Multi award winning designer maker Janet Barber trained at Loughborough College of Art and Design in the early 80’s and after graduating with a First class Honours Degree continues to work in precious metals and stones, achieving Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths in 2017.
An obsession for the small detail, repeating patterns and intricacies of nature are an endless source of inspiration which supply the starting point for jewellery or small boxes often with an element of surprise or hidden detail.
Mostly eschewing commercial practices, preferring instead to indulge in the artistic bent, exploring and expressing the current obsession with a newly found treasure or gift from nature results in an eclectic collection of one off stand alone pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I use lab grown diamonds?
I believe both have a place in my creative practice, I value the environmental and social benefits of Lab grown stones as well as the consistent cut and colour when using the small stones. For me, it’s not so much about the value of the materials but more about the beauty of those materials and what effect they produce in the context of each piece.
As long as full disclosure is uppermost the customer can make the choice.
Valcambi statement.
“We have largely accepted the benefits to people and the planet of recycled and responsibly sourced bullion. Further to this I am interested in opening discourse on the ethics of mining in our technically advanced days of laboratory grown materials. Values of gem material are historically based on rarity in some form with little or no consideration from the end consumer as to the real human and planetary cost of those materials. With this piece, I am aiming to challenge the concept of value or rarity based not on the raw materials but on the artistry deployed and the expenditure of time, which is ultimately the rarest of all commodities. Is it time to weigh the cost of traditional mineral extraction and its long term impact on those least able to benefit from production against real innovation and creativity.”
Ethical practices.
As an early adopter of the Fairtrade Gold initiative I am delighted that it seems widely offered and accepted that the default position is to be Fair-trade, recycled or single mine origin SMO certified precious metals in the UK. Increasingly the same is true in the gem industry, I will always choose the fairest, most ethical practice for the benefit of the miners and the planet, choosing bio-degradable over plastic and calling out excessive use of plastics and wasteful practices where I come across it. Please also see the statement that won me the Valcambi Suisse prize in 2022 above.
I also teach FOC on a one to one basis when I serendipitously meet a worthy cause, (or indeed happen to produce one amongst my own offspring, please see Richards website here).
GCDC
The Goldsmiths’ Company Design and Crafts Council, which holds a craft and design focused competition each year (commonly known as the Jewellery Oscars) to acknowledge and support the best in jewellery and silversmithing design and craftsmanship skills.
What are the letters after my name?
Established in 1984 the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths is an organisation that promotes and supports craftspeople of the highest calibre, who produce only the finest workmanship.
The highest level of membership is a “Fellow”, who is entitled to have the letters FIPG (Fellow of the IPG) after their name.
Janet’s recent Awards Click to follow the link
Compassion
Like others that are community and altruistically minded I have a favoured means of giving to those less fortunate. Mine is compassion.uk.org, an organisation that facilitates the sponsoring of children in disadvantaged circumstances through a monthly subscription. I am fortunate to have been able to have built relationships with and had a hand in funding, to a small extent, a better future for 16 children. (Currently 10 since they graduate at the age of 23.)
Richard Barber
Janet’s son Richard follows in her footsteps by becoming a jeweller. Check out his work here. Richard Barber Jeweller
CREATIONS: Downy Feather Brooch | Moth Orchid Brooch | Mahonia Necklace | Mahonia Earrings | Maple Keys Cuff | Iris Cuff | Synthesis Earrings | Frosted Earrings | Leaf Litter Box | Rose Diamond Bangle | Single Pearl Rings | Bubbly Pearl Ring | Ametrine Ring | Ametrine ring