Semina Lewis Jewellery Designer

Silver Wire Designs

Born in Winchmore Hill, North London to an Asian father and New Zealand / Irish mother hence the unusual name - Semina, people often ask where I get my inspiration from - Probably from my life experiences - having had quite a colourful life so far, two of my passions have been dancing and singing - I sang twice at the Royal Festival Hall and appeared alongside Les Dawson singing and dancing in a multi-cultural group (Kids International) on his show in the 80's. Spells of acting as an extra meant quite a lot of time hanging around in Green Rooms at the BBC. As an adult Salsa dancing has satisfied my desire to dance but now with young children only really happens in my living room!

IBeing fortunate to have travelled extensively as a child when I stayed with families rather than in hotels, I learned about the cultures first hand. I caught the creative bug early in life and have always had a fascination for jewellery both contemporary jewellery and traditional finding the bridal jewellery in Asia particularly interesting.

Also interested in textiles, architecture and all forms of art and handmade craft and have produced some contemporary textured fabric wall art. I won a readers' award for my designs featured in Brides Magazine which was a nice surprise. As a photographic assistant in London I worked on products for advertizing using large format plate cameras as well as celebrities for magazine covers such as The Sunday Times and Sunday Express, Radio Times, Elle Decoration and Taste Magazine covers. I also worked on fashion and beauty shots and as a focus puller for a couple of pop videos. I was particularly interested in the use of lighting techniques and textures.

I studied Silversmithing in London and despite having a 2 year old and toddler at home decided to take the plunge in 2006 and start the Jewellery business Silver Wire Designs. I manage to work successfully around the children so am able to spend time with them as well as run the business which is very important to me. I now sell through Art Galleries and Gift Shops as well as direct from my online gift shop.

I use numerous techniques, often combined to create the finished effect. Sometimes I start making a piece which evolves into something else and I often have strange images of patterns in the middle of the night which I transfer into new designs. In fact I find the whole process quite exciting. I also have skills in design and website design which gives me the advantage of being able to make a piece and upload it immediately to my website.

I won the International Designers 'Rising Star' Competition in September 2007 in the Handcrafted Jewellery Category. The 'Rising Star' Competition was open to independent/emerging fashion and jewellery designers from all over the world in the categories; Jewellery, Haute Couture, Ready to wear and Handcrafted Jewellery. The winners came from the UK, Canada, United Arab Emirates and Japan. To win the award I was chosen for demonstrating the following traits:

-- Professional and business minded approach to market -- Consistency in producing high quality designs and products --A high degree of customer focus (need identification and fulfilment) --A sustainable business model, coupled with dedication to fashion.

I love to receive feedback from customers as it is nice to know how my work is received. I enjoy making the jewellery and get a great sense of satisafaction to find that it is also giving pleasure to others.

Thank you for visiting my site.

Semina Lewis