Joanna Thomson has been designing and making bespoke and production precious metal jewellery for far too many year! Born in Edinburgh, she realised early on that she would pursue an artistic career. At 17 she went to Edinburgh College of Art, but being the sort of person who does not institutionalise very well, she left at the end of third year and set out to learn her chosen trade as a designer jeweller the hard way!
JOANNA THOMSON JEWELLERY - WHO IS JOANNA?
After many years supplying retail shops and travelling the UK doing trade and craft fairs selling her unique silver and gold jewellery ranges, Joanna now works from a studio just outside Peebles. Surrounded by her organic garden, trees full of wild birds, cats, dogs and not too far from her much-loved ponies, these days the emphasis is on one-off handmade pieces in gold, silver and occasionally, platinum.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
Her unmistakable style is sometimes described as Celtic Nouveau, but Joanna can also turn her hand to most types and different styles of jewellery work. One day she might be making a delicate platinum ring set with emeralds and the next a silver christening spoon. She produces short commemorative runs and still does a little trade work now and again.
Joanna makes all the one-off pieces herself and many are set with unusual and very beautiful gemstones, but she is also as likely to be remodelling old family jewellery into stunning and different new designs. Often she is asked to make unique wedding rings for those wishing to have something a little bit special or different from the norm. Shaped bands and modified versions of her catalogue designs are all part of her repertoire.
WHAT INSPIRES HER?
In the ranges on offer many of the designs are inspired by natural forms, animals and the open countryside surrounding her, they are all original and blend Joanna’s own interpretation of the Art Nouveau line and balance with an added twist of Celtic influence from her Scottish heritage.
The whole results in a range of instantly recognisable timeless pieces of jewellery loved and collected all over the world. They also appeal across the age-range. Some customers are into their third and fourth generations of family members who own and love pieces of Joanna’s jewellery.
GEMSTONES
On a more practical note, Joanna is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of GB and holds their diamond grading diploma qualification. Her knowledge of gemstones coupled with her years in the trade dealing with both retail and individual customers means that she knows her stones and can advise you on the best options for your piece of jewellery.
There is always a great selection of loose stones for you to chose from, stones of every colour and hue. With all the accumulated knowledge Joanna is also well qualified to handle your insurance valuations.
DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU
Joanna will design to your brief and can turn your simple sketch ideas into actual pieces of jewellery, even better than that though, she can make your dreams come true!
When you wear a piece of Joanna’s jewellery you can be sure that people will remark on it, it will make you feel good, and if you care for it, it will last you for years and years.
Phone for an appointment: 01721 722 936 or 0777 357 8341.
Many thanks to the following for jewellery photos:
- Joanna Thomson
- Lesley Deutsch – Blue Fountain Photography
- Alasdair MaFarlane
- Dougie Johnston