My Blog

 

 

 

Stockist update

October 2024 – January 2025

So happy to be part of 2 major exhibitions this Christmas period. One is across Sara Preislers 2 Galleries (Stratford upon Avon and Birmingham) and the other is Craft Leeds.

Craft Leeds have also now invited me to continue supplying them with my designs for the foreseeable future, which is amazing news!

November 2023

Elsiem Jewellery has been asked to stock in Franny & Filer, Manchester & invited back this Christmas period with Vaessen Walker Jewellers in Chesham! 

https://www.frannyandfiler.com/elsiem-lorraine-hitt

https://shop.vaessen-walker.com/shop/e-s-elsiem/42?page=1&limit=30&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc

February 2023

Following exhibiting my designs in The Bluecoat Display Centre in Liverpool as part of the UNITY EXHIBITION, that ran alongside the Eurovision Contest and organised by The Association for Contemporary Jewellery, my designs were a hit and so I was invited to become a longer term supplier. So now the beautiful  Liverpool’s independent contemporary craft gallery is another valued stockist for my work!

https://bluecoatdisplaycentreshop.com/ 


Exhibiting with Dazzle Exhibitions 2024

Dovecote Studio Edinburgh – August  2024  /  RWS London  – November 2024

As always,  very pleased to be a part of this annual exhibition with the legendary Dazzle Exhibition team. And again both venues were a successful event for Elsiem Jewellery! 

The Grade-II Listed frontage of the RWS Gallery. Photography & Copyright: Brandon Few.

https://www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk/Exhibitions/Exhibition.aspx?pageid=1993 


Exhibiting with Dazzle Exhibitions 2023

August  2023

Thrilled once again to be invited to exhibit again this year at Dovecote Studio Venue in Edinburgh with Dazzle Exhibitions!! And again it was a successful event for Elsiem Jewellery! 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk/Designers/ELSIEM.aspx


Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council –   Award Winner!

March 2023

YES!! I was over the moon to learn that I have won a Silver award in 2023 Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Competition. I entered my design in the 2D Conceptual Jewellery Design Category along with 100’s of international Jewellery makers and designers and the GC&DC’s standard bench mark is the highest in the industry, so this was definitely a career highlight! I was invited to attend the award ceremony, known as the Jewellery Oscars, at the amazing Goldsmiths Hall in London, where I joined all other award winners and had the pleasure of meeting lots of talented people and seeing all the winners work on exhibition.

My design, along with some other selected award winning work, will also be displayed at The Birmingham Assay Office from 21st-29th March then in a 6 week long exhibition at The Goldsmiths Centre from 2nd May -15th June!


ACJ Exhibition – Meanings and Messages at The Goldsmiths Centre

Feb 2023

I finally made it to London to see my award winning brooch at The Goldsmith Centre, London. Another proud moment to see my work in such a fantastic venue!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Association for Contemporary Jewellery  Award Winner!

September 2022

I’m on a roll!!

 I had a lovely visit to Birmingham School of Jewellery yesterday to the Private Viewing Evening as part of Association for Contemporary Jewellery 25th anniversary major touring exhibition Meanings and Messages. My Lockdown Covid Brooch is a part of this exhibition and was thrilled to be awarded at this event, as one of the 3 joint winners of The ACJ Dr Mahtab Hanna Awards.

The three judges were asked to consider a combination of the following criteria: technical and design skills, responding to the theme Meanings and Messages, innovation and communicating strong ideas in the form of a brooch.

Congratulations also to the other 2 winners, Caiyang Yin and Jane Sedgwick.

Thank you so much to Dr Mahtab for generously supporting this award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ACJ Exhibition – Meanings and Messages

March 2022

Such a great and exciting surprise to have been selected, by submitting a brooch design to Association for Contemporary Jewellery’s Call for Entries, for their year long Meanings and Messages Exhibition, which was to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. My ‘Lockdown’ Brooch was selected along with 59 other ACJ international members to be a part of this major touring exhibition. The submission brief was to design and produce a brooch that related in some way to the title Meanings and messages & the message of my design was simply – because of peoples hard work, compliance, patience and determination over the last challenging years, we are finally turning around the situation of the people being locked down, to the Covid Virus being locked down.

