Geology to Jewellery
Thank you for visiting my gallery. My name is Ursula, and I design and make precious metal jewellery. It is something I have discovered late in life. In my youth I collected minerals & gemstones, and then studied Geology to degree level. I often admired the Arts & Crafts jewellery that my Victorian great aunt made, and that have become family heirlooms. I never dreamed that I would one day be making my own.
Moving ahead many years, I had the opportunity to study silversmithing at college. I soon realised I needed an outlet for my designs. It wasn’t until a fellow designer asked me to supply her shop with my earrings that I turned it into a business.
Sulie Bear was my pet name as a child - from Ursula meaning a little she bear in Latin.
I keep my designs simple and wearable, often taking inspiration from the natural world around us. I use stamps, textures and hammers to enhance my designs and make them unique.
Amethyst with gorgeous faceting
Tourmalines come in every colour
I have a love and fascination for unusual gemstones, often preferring those with inclusions and flaws. This has been extended to the unique beauty of freshwater and saltwater pearls.
Like oil on water
Saltwater Tahitian Pearls - the only naturally dark pearls. These baroque circle pearls have the most amazing colours and overtones.
Trying hard not to melt fold formed leaves
Love my eyeglass loupes
Hallmarking
My personal Hallmark - Sterling Silver items weighing over 7.78g are given a full hallmark
Jewellery Boxes
My silver polar bear Logo
I make all my ear wires and several of my jewellery items from Argentium Silver. This is a 21st Century silver alloy. It has a higher silver content being 93.5% fine silver, as opposed to traditional sterling silver which is 92.5%. It is whiter, brighter, more tarnish resistant and more hypoallergenic than traditional sterling. The silver content is 100% recycled.
