From Frustration to Award-Winning Silversmith

I’m Carol, a multi-award-winning silversmith and jewellery teacher based in Yorkshire. I work in solid silver, transforming antique cutlery into wearable art. As someone who has been disabled for a long time, I am dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive jewellery for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. I am a passionate advocate for disability equality and actively campaign for the disability charity Scope.

Discovering Silversmithing: A New Path

My journey into silversmithing began in 2019 when I attended night school classes. I was frustrated with the finger splints I had to wear for my disability, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which I’ve had since childhood but wasn’t diagnosed until my 30s. The splints took months to arrive and were often bendy and ill-fitting. Fed up, I decided to learn how to make them myself! From the moment I started working with sterling silver, I was captivated by its versatility and the endless possibilities it offered. When the pandemic halted my night school classes after just two terms, I continued learning at home through YouTube tutorials.

Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Adaptation

EDS affects my joints and more, making silversmithing skills challenging for me. My hands couldn’t perform as others did, my shoulders struggled with heavy hammers, and standing for long periods was tough. Thankfully, my teacher was incredibly accommodating, suggesting alternative tools and techniques to ease my pain. I’m forever grateful to her for opening a new chapter in my life. My registered assistance dog, Bella, accompanied me through all my classes, occasionally surfacing from under my bench for a cuddle and a biscuit. She has been by my side throughout my jewellery journey, and I couldn’t have made it this far without her.

Carol in a purple dress stands next to her assistance dog Bella, on a walkway along the River Thames. The iconic London Eye Ferris wheel is visible in the background, behind the Houses of Parliament. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, and a glass of champagne sits on the ledge.

Turning Passion into Business: A Serendipitous Start

As friends and family started expressing interest in buying my work, I saw an opportunity to fund my growing passion for jewellery making. I eagerly learned about hallmarking and felt immense pride when I first saw my own hallmark on a piece I made. Selling rings, earrings, and bracelets crafted from antique cutlery allowed me to invest in more tools, often second-hand. I soon noticed a gap in the market for accessible jewellery, as customers mentioned their inability to wear rings due to swollen knuckles from arthritis. As an arthritis patient myself, I wanted everyone, including those with health impairments, to enjoy beautiful jewellery. I designed adjustable rings to fit over swollen fingers and necklaces and bracelets with easy-to-use clasps, or no clasps at all.

A silver ring shaped like a flower with textured petals and a central round pearl worn on a finger. The background is a plain, neutral tone.

Expanding My Creations: Inclusive and Functional Jewellery

In 2021, I was diagnosed with ADHD, explaining a lifelong habit of fidgeting. This led me to create a line of fidget jewellery for those with anxiety or neurodivergent conditions. I aim to make jewellery that’s not only beautiful and well-crafted but also purposeful in making people’s lives easier.

Growing Recognition: A Remarkable Journey

It’s incredible to think that this all began just five years ago. Today, I’m a jewellery teacher and a Guest Designer on a jewellery TV show! I placed second in the national jewellery design competition, Britain’s Next Gem, and volunteer at my local Repair Café, where I mend people’s precious jewellery for free. I’ve even been invited to give talks on entrepreneurship. My jewellery is now sold in several independent retailers and art galleries, and I’ve built my own website, a significant achievement given that web design isn’t my forte. Balancing my disabilities with running a business and a full-time job has been exhausting. Last year, I took three months off for a hip replacement, and more surgery is planned for this year. Despite the challenges, I believe disabled people are some of the most resilient and determined individuals – we’ve had to be.

A close-up shot of an ornate silver ring with intricate swirls and a clear gemstone set in the centre. The design features two loops extending on either side of the ring. The background is a dark, slightly textured surface.

Honours and Future Goals: Embracing Change

In 2022, I received a SmallBiz100 award and in 2024, an iAlso100 award from Small Business Britain. While I was too ill to attend the 2022 event, I made it to the 2024 award luncheon at The House of Lords, marking the longest solo journey Bella and I have taken from Leeds to London. We enjoyed a lovely time meeting inspirational business owners, and the catering staff even made Bella feel special with a “Top Dog” tub of water. It’s wonderful to be welcomed in such inclusive environments, as not all venues accommodate assistance dogs.

As my health continues to decline, I’m focusing on partnering with inclusive fashion and retail brands. It’s becoming evident that I can no longer manage a business alongside a full-time job. Increasing my stockists will help me focus on the accessibility and design aspects, as well as customer commissions. If you had told me a decade ago that I would become a jewellery designer and teacher, I wouldn’t have believed it. I may never become wealthy, but crafting beautiful jewellery that enhances people’s lives is an absolute honour.