My 3D printed brooch was included in a gorgeous full colour catalogue, produced by ACJ and will be exhibited in the following venues over the next year.:

  •  St George’s Arts Centre – Gravesham Borough Council
  •  Exeter – ACJ Conference
  •  Vittoria Street Gallery – Birmingham School of Jewellery
  • Mission Gallery – Swansea
  • The Goldsmiths Centre – London
  • New Brewery Arts – Cirencester   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Exhibiting with Dazzle Exhibitions 2022

August & November 2022

Well, I’m proud to say that my designs were popular at this exhibition last year, so I was invited to exhibit again this year at Dovecote Studio Venue in Edinburgh with Dazzle Exhibitions!! And again it was a successful event for Elsiem Jewellery, so I was so happy to also be included in their Pop-up event at The Oxo Tower, London in November….which was also a triumph!!

Hoping I get invited in 2023 so that I can showcase some up coming new designs. 


 Stockist update

Feb 2022

Elsiem Jewellery is now also stocked in The British Emporium, Bakewell! Another great bricks and mortar shop to add to my stockist list along with Kettles Yard  – Cambridge, The Collective – Dublin , Vaessen Walker Jewellers – Chesham.

https://www.thebritishemporium.com/shop/?Brands=elsiem

Selected as a Finalist in Modern Maker Awards

February 2021

Delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Jewellery Category of Modern Makers Awards!!
Bizbubble, who are a small independent business network, support & community, are hosting The Biz Bubble Awards and Modern Makers Awards 2022 in association with kraftspace uk  & Brandstorm Consultancy

There are some amazing prizes to be won and they have a special guest judge Natasha Francis, who you may know from BBC Bidding Room & Urban Vintage Affair.

I wish everyone shortlisted, the best of luck in all categories and even if Elsiem Jewellery doesn’t get an award, I’m thankful to be a finalist. ??

 


Feature in ACJ Publication_Findings.

February 2021

 

As a member of Association for Contemporary Jewellery, I recently wrote a short article about my work and 3D printing and I’m very grateful to acj.org.uk for publishing it in their latest Findings Magazine about work using new technology!

I speak about how I got interested in the process of 3D printing, how instinctive the process was to me, how I implement it in my latest jewellery designs and a bit about where this technology sits within the environmental parameters. Thank you for opportunity ACJ!

 


Elsiem Jewellery is now selling on Lovedazzle!

November 2021

Not only exciting to be in amongst such talented and highly recognised designers on Love Dazzle website but to also be featured in their ‘Whats New’ Blog….. bit of a pinch me moment !! 

Elsiem Jewellery – new to Lovedazzle

 

 

https://www.lovedazzle.com/shop/Elsiem1


Elsiem Jewellery invited to Exhibit with Dazzle Exhibitions in Edinburgh.

August 2021

I was beyond proud to be contacted with an invitation from Dazzle. Dazzle have been agents in the contemporary jewellery industry for over 40 years and to work with them is by invite only, with a very high standard of designer directory.

This was a real milestone for Elsiem and me personally as a jewellery designer and I was thrilled that my first show with them in Edinburgh was a great success, despite the dreaded Covid restrictions . Following this success, I was then invited to again exhibit at their pop-up event in the Oxo Tower, London in November 2021 & I look forward to hopefully having a great ongoing relationship with Dazzle!

 

Check out my profile at http://www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk/Designers/ELSIEM.aspx

 

               

 


 

British Trade Craft Fair Online 

June 27th – July 1st 2021

YAY! Elsiem Jewellery is exhibiting with the infamous BCTF this year, in the online version. Usually British Craft Trade Fair is held in Harrogate every year for Independent Designer Makers to exhibit their products to retailer and buyers and the criteria is that the products are British Handmade. I have an exhibitors dashboard at https://bctf.co.uk/  where I have my wholesale product images, a short introduction video and my SS21 Look Book and wholesale price list to download for buyers. I’m excited to connect with retailers and makers alike at this highly acclaimed event and see where the results take me! If you are a buyer, you can register to get access to all the exhibitors using the link above.

Watch this space.

 



Dazzle Exhibitions

May 2021

I was SO pleased to be contacted by Dazzle Exhibitions and invited to exhibit with them at their Edinburgh event at Dovecote Studios, which runs along side Edinburgh Festival 6 – 29th August 2021. I also have a profile listing on their website http://www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk/Designers/ELSIEM.aspx

Looks like 2021 is going to be a great year for Elsiem Jewellery!!



ACJ – Association for Contemporary Jewellery

May 2021

ACJ’s main objective as an Association is

• promote greater understanding of contemporary jewellery
• support jewellers’ creative and professional development
• develop audiences for this lively field of contemporary craft and design

Brilliant news! I am now a member of Association for Contemporary Jewellery and have a profile on their website.

