What is your art/craft and how long have you been doing it?
It all started as a hobby and about a year later or so I set up Jolita Jewellery company together with my sister. I'm creating one-of-a-kind and bespoke jewellery pieces. I work with various materials: silver, precious and semi-precious stones, beads, anything I find in antique markets etc. Right now I love creating pieces, using reclaimed and new materials.
It all started as a hobby and about a year later or so I set up Jolita Jewellery company together with my sister. I'm creating one-of-a-kind and bespoke jewellery pieces. I work with various materials: silver, precious and semi-precious stones, beads, anything I find in antique markets etc. Right now I love creating pieces, using reclaimed and new materials.
What got you started?
Both I and my sister were always very interested in fashion and about 6 years ago we opened our womensware shop in Angel, London. Whilst there were no problems finding clothes, we struggled with jewellery pieces. We were looking for something unique, not like anything else that was on the market at the time. Algis kept on thinking about it and had a recurring dream for a few days, which prompted him to go to the bead shop in Beak street, London, and buy a set of tools and charms. That's how he made his first piece – a big, over the top charm bracelet. Shortly after he started making more and more jewellery. All of our friends were wearing his handmade jewellery pieces and one day we decided to share it with the world and established Jolita Jewellery. Although Algis is self–taught, he likes to deepen his knowledge by reading about various jewellery techniques and experimenting with different materials, colours and objects.
Are there any other arts and crafts that you would like to try your hand at? If so, why?
At the moment I am interested in making highly scented candles and perfume. I obtained this book published in 1850's which lists hundreds of original perfume, cologne and soap recipes. I am using that book for creating candles and perfume. I would also love to learn the art of shoemaking.
What are your favorite materials to use?
Right now I love working with silk, vintage crystal jewellery and coral.
What and/or who inspires you? (you can use people's Etsy shops and/or websites as examples)
My collections are inspired by novels by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Haruki Murakami, also mythology, Aztec art in British Museum, Memento Mori jewellery, trips to antique markets. During one of the recent visits to Portobello market I was particularly intrigued by an intricately woven Victorian human hair bracelet with beautifully engraved gold clasp. I also like the idea of using vintage and antique components and give them new lease of life. I love using various carvings in my pieces - I am currently working with some master carvers in Indonesia - they produce the most amazing pieces!!!
My collections are inspired by novels by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Haruki Murakami, also mythology, Aztec art in British Museum, Memento Mori jewellery, trips to antique markets. During one of the recent visits to Portobello market I was particularly intrigued by an intricately woven Victorian human hair bracelet with beautifully engraved gold clasp. I also like the idea of using vintage and antique components and give them new lease of life. I love using various carvings in my pieces - I am currently working with some master carvers in Indonesia - they produce the most amazing pieces!!!
Do you have a Coupon Code for your Etsy Shop and/or website?
Anyone quoting Beloved Bijou will be entitled to a 30% discount.
Blog: http://jolitajewellery.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jolitajewellery.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Jolita-Jewellery/240808493412
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JolitaJewellery
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