Business Details
36 Years
experience
Handcrafted Art & Jewelry in St Ives, Cornwall
Sharon McSwiney has been a professional designer-maker since graduating in 1990, creating handcrafted silver jewellery, metalwork, and artwork inspired by the Cornish coast. We specialise in transforming natural elements like seaweed, shells, and rusted metal into textured surfaces through etching, embossing, and heat treatments. Our work reflects decades of expertise in combining copper and brass for striking contrasts, alongside evolving explorations in painting. We operate three retail spaces in St Ives, including our flagship Gallery on the Square, and actively participate in local craft associations and events.Our philosophy centres on daily creativity, whether through mark-making projects or commissions, ensuring every piece embodies both technical precision and artistic passion. With 30 years of experience, we balance tradition and innovation, offering workshops and exhibitions that showcase the alchemy of metallic textures and coastal inspiration.
Services
Jewellery Design
Metalwork Art
Silk Scarves
Art Workshops
Custom Commissions
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in handcrafted metalwork and jewellery design.
- We use unique Cornish coastal materials like seaweed and rusted metal in our creations.
- We offer workshops and exhibitions to share our metalworking techniques and artistic process.
- We operate three St Ives retail spaces, including a dedicated gallery for immersive experiences.
- We combine traditional etching and embossing techniques with modern explorations in painting.
What people say
Gorgeous and beautifully made
Absolutely gorgeous
Made from a shell from our happy place
Over the moon with it
Touched and delighted
Services
Silver Jewellery
We craft sterling silver jewellery inspired by coastal textures and patterns. Our pieces incorporate elements like limpets, seaweed, and rusted metal, transformed through etching and heat treatments. Each item reflects meticulous attention to natural details, offering wearable art that tells a story of Cornwalls landscapes.
Metalwork Art
Our metalwork combines copper and brass to create textured wall art and sculptures. Techniques include embossing, hammering, and flux application to achieve rich contrasts. These pieces capture the interplay of light and surface, evoking the dynamic beauty of the Cornish coast through abstract, organic forms.
Silk Scarves
Silk scarves feature hand-painted designs inspired by Cornwalls natural hues and textures. Each scarf translates the movement of waves, lichen, and sand into flowing patterns. These wearable artworks blend vibrant colours with delicate fabric, offering a tactile and visual connection to coastal environments.
Art Workshops
We host workshops to teach metalworking techniques and artistic processes. Participants explore etching, texture creation, and design principles using sustainable materials. These sessions provide hands-on experience in crafting personalised pieces, guided by our decades of expertise in transforming raw metals into expressive art.
Custom Commissions
We create tailored jewellery and metalwork pieces for individual clients. By collaborating to incorporate personal stories and preferences, we produce unique items that resonate with their owners. Our process ensures that each commission balances aesthetic innovation with the authenticity of handcrafted techniques.
People
Sharon McSwiney
Owner & Artist
A professional designer-maker since 1990, Sharon specialises in textured jewellery and metalwork inspired by Cornwall. She combines traditional techniques with experimental practices, running three St Ives retail spaces and participating in local art events.
Questions
What materials do you use in your jewellery?
We use sterling silver, copper, and brass, incorporating natural elements like seaweed, shells, and rusted metal for textured surfaces.
Can I commission a bespoke piece?
Yes, we offer custom commissions. Contact us to discuss your ideas and create a unique piece tailored to your preferences.
Where can I view your work in St Ives?
Visit our Gallery on the Square, Back Road Artworks, or the Sloop Studios. Check opening hours for availability.
Do you offer workshops for beginners?
Yes, we host workshops teaching metalworking techniques. These sessions are ideal for all skill levels to explore creative processes.
Are your silk scarves hand-painted?
Yes, each scarf features hand-painted designs inspired by Cornwall’s landscapes, capturing natural textures and colours.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery. Ensure items are unused and in original packaging for a full refund.
Videos