 

Lorraine Hitt (acj.org.uk)

 

 



Find a Maker (Craft Festival)

March 2021

Following my online participation with Digital Craft Festival last November, I am honored to have been chosen to be a member of ‘Find a Maker’ with Craft Festival. Craft Festival are a UK  Organisation who hold high end craft events in Europe for Designer Makers. Find a Maker is their curated online profiles of selected makers for their audience to connect with digitally. You can view mine and the other selected makers profile at https://www.findamaker.co.uk/#makertypes



Guild of Jewellery Designers

March 2021

I have just renewed my year membership with the Guild of Jewellery Designers (GoJD) – who are a UK jewellery organisation consisting of a collaboration of British jewellery designers, jewellery maker UK and artisans, ranging from part time enthusiasts to dedicated full time professionals. I am delighted to be a part of this association. Part of the membership  entitles me to also showcase and sell my designs on their Odissa Handmade Website.

https://www.guildofjewellerydesigners.co.uk/

 



Munich Jewellery Week – Magazine Feature

March 2021

I was lucky to have one of my designs featured in a publication called Current Obsession, which was one of the papers produced as part of Munich Jewellery Week Magazine 2021. The piece was my Vibe Fin Back Architectural Brooch and it was in such great company amongst many selected designers from all around the world. They commissioned some amazing artists/illustrators to produce posters that incorporated the jewellery within them and on the rear face of the artwork is the details of the piece and the designer/jeweller. Mine was included in such a cool piece of artwork called ‘Obsession02’ by The Scissorhands;

 



Top Drawer On Demand S/S21

January 2021

Exhibiting at Top Drawer Trade show has been on my mission list for over a year and I was all set to attend their live Autumn Show at Olympia, London last September but Covid put a stop to that! So I decided to take part in their second Virtual Event instead which is live online from 25th Jan for 5 days then available on demand until 21st February. 

Obviously it wont be the same interaction and buzz of a live trade event and I was so excited to show off my display design in person, meet other designers/makers and of course talk to potential stockists about my work and wholesale offers, but this virtual version has its upsides too. I can still communicate with buyers through my virtual booth meeting room, zoom, phone or email and I have the opportunity to watch many live industry expert talks through the Top Drawer portal, which is great.

I will update you if I manage to gain a new stockist from this process….so fingers crossed! You can access all exhibitors by registering at https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/on-demand-sign-up-or-sign-in 

 



 

Digital Craft Festival hosted by Craft Festival!

October 2020

I was so chuffed to be chosen for the first time to exhibit online with The Craft Festival at their digital show called DIGITAL CRAFT FESTIVAL on November 27-29th November 2020. I will be joining 149 other crafters/makers/designers for a feast of online exhibits, live workshops, interviews, stall videos and even a kitchen disco!! I will be shooting videos of my jewellery, set up on display and close up, talking about my designs, processes and my brand on social media that weekend and taking any questions or even just a chat to anyone who wants to engage with me about my jewellery.

I have a listing on Digital Craft Website where you can also view all the other exhibitors work too!



First professional photoshoot!

October 2020

I had been planning a photoshoot for a while, instigated by my application approval to exhibit at Top Drawer at Olympia London this September….but then the world came crashing to a holt and like most large indoor events it was cancelled! 

However, lockdown highlighted even more how the retail world was even more focused on online shops now and my website needed to be taken to the next level to give my customers an even better shopping experience. So after the initial lockdown period, I started putting plans into action and when it was safe enough for the shoot to take place, it did.

I thoroughly enjoyed designing, planning, directing the concept and shoot and chose the look, location, clothes, hair styles and makeup. I used all local creatives to execute my vision and boy, not only did they deliver, they far exceeded my high expectations. Here are some examples of the results – Photography and editing by Elodie Giuge, Model Rohiny Belani, Hair Stylist Nadia Webber Artist, Makeup Emily Ray Artistry.

 

 


Crafts Council Directory Listing

So proud to have a Directory listing/profile on Crafts Council Website! This is a great achievement for Elsiem Jewellery as the standard of work showcased by this long standing and highly reputable Association is very high.

You can view my profile and info at Elsiem Jewellery (craftscouncil.org.uk)

 

 


New things are emerging for Elsiem Jewellery!

