Meet The Maker : Ruth Tomlinson

Here, we delve a little deeper into the inspirations and creations of the brilliant Ruth Tomlinson. Her stunning jewellery has been featured our Bristol boutique since Diana began and her unique, captivating pieces never fail to draw attention.  

''I am driven by my passion for the earths treasures; the magic of minutiae, tiny intricacies, small imperfections, and the individual’s search for preciousness. I seek out the unconventional beauty within and this fuels my creativity, whether in the rarity of material or a curiosity in nature.''

Describe your brand in three words…

Handmade, ethereal, unique

What led you to jewellery design?

I’ve been making and selling jewellery since childhood, I suppose it was my calling!

Your style is so distinctive – where does your inspiration come from and who inspires you?

My work is an accumulation of ideas inspired by my experiences in life. Whether I am travelling on a train in India, scuba diving in the tropics or going for a country walk in the lake district, I am constantly searching for beauty. I guess my work is autobiographical in the way it evolves and changes over time.  Mother Nature inspires me - you can learn all you need by watching, understanding and witnessing the natural world around you. It puts everything into perspective!

We loved your original Flora collections, mixing metals with porcelain. Is your current work a development of those ideas or did you take a new direction?

After 15 years of the Flora collection it was time to say goodbye and concentrate on our fine jewellery collections. Nature has always inspired my designs, and I will always use unique materials in my jewels, but there needs to be room for development and growth. For now we work in different carats and colours of gold, unique cuts of gemstones, and old treasures from bygone eras that are looking to be reinvented into something to wear and cherish anew. 

What would be your perfect commission?

An ornate, bejewelled neck piece for Queen Elizabeth I

What is your best styling advice for your jewellery?

Our jewels change and develop with how their wearer wears them – so wear and enjoy them and let them become part of you!

What’s coming next?

You’ll have to wait and see!