Art Works: Cyrilyn Silver

I’ve always been a creative, but it’s only been in more recent years I’ve allowed this to become my focus. After setting up the charity Operation Orphan with my husband Brad and taking care of our four kids, I decided it was time to do something just for me. That’s when I enrolled onto a silversmithing course. I’d always wanted to learn how to make my own silver jewellery.

I’m a teacher by profession, so the main thrust of my work is in teaching others, offering anything from experience days to wedding ring making workshops where beginners can walk away with wonderful memories and jewellery to treasure forever.

Sometimes in life things seem bleak and we experience things we would rather not. The reticulated and beaten silver symbolises this. The precious gold element shines through; a beautiful contrast to the distressed silver and a symbol of hope. Even in the hard seasons of life, there is treasure to be found, if we look for it.

Each of my creations are unique, but there are some themes running through my work. This particular range is very different from my other projects. Many of my pieces incorporate the texture of lace to acknowledge the wonderful heritage of our city. I create anything from shiny clean lines to distressed works of silver art.

I had the privilege of creating a bespoke piece for a mother-of-the-bride whose wedding was in Italy. This included some lace imprint, so she could take a bit of Notts with her. I also enjoyed melting down someone’s old wedding rings recently, using the gold and diamonds to create something new. This felt really special and my client was blown away with the ring, which made me so happy.

Now that I’ve opened my own shop in Chilwell, I’m free to create what I feel like in the moment. As for what’s next, even I don’t know that. 

Cyrilyn Silver website