June 2020

2020!! Well….strange to say the least!! For me, it started with such a positive drive, with new opportunities presenting themselves and a clear path in my mind of the next stage for Elsiem Jewellery. Just as I was putting things into motion….The brakes were slammed on by Covid-19 . At first the change hit me hard and in a bit of a negative way to be honest, my creativity disappeared and my motivation diminished. But once my mind had chance to adjust to the new situation we found ourselves in, my creative juices came flowing back and took my ideas into a slightly different dimension. My designs are very inspired and influenced by my passion of modern architecture and simple geometric forms, which were prevalent in my former Interior Design career as well, but I have always loved African Art and sculpture but for some reason never shone through to my personal work much. I’ve been experimenting with some new concept designs with a plan to create a new small collection of showcase/statement pieces to use for marketing and hopefully exhibiting in the art jewellery world. Without intention, these new designs resulted with a tribal vibe, obviously subconsciously inspired by my love of African Art and they have propelled me to make them a reality and use them to showcase my brand in a now more digital world than ever before!

So, here is a peak at those concepts….



 Elsiem Jewellery featured in Velvet Magazine!

June 2020

Elsiem Jewellery was featured in a great editorial piece about The Trove Cambridge (of which I am a member of) and its founder Shephanie Stott. 

Elsiem Jewellery (Lorraine Hitt)

The Trove - Elsiem Jewellery (35368350)The Trove – Elsiem Jewellery (35368350)

Elsiem Jewellery is a modern brand created by Cambridge-based designer Lorraine Hitt. Her former design career disciplines, which include graphic, 3D and architectural, are prevalent in her creations.

Elsiem Jewellery’s pieces are simple but stylised, with an edge. The latest collection is designed using CAD and 3D printing – and some pieces are combined with metal elements, which beautifully unites the modern technology and traditional metalsmith techniques.

You can read Shephanie Stotts interview and see some other Cambridgeshire creatives features here:-

https://www.velvetmag.co.uk/whats-on/arts-crafts-why-the-trove-is-a-local-treasure-9111324/

 

 



 

Interested in my design and creative process? 

May 2020

 

 If so, take a look at the video link below which gives you a brief insight of how my Vibe Long Triangle Necklace is made.

 

How my Vibe Necklace is made – click to download

 



Midcentury Modern Show!

November 2019

I’m busy designing and creating for my first show in a while, and its a larger event than I am used to, so I’m gearing up! I have been offered a stand at the bi-yearly Midcentury Modern Show held at Dulwich College, London on March 15th 2020 and I am very excited. The venue is very fitting for my work as its a Brutalist style building, which suits some of my new designs of late and I cant wait to show them to the audience at this event. If you’re in the area on that date and you love midcentury and modern design then its a must visit. If you can’t, don’t worry as I will be posting photos of my stand on Instagram for a peek at my designs and you can always purchase online!

 

Elsiem Jewellery was gratefully mentioned in ‘inside modernism’ …

‘Stunning handmade contemporary jewellery will be in abundance at the show with some fantastic designers. Elsiem Jewellery, newbies to the show will be on hand with modern pieces inspired by architectural and geometric forms. Other first timers include Anja Capuzzimati with minimalist earrings and rings made from concrete, sterling silver and other materials, Jess Lelong bringing her art nouveau and deco style to the mix and Bronwen Gwillim who creates statement sculptural jewellery using recycled plastics and resin. Plus Poppy Norton is returning with architectural pieces to die for, one of her rings has made an appearance on The Great Pottery Throw Down recently sported by none other than potter extraordinaire Sue Pryke. ‘

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elsiem Jewellery with Vibe Circle earrings

You can read the entire feature here –

Midcentury and Contemporary on tap this March 15

 



3D printed designs at Kettles Yard Shop!

So, as from June 17th 2019 I’m thrilled that Kettles Yard Shop in Cambridge have taken stock of most of my new 3D printed and metal designs to replace the Emulate Collection. I feel this new innovative collection will be well received by Kettles Yard customers as it fits into the same category as their ever changing contemporary exhibitions.



New Stockist! Royal Exchange Theatre Shop, Manchester. April 2019

Thrilled to have a range of my Riva, Emulate and brand new 3D Printed Collections now stocked in The Royal Exchange Theatre Shop, Manchester. The display looks very striking and is selling fast!



Lovely feature in Velvet Magazine…March 2019

 

 



Exciting new line is immanent!

I’m so excited to be learning new skills and experimenting with new modern materials to combine with traditional. I’ve been learning how to design in an amazing software called Rhino which are then 3D printed in SLS Nylon. These prints are then dyed in a durable, skin safe fabric dye and

then hand finished with metal elements in my workshop.

The designs are still in development and some have been inspired by my love of the work of Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo.

Here are some example visuals of the work in progress.

 



Urban Makers UK – Online Marketplace

I was thrilled when I was invited to open an online shop with ‘Urban Makers’ brand new online marketplace this month (November 2018).

