Organic forms by Illuminance Jewellery
Jewellery designer Su Morse studied hard at the Art Centre College of Design in Pasadena. Unbound by the limitations of classical jewellery design, Morse has striven to create some astoundingly beautiful and original pieces, selling them via her popular shop on Etsy.
Are the designs all your own or do any designs come from outside of the brand?
I design and make everything on my own. I do have an assistant that helps though.
What is your favourite era for design and why?
I’ve been loving Downton Abbey lately and have always been a fan of that era. I like the fact that it wasn’t just about diamonds then. But the design and colour of varying stones played an important part in jewellery. I like jewellery with good design esthetics. I’m not impressed by the size of anyone’s stone.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Having the opportunity to travel with the income I am able to generate and be inspired with new designs at the same time! I am going to Fiji, Sonoma, Paris, Tuscany, Florence, and New York this year so far.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to work with Helmut Lang because it’s my favourite fashion designer/design house right now.
What is your favourite sort of thing to design? Why?
Rings. I love how in such a small space, there can be an endless amount of possibilities in design!
Would you say your work is directed at a particular trend or group of people?
I don’t mean to. But people have told me it is for the younger set.
What are a few of your likes and dislikes in terms of design and style aesthetic?
Love simple, clean, modern with a pretty edge. I dislike trendiness for the sake of trendiness. I think people should have their own esthetics about what they like and don’t like rather than just following trends.
What is your favourite things about your job, any negatives?
Love that I can work at home, have flexible hours. Negative is the same! Work is always staring me in the face and the flexible hours means I can work insane hours if I wanted to!
When was the brand created, and what was the inspiration behind it?
I created Illuminance Jewellery last spring when I became frustrated in not being able to find a bangle for a wedding I was attending. I realised there was a dearth of affordable original truly handmade jewellery out there.
Have you any plans for the future? When can we expect your next collection and where do you hope to be in five years?
I am working on a fine jewellery line. I hope to have it up and running by the end of the year. That’s just in one year. In five, who knows! I may be designing clothes by then!
Not yet, simpy for a lack of time. My shop has kept me incredibly busy.
Please tell us about the creative process that went into your current collection. What techniques were used?
I used clay to get inspired with the organic feel I was looking for. I also “play” around with natural raw minerals. I break them and sand them to see what comes of it. From there, I use copper to form and bring things together, which then goes into plating solutions.
How would you describe your personality, and is this reflected in your work?
I am passionate, outgoing, fun, but can be moody sometimes! My work reflects my uninhibited creative nature. But it also shows my appreciation for things that are aesthetically appealing, or in other words – pretty.
How do you feel fashion/jewellery can effect an individual’s image and/or self-esteem?
It can change an entire look, hence changing your personality or outlook.
I’m always looking for originality in my work, but I do depend on black and grey as a go to.
Why have you chosen to create pieces using slightly out of the ordinary materials such as lava and druzy?
I think they’re beautiful and should be worn on the body.
To check out Morse’s stunning pieces, follow this link to her Etsy shop, Illuminance Jewellery. We are loving organic forms and materials in jewellery at the moment, as it’s a style that goes perfectly with a lot of the A/W ’13 trends.
Elizabeth Finney
Photos: Courtesy of Illuminance Jewellery
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