Inspired by History and Beliefs

Isabella's artistic practice is rooted in a fascination with history, belief, and the human experience, which she explores through fine and contemporary jewellery. She founded ISABELLA BEDLINGTON Jewellery in 2023 after graduating with first-class honours in Silversmithing and Jewellery from the Glasgow School of Art. Her degree show collection, "Contemplating the Afterlife," resonated with contemporary jewellery audiences and earned her awards and exhibition opportunities, marking the beginning of her journey into exploring themes that continue to inspire her work.

At the heart of Isabella's practice is the torus form, a shape she frequently returns to in her designs. With its circular, unbroken form, the torus symbolises the perpetual cycle of death and rebirth, a concept that profoundly reflects the human experience. She is particularly interested in the idea that our current existence may continue from a previous one. This idea is not only a philosophical inquiry but also a driving force behind her creative process.

Isabella's work is characterised by a balance between precision and ornamentation, between minimalism and intricacy. On one hand, she creates minimalist pieces that highlight the torus's clean lines and curves, allowing the form itself to speak to the wearer. These pieces are compelling in their simplicity, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation. On the other hand, she designs highly intricate patterned toruses that tell stories through pattern and texture. These pieces use the torus as a canvas or a sounding board for personal and universal narratives surrounding the afterlife.

Isabella works primarily with precious metals, such as sterling silver and 24ct gold, using various traditional and ancient techniques to bring her designs to life. A technique she particularly enjoys is keum boo, an ancient Korean method of fusing layers of gold onto silver through heat and pressure. This allows her to create delicate patterns that decorate her toruses, adding texture to each piece. Creating is a meditative process for Isabella, requiring patience and meticulous attention to detail. This repetition and focus mirror the journey of the afterlife, instilling each piece with timelessness and endurance.

Honouring Your Story,

Reflecting your Journey

Isabella's artistic inspiration also comes from an ancient Chinese artefact known as Bi, a jade ring-shaped object historically believed to aid souls on their journey to the afterlife. This connection between an object and its metaphysical significance fascinates her and shapes her view of the role of jewellery in our lives. Her work bridges the tangible and intangible, the physical and spiritual, much like jewellery has for thousands of years, serving as talismans and heirlooms of stories and human history. By aligning the concept of an afterlife with time, Isabella aims to create pieces that are not only beautiful but meaningful, embodying the idea of a continuous journey through time.

Through her jewellery, Isabella aims to create pieces that can be treasured and passed down through generations, much like the ancient artefacts that inspire her. She believes jewellery, like the torus form, is cyclical—it carries stories, memories, and significance that transcend time. Her goal is to craft timeless pieces that adorn the body and connect the wearer to a deeper understanding of their place within the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Every piece Isabella designs and handcrafts is created with care and intention, reflecting her belief in the importance of the creative process. Each piece is a continuation of this journey, a way to contemplate and celebrate what makes us human. She hopes her work resonates with those who wear it, inviting them to reflect on their own journey and the stories they carry.