Julie Nicaisse and her powerful jewellery recall the myth of Hephaestus, the god hurled down from the Olympus. He worked incandescent metals with brutal force and mastery, fire and flames, but Julie’s art has got a heart. The shapes of her earrings and necklaces could be sharp as flints, and cold like meteors crashed on earth, but her love for Mother Nature gentles her pieces.
Julie Nicaisse’s handmade jewels are inspired by Nature and Cosmo.
For this love, her creations are sustainable and ethically sourced with a preference for fair-trade gold and stones, recycled and refused precious metals. More lust, less waste is possible for Julie Nicaisse. How she came up with her cosmic accessories is a story of dedication and it’s about a jump facing the unknown. She is going to unveil something about her life and her work…
How and when was your shop born?
I have been making jewellery since 2006, but last year I decided to make the big jump, I quit my day job and went full time into making my own jewellery. I have been working in the shade on my brand for the last 10 years.
Could you tell us something about your background? Where are you from?
I am originally from Belgium where I studied Fine Arts before moving to the U.K. in 2000. In London, I learned the Art of jewellery making through studies, research and practice. I acquired my high level of craftsmanship in working for numerous renowned jewellers before launching my own brand.
When have you met your passion for creations?
Since a very young age, I have always had a passion for creation, coming from an artist family. But I discover my passion for jewellery making when I signed up for my first ever jewellery class, I knew right away that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!
What’s your goal?
I would love to design jewellery for movies.
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| Julie Nicaisse Jewellery: the making of green jewellery. Fusing old jewels for a custom order |
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| Julie Nicaisse Jewellery: sneak peek on Facebook. The choice for the perfect finish… |
How do you imagine your typical customer?
My typical customer is a strong and confident woman, she loves art & culture and has her own unique sense of style. She is very elegant and likes to look different from everybody else. She loves dressing up to go out and look beautiful.
What inspires you the most?
Nature! Nature and Nature. I love translating the unusual shapes I find in nature into wearable treasures.
Do you have an inspiring place, where do you create or sketch the product?
Everything is made in my south London studio in Stockwell, but I get my inspiration from different places, I usually carry a sketchbook with me everywhere I go. It often begins with a rough sketch but I am more of a 3D person and the piece is really coming to life as I am working. I will use a different approach depending on how I want the final piece to look like. Sometimes I carve a wax model of the piece then cast it into metal and other times I go straight into working the metal itself.
Do you have a project for the near future?
I have many projects for the near future, but for now, I will keep them secret 😉
Handmade creations have that special talent to attract and inspire a genuine admiration. Julie left us with a halo of mystery around her next pieces, yet, something is sure. From her small corner studio, everyone can admire Julie’s works and glimpse at her intimate practice on Facebook and Instagram.
Mother Earth’s fiery warmth and Milky Way’s deadly cold are frozen in time in smooth and sleek jewels carefully created by Julie Nicaisse. With her green approach to the metal artistry, it’s really hard not to feel the connection with powerful forces.
Valentina Chirico aka Valens