Urban Makers have regular markets and pop-ups in and around London and have now launched their online version, which allows makers that maybe can’t regularly attend the London venues but can still be part of the community….like me!

https://www.urbanmakerseast.co.uk

https://www.urbanmakers.co.uk



Member of  ‘The Trove Cambridge’

In 2018 I became a member of ‘The Trove Cambridge’ Community!

The Trove, founder and curator Stephanie Freeman, offers local artists, designers and makers an alternative platform to showcase their work. They also help to uncover the local creative scene through their Community pages and #CambsCreativeTreasures hashtag. They have so many exciting things happening and lots to come in the pipeline which benefit their followers, members and local creatives….so pleased to be a part of it.

Be a part of the creative buzz at https://www.instagram.com/thetrove_cambridge/

You can see my members profile on The Trove Cambridge website  – click on the logo to link.

 

 

 

 



Kettles Yard, Cambridge – New Emulate Collection

My Emulate Collection is a range of stylish, contemporary and very wearable pieces  – all handcrafted using brass and sterling silver, using a stunning black and gold tone chain on the 2 long necklaces. The collection includes a length adjustable long necklace, a long chain choker, a neck choker, a clip on brooch, 4 pairs of earrings, 2 bangles and I’m currently working on the designs for further earring and bangle designs to incorporate. All designs are available to view and buy at Kettles Yard Gallery Shop in Cambridge until January 2019 and will and also on my website to buy soon!



 

My 2nd magazine feature!

The lovely Christina Maurice, feature writer for Cambridge Magazine, came across my collection in Kettles Yard and contacted me to ask if I was interested in her writing a feature about me and my jewellery brand!  Of course I jumped at the opportunity and was delighted with the 4 page article in the October 2018 issue….and the Front page!!! Cambridge Magazine is included within the Cambridge News ans also distributed in several areas with Cambridgeshire through household doors and in several Waitrose and John Lewis stores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



NEW  VENTURE IN THE MAKING!

Elsiem Jewellery took part in 2018 Pint of Science and Creative Reactions Festival in Cambridge. I was paired with George Malliaras of Cambridge University, who is a Professor of Bioelectronics and Brain Interface Devices and this was my creative reaction to his work and research. I challenged myself to learn a 3D Modelling software to create this small ‘Interface’ collection of a bangle, brooch and choker necklace, which was 3D printed in SLA Resin then hand finished with metallic spray paint and purpose cut silver inserts. 

I’m hoping to develop a new contemporary and unique 3D printed range this year that will be available to purchase…..

……so watch this space if this might be your kinda thing!

           

 

 



Magazine feature!

I was approached by the respected UK Handmade earlier in the year to be interviewed for a feature in their Spring Online Magazine…..well it was a no brainer! I jumped at the opportunity.

I was bowled over that they asked, its my first multi page feature and what a magazine to add to my CV.

You can read my interview, along with some images to give you an insight into my jewellery brand and work place here Pg 48-74  http://ukhandmade.co.uk/magazine 

UK Handmade Magazine Elsiem

 



Kettles Yard, Cambridge – Brand New Exclusive Collection

Just prior to the re-opening of the refurbished infamous Kettles Yard Gallery in Cambridge, I was asked by their Retail Manager if I was interested in supplying some of my brass designs for their brand new extensive gallery shop!! Yes, Yes , Yes …..I said out loud.  What an honor!!

I took the opportunity to go one step further and design a brand new collection exclusively for the gallery. The collection comprises of 2 adjustable long chain necklaces, a choker, 3 pairs of earrings, and 3 bangles, made predominantly from brass with some pieces adorned with an accent of sterling silver. The collection has gone down a storm with the gallery’s customers and staff alike and have I have been continually re-stocking since it launched in February 2018.

The current collection will be stocked until mid August 2018 and the gallery have asked me to design a whole new collection for their Christmas stock….soo chuffed. I am currently creating and developing the new collection and I will of course show you the results in good time.

 


Sterling Silver Cleaning tip using natural products!

–  Line a glass bowl with kitchen foil. (shiny side up)
–  Place your sterling silver items in the bowl.
–  Add a tablespoon of Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)
–  Add a tablespoon of salt
–  Pour boiling water into the bowl to cover the items.
–  Gently stir the solution & move the jewellery around in the bowl for a few minutes, until the tarnish is removed.
–  Remove the jewellery and rinse under cold water, then dry with kitchen roll and buff with a soft cloth.

Tah Dah! Your silver jewellery will look like new again!

Click on link to watch a video

Silver Cleaning tip with natural products – Elsiem Jewellery

 

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