Maxine Symons

Mixed natural coloured freshwater pearls - necklace, bracelet and two pairs of earrings. All findings are sterling silver.

Mixed natural 'metallic' coloured freshwater pearls - necklace, bracelet and earrings. All findings are sterling silver.

Tiny, mixed white freshwater pearls with small peridot beads. All findings are sterling silver.

Earrings made with tiny white freshwater pearls and small peridot beads - all findings are sterling silver.

Necklace made with one large blue/white freshwater pearl and tiny facetted Spinel rondelle - all findings are sterling silver.

Pendant made with textured sterling silver and one white freshwater pearl.

Maxine Symons's Bio

I was born in Bissoe, Cornwall and studied at the Royal College of Music in London, where I lived for many years. After a long career as a professional opera singer, I returned to Cornwall, and now live near  Crowan.

I design and make all my jewellery, using real cultured freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and gold and I am fascinated by Roman jewellery, where the functional develops seamlessly into the decorative.

My interest in freshwater pearls has developed alongside advances in culturing techniques. The quality and variety of pearls now produced is magnificent and this allows me to make pieces of jewellery that are completely unique. I like to allow each individual pearl to inspire the piece of jewellery that I create.

Above all, I want to make jewellery that will be worn.