Meet The Maker - Kelda Young

This week we interview Kelda Young with her collection of chunky, textural silver rings in the 'Finding Harmony' Collection. The sculptural rings are crafted from recycled silver and decorated with subtle textural details that are sometimes accentuated and yellow gold Keum-bo.

The shapes and designs are informed by architectural and industrial silhouettes. Kelda often pairs these with abstracted patterns, details and textures that she has collected over the years, from all the small intricacies that would often go unnoticed. We love the idea of using friends and families as a starting point or a muse, capturing the essence and beauty of each person in a piece of jewellery and developing these into collections.

When your jewellery making journey begin?

I’ve always been drawn to jewellery and remember going through a phase of wearing a chunky ring on every single finger – I must have been about 14. I didn’t know studying jewellery and metal work was a possibility until I undertook a portfolio course and steered my work towards designing for the body. I enrolled in an evening class at the same time and fell in love with metal as a medium.

Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)

My closest friends and family inspire me the most, often I begin a piece with the excuse of someone I loves birthday or for a special gift. This allows me to be free with the making which often leads to a snowball effect for other designs. I have a lot of creatives in my life who I can bounce ideas off and encourage different ways of thinking to inspire me in new ways all the time.

Where did you find inspiration for the rings in the exhibition, tell us a little bit about each one if you can?

These rings are inspired by balancing different elements of my practice. The ghost patterns are abstracted from details and textures I have collected over the years, finding inspiration from small intricacies that would often go unnoticed. I look to architecture and industrial design for the bold shape of the hollow box and then pair it with an irregular band that holds the piece up in what looks like a carefully balanced composition. The carefully positioned keum bu adds a pop of colour against the soft silver creating another layer of interest.

If you weren’t a jeweller what would choose as a career?

I also work part time as a watch maker which is another industry that has been very interesting to dive in to. To do something completely different I think it would have to be something outside – perhaps a bike packing guide or across mountains in a warmer climate (a girl can dream!)

Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

My creative process is very loose and playful. I experiment a lot and let the material guide the direction of the piece. I’m not too precious about designing and always manage to create something even if it wasn’t initially, it’s intended journey! I have a lot of happy accidents and by completing one piece I already have ideas of many new pieces inspired from that process.

Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?

I listen to a lot of Radio 6 for ease of not having to choose. I also love podcasts about food and often put on Off Menu.

What’s next for you and your brand?

I’m off to MAD about jewellery in New York at the start of May which I’m very excited about so I’ll be making lots of pieces for that. I also have another collaborative photoshoot in the works and will be updating my website!

Which is your favourite piece you’ve ever made?

I think my favourite pieces are always the ones that have pushed me the most. I made two vases during my residency at Bishopsland Eductional Trust and the mini version is my favourite. That was my first time doing large scale fabrication and I’m proud of the outcome.

Finally, for fun, what would be your dream piece to make or person to make for?

I really really want to make one of my Form Padlock rings in solid gold.

Browse the Exhibition