Waiting For Inspiration - The Memorial Pin

I have been making and designing jewellery for over 25 years. However, my design approach is somewhat unusual due to my inability to visualise in my mind, which is a result of having aphantasia. Often, I spend many, many months trying to start my latest piece of jewellery, yet I stay stalled, unable to think or see what I wish to create. This is a post about one of my recent creations and how it came about.

In Loving Memory - Uncle Roy

After the death of her husband, my aunt Janet asked me to turn a pendant he had bought her into a brooch. The pendant's chain was so delicate and difficult to take on and off, she felt a brooch would be better suited, and she would be able to see it more easily when she wore it.

Preserving Memories

The pendant was white gold and set with a diamond and a suspended pearl. I wanted to preserve the original piece, but it was so delicate, it didn't look right hanging from a standard pin or brooch back. My uncle Roy was known for his dapper wooden cane, so after sketching out a few ideas, I decided to create a sterling silver cane to suspend the original pendant.

The Finished Design

I did not change the original pendant. I merely took it off the chain and hooked it onto a sterling silver brooch pin that I made inspired by Uncle Roy's cane. His original gift is being held and supported by the cane that offered him so much support. As his cane added to his ever-dapper outfits and has become a family heirloom. I hope this pin will add to my Aunty Janet's outfits and bring her support and fond memories.