stop completely, I began assisting other small businesses creatively with website, branding and design on a freelance basis.

 

The (new) beginning

With two sons now, knowing our family is complete, I feel myself returning. Earlier this year, I set myself a personal goal to learn/ teach myself diamond stone setting. Sitting at my bench again, I was reminded just how ‘at home’ I feel when creating jewellery. All the pieces of who I am come together in this space. It feels calming, creating slowly and intuitively.

And from this new beginning, the Metal and Dust collection has come. A small, yet considered collection, designed for your every day. Focussed on minimal design that spans the lifetime of the precious metals by which they are made.

Among this collection, you will find the pieces I personally wear daily. From small but chunky perfectly paired hoops, to my sons initials and my layered gold rings. I hope that when you see and feel these pieces, you’ll also never want to take them off.

If you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you endlessly. If you’re new here, welcome. I can’t wait to create your next forever piece.

Steph X

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