Claire Underwood

Bio

Claire Underwood has been a practising jeweller for over 30 years and is currently based in London. Her passion for jewellery and love of colour were sparked during childhood visits to Africa. Inspired by the intricate beadwork of the Maasai people she encountered in Kenya, her early designs reflected their vibrant artistry. While studying at the Loughborough College of Art & Design and later at The Royal College of Art, Claire worked with enamelled surfaces and melted glass beads, combining bold colour and experimental techniques. After graduating in 1991 she won the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Award for Silversmithing and set up her first studio at Cockpit Workshops in Bloomsbury, central London. While there she exhibited widely in the UK, Europe and America. Claire’s partner is a British diplomat and she has lived in Russia, America, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Statement

I work with silver and gold and enjoy exploring inventive ways of incorporating colour, texture and movement into my designs. Over time I have developed methods of attaching precious gemstone and glass beads in a way that allows them to move, adding a kinetic element to my jewellery. In the past few years I have returned to enamel, realising I can make my own “beads” in the form of tiny hand crafted enamelled silver elements. The movement inherent in these “beads” adds fluidity to my pieces. I enjoy the continuing challenge of working out how to make and attach these elements and want to keep pushing the boundaries of what I believe to be possible. I hope to produce work that displays a unique fusion of craftsmanship and a playful elegance.

CV