Introducing; SLAB Jewellery

I first discovered SLAB jewellery on Instagram and instantly fell in love. Jewellery is my weakness and I can spend hours filling endless shopping carts with prized jewels (we all do it!). But, SLAB completely caught me - I just love the rustic charm and the personality of each hand carved skull. And even better to know that all her jewellery is created from recycled metals! How can you not be drawn in?

We are so pleased that SLAB Jewellery will be joining The TilDeath Alternative Wedding Collective at Whitby Pavilion Alternative Markets this coming weekend organised by Leeds Festival of Gothica and AdVintageous fairs (23rd and 24th April.

You can find out more about the Alternative Wedding suppliers showcasing at Whitby Goth Weekend here, but first, let me introduce you to Hannah, and SLAB Jewellery…

Tell us about SLAB Jewellery

SLAB is handmade gothic jewellery with attitude. From chunky signet rings and dagger charms to spiked necklaces and bone bracelets, each piece of SLAB jewellery is crafted in Bristol using low-impact recycled silver and gold. Inspired by historic Momento Mori Jewellery, SLAB Jewellery creates perfect gifts and arresting adornments for those who aren’t afraid to express their individuality.

I craft alternative jewellery for all bodies, using the ancient technique of lost wax casting. This means each design starts as a lump of wax that’s carved into a unique design before being cast into recycled metals. Creating this way means I can infuse each skull with it’s own personality. It also means that rings can be made to fit any finger, from the tiniest pinkie, through to a chunky thumb ring.

Inspiration comes from all sorts of sources; from historic skull jewellery known as Momento Mori, through to religious artefacts and tattoo culture & iconography. Characterful skulls, glistening daggers, twisting serpents and sharp halo spikes all work together along with the occasional hand sculpted rose and even ethically sourced gemstones. I love taking your gothic ideas and turning them into pieces of jewellery just for you.

How did you get in to this?

With a background as an art director and designer, I’ve always been drawn to the darker elements of fashion and aesthetics. I struggled to find jewellery that satisfied my desire for boldness and individuality, while still being versatile enough to wear every day. I was fascinated with Momento Mori jewellery, but found a lot of skull jewellery was either too macabre or too cutesy.

I started a series of silversmithing evening classes, but it wasn’t until a workshop to learn about wax carving that I finally realised the designs I’d dreamed of. I began SLAB Jewellery with a series of hand carved skulls, neither too literal nor too stylised, each one infused with a distinct personality. That grew into a range of responsibly crafted adornments with just the right amount of attitude.

What’s the process of working with you?

When working on a bespoke design, the first step is to have a chat about your chosen piece - whether you’re a one-of-a-kind ring, or custom-made earrings, or a tweak on an existing design. I’d want to know more about what elements you like, or what you’d like less of - bigger skull, longer spikes, or more of everything,

Budget is important of course, I never want to encourage anyone to spend more than they’re comfortable with. A lot of the rings on my website are one-of-a-kind designs, which means that if you want something similar, you can expect a similar price.

We’d also chat about what metal you’d like; from silver through gold vermeil to solid gold, I’m super happy to work with all of these, and I can help advise what would work best for your budget too. We can also chat about any extras, like sparkling gemstones or secret details you’d like to include.

Then I create designs based on what we’ve spoken about. Depending on what you’re after, this might take the form of quick sketches, or i might even start to scope out how it might work in wax. The great thing about working inw ax first is that you can get a real sense of the piece and how it looks in 3d, or on the body, before taking that final stepof creating it in precious metal. This also means that any tweaks can be made during the wax stage, to get the design exactly as you’d like it.

When the final wax is agreed, I’ll take the deposit payment in order to get it cast in your chosen metal by my trusted partner. This will then be sent back to me for the final clean up, tweak and polish.

I’m a big believer in sharing the process, so I often send pics or videos as the piece is taking shape.

How soon to people need to book you?

Handmade jewellery can take some time to be amde to order. Ideally I’d like to have 6-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of design. This timeframe can get longer at certain times of the year as my suppliers get busier (chrismas I’m looking at you!). However I’d always want people to get in touch, as it might be the case that I can get something rushed through for you.

What piece of advice would you give?

For wedding I’d advise eloping! It’s exciting and romantic, and it feels super special as it’s a secret just for the two of you. Then throw a huge party if you’d like to include all your friends and family. But maybe that’s just me!

Remember it’s your day, so you can include what you like, and forget the rest. Oh,… and don’t read advice!

What’s your proudest achievement?

Every new piece is my proudest make. Each bespoke order means the world to me that someone would trust me to make something so special and meaningful. Jewellery can take on meaning like no other thing, and it’s a joy to make pieces that could outlast us all