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This collection is inspired from sea forms, shapes, colours and moods. |
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This collection is derived from a small lead disc found on the Brough of Birsay in Orkney.
The Brough, a small tidal island supported a thriving metalwork industry from the 7th to the late 8th century.
A rich array of brooches, rings and dresspins were found; jewellery for the prosperous Pictish community on the Orkney Mainland.
Sheila feels the shapes suggest a triskele of porpoise like figures swirling around in sea form spirals; this interprets handsomely into a powerful collection |
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These designs were inspired by the beautiful illiminated Gospel of Kells from the late 8th century.
The pattern of intertwining cords and interlace is derived from Eastern and Celtic art. The design passed into the repertoire of British and Irish art from the 6th to 9th Century.
This interlace design is found on metal work and sculptured stone as well as in illuminated Gospel Books. |
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In March 2006, Roy Leask came to see Sheila at her workshop carrying a Viking sword, shield and axe; from there, a very interesting collaboration began. Roy explained that he was to be Lerwick’s Guizer Jarl for Up Helly Aa 2008 in Shetland, one of the biggest fire festivals in the world.
To celebrate this year's festival, Sheila designed a special collection of jewellery called the BRECKON COLLECTION. The new design has been extremely well received by the Jarl’s Squad who had their jewellery |
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These superb sandstone symbol designs can be seen on the east wall of the St Magnus Cathedral.
The Cathedral was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald Kolsson and built of yellow and red sandstone, the red from the Head of Holland on Orkney Mainland, the yellow from the outer island of Eday.
The Cathedral took 300 years to complete and the east wall dates from the late 13 th century. These carvings may be associated with 3 alters dedicated to St Margaret, St Catherine and St Barbara which stoo |
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The deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea surrounding Orkney and Shetland are home to dolphins and propoises. The Mammals of the sea enchant mankind today and had a special fascination for the people of the Iron Age. Pairs of dolphins often appear as motifs on metalwork and sculptured stone. These designs reflect both the shape of the dolphins and the wave colours of their sea home. |
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Bird silhouette forms in our skies above insired this collection of beautiful flight jewellery. This collection is comprised of earrings, pendants, brooches, bracelets, rings and large full necklaces. |
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Using beautiful dawn enamel colours this elegant contemporary range of matching jewellery is available in silver with enamel and gold with diamonds. |
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This collection was inspired by the Celtic Symbol design on the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer at Loch Lomond. |
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The contemporary and eye-catching designs are inspired by the sky and seascape around Orkney. |
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The water surrounding the Orkney Islands are a creative inspiration for Sheila. This collection is comprised of two different suites of jewellery that are all inspired by sea forms, shapes, colours and moods.
The Pentland designs evoke the stretch of water separating Orkney from the Scottish mainland. The Surfbreaker design portrays a large wave form. |
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Primula scotica only exists in Orkney, Caithness and North Sutherland on maritime heath. Orkney sites include Yesnaby, the west coasts of Rousay and Westray, Papay, North Hill and South Walls.
The average size of the flower is 8mm in diameter with five heart-shaped petals and a bright yellow centre. This tiny rare plant inspired Sheila to make a collection using the actual size of the flowers in silver with vibrant enamels and a solid 18ct gold centre. |
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In Scottish lore, the Rowan Tree has been held as a 'Tree of Life', a protector from harm, it's berries symbolic of life and renewal.
Throughout history, many cultures of the world have venerated trees even believing them to have divine or magical powers. The tree form often appears in individual art work as an expression of endurance, strength and hope.
Designed with nature's delicate balance in mind and the vital importance of trees to humanity today. |
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These designs were inspired by pot shards found at the historic stone age site of Skara Brae, Ornkey.
They are available in different enamel colours, Skaill Blue being one of them which represents the colour of the sea below Skara Brea at the Bay of Skaill. |
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Skyran was inspired by the first-known text discovered in Orkney. The Ogham writing which reads 'a blessing on the souls' was found on a whorl stone at Buckquoy, Birsay and dates to approximately 500 AD. This ancient Ogham text of the Picts is very informal and its sketch-like incisions were usually scratched into a surface.
A chance meeting with local musicians, the Wrigley Sisters, led to a unique collaboration of metal and music which fused to produce an interesting of forms in sound, col |
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