About Me

My name is Hilary Gleaves.  I am a jewellery designer and maker based in the West Midlands in the City of Birmingham UK which has a famous, historic Jewellery Quarter and School of Jewellery.  I studied Silver and Jewellery and Industrial Design at Birmingham UCE and was also involved in education at different levels.

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​I like to explore scale and prefer to make bold jewellery with presence that makes a statement and expresses the individuality of the wearer.

 

I grew up in the Wye Valley and The Forest of Dean, surrounded by nature and later moved to Birmingham where I found myself in the built environment.  I probably shouldn't be surprised to find that my sources of inspiration include natural and man-made forms, particulary sculptural form, pattern and texture. 

 

At the bench I use traditional making techniques and hand processes to carefully make jewellery that will stand the test of time. I enjoy using the 'lost wax process'' which I first discovered at college, years ago. I like the freedom it provides and the sculptural effects that are possible. I shape the wax by hand and often include "lost wax" cast elements in my work.

 

​I use mainly silver, sometimes gold, precious and semi-precious stones and occasionally natural and found materials. 

 

To minimise my environmental impact I use recycled silver and gold and simple, recyclable packaging made from recycled materials.

 

​I make a range of jewellery items, producing small, curated collections based on a theme and one-of-a-kind pieces.

 

The statement skulls collection was originally inspired by a commission in 2016 to design and make a pair of skull cufflinks. The skull is an enduring symbol used historically with many meanings and not influenced by fashion, which appeals to me. I really liked the sculptural qualities of the skulls and enjoyed the making processes involved. I decided to experiment with skulls of varying sizes and incorporate them into my jewellery in different ways.

 

​All of my jewellery is made with care and attention to detail and because it is handcrafted each piece is unique and individual, with it's own characteristics. 

 

Precious metals are hallmarked by the Assay Office in Birmingham as required.

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