Kathleen Appleyard Jewellery

30 May 2025

A story of returning to what matters and making space to create again

Up on the top floor of her Victorian home in Exeter, jeweller Kathleen Appleyard works from a peaceful studio that looks out across the river.

Kathleen’s journey into jewellery wasn’t rushed. It unfolded over years, with moments of clarity, a much-loved necklace, and a decision to step away from teaching and turn towards making.

Here, she shares what drew her back to the work she always wanted to do.

On my 40th birthday I was given a necklace which I so loved, I wore it every day and was mindful of its importance and of the positive influence it had on my life. I had always enjoyed the playfulness of wearing earrings but somehow this cherished necklace sparked an understanding of the intimacy of jewellery, the confidence it inspires and the emotional support it can provide. My touchstone necklace initiated my fascination in the designing and making of jewellery.

My creative journey began early in life. Following an Art and Design Foundation Course at Bath Academy of Art I progressed to Cardiff Art School gaining a 1st class hons degree in 3D Design. My progression into Art Education began with Adult Education and in turn progressed to a long-term Art and Design lecturing post at Exeter College.

In 2018 with two full-grown, ‘almost’ independent sons I was able to leave teaching in order to focus on jewellery creation. It has been a joy to focus on designing and making and to step back from supporting the endeavours of students even though the majority of my students have been such talented and delightful young people.

Rolling waves and small pebbles, reference the soothing ebb and flow of the tide.

My workshop is positioned on the top floor of my home, probably not the most practical arrangement although I do enjoy a fabulous view.

I get to take tea breaks in my lovely garden and enjoy a relaxed working schedule. My Victorian house is on the city wall in central Exeter, overlooking the river Exe with its dependable seasonal rhythms.

River walks are important for me and my lovely, crazy dog, Roxy. I listen to radio 4, audio books and music through Alexa, so easy to operate voice control with busy hands while working to resolve a design challenge.

Inspiration comes from elements of nature, a fascination with leaf forms and methods of articulation are an important focus.

Curvaceous Euphorbia leaves are well suited to ‘sit comfortably’ with the body. Rolling waves and small pebbles, reference the soothing ebb and flow of the tide.

Handmade links are connected by rings, allowing a soft, fluid movement as the form circles and drapes on the neckline or wrist. I enjoy the tension between form, function and the practical and aesthetic considerations of the fit, comfort and movement of jewellery on the body.

Drawing initiates the design which is in turn fine-tuned or radically altered during the making process.

I am drawn to clean, fluid, nature inspired forms. I use simple traditional tools and processes working with both eco Sterling and Argentium silver, both composed of recycled silver. I also use small quantities of recycled gold.

I had arrived at the time to change my focus and alter my work, life balance

My most memorable time was being able to step back from a full-time lecturing post and have the time and clarity to make. I was hugely committed to teaching but I had arrived at the time to change my focus and alter my work, life balance.

I was able to move my work bench into a larger space for better access to the tools and materials that I had collected.

Working in an uncluttered space provided physical comfort and offered a more clear sighted approach to the jewellery making processes.

Other memorable moments include becoming a Maker Member of Make Southwest, Crafts Council Directory Member and supplying outstanding UK galleries with my jewellery.

I am a member the Green Maker Initiative and I am keen to run my workshop in the most ethical and responsible way possible.

I personally recycled all scrap materials with the exception of lemel, jewellery bench dust which I send off to be refined. I am careful to have my work hallmarked at the London Assay Office to clarify its authenticity and quality.

I am fortunate to currently supply outstanding galleries with my jewellery and I would like to add to my list of stockists, improve my online presence and continue to exhibit. Exploring new ideas fascinates me, resolving design problems is both time consuming and so enormously pleasurable.

IMAGES ©Kathleen Appleyard Jewellery 2025

I’m so glad to share Kathleen’s story and introduce her elegant, expressive silverwork. Her jewellery carries a quiet strength, rooted in nature, movement, and her thoughtful approach to design. I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering this beautiful business too.

Readers can enjoy a 10% discount to the end of August 2025. Contact Kathleen directly via her website to arrange.

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