Artist Nicola Knackstredt has created this small yet sturdy charm in contrasting materials of sterling silver and silk cord. Stitched through with dark red coloured silk cord tied in a bow at the top of the arc on the righthand side of the heart, this sweet little object is bound to charm any wearer. Fitted with two jumprings, one fixed and the other loose, this considered feature compliments the two loops of the silk cord bow.
Material: Sterling silver, silk cord.
Dimensions: 18mm x 17mm.
Length of charm from drop: 24mm
Note: The silk cord extends beyond the edges of the silver charm by up to 23mm.
"My work explores the materiality of fine silver sheet metal, which is highly malleable. I refine this metal through a rolling down process, pushing the metal to its limits. The result is a thin, delicate material that I can manipulate in the same way as a stiff fabric. With this process, I mimic in metal the movement and folds of fabric. All of my work is handmade, and no two pieces are the same".
***
Nicola is an emerging contemporary jeweller who studied Jewellery and Object at the Australian National University, where she received the Boronia Prize for Excellence in Gold and Silversmithing in the first year of her studies. In 2022, Nicola was a finalist in both Profile: Contemporary Jewellery and Object Award, presented by the Jewellery and Metalsmiths Group of Australia–NSW Inc. and the Australian Design Centre, and the National Contemporary Jewellery Award. Nicola's prior professional experience as a human rights lawyer has helped shape her practice and her business—Nicola sources her materials from an Australian company reputed for their sustainable and ethical production methods.
Nicola’s work is made by hand in her studio at Car-rang-gel (North Head), Manly. Nicola's work is stocked in Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong and Melbourne.