GERALDINE FENN

JEWELLER

I am a contemporary jeweller, so I design and hand make my own range of jewellery. I’m also the founder and a director of Tinsel Gallery, which provides a platform for local contemporary jewellers to show their work.

Most of my jewellery is figurative, and influenced by ancient or vintage pieces. My favourite old pieces are ones that have faces in them, so this pair of earrings features drawings of a well-to-do Victorian couple, done in my own rough kind of style.

A handmade object is one that has been made by the designer’s own hand and is unique. It is important to support people making in this way because these objects are authentic and, because computers are taking over much of manufacturing, and a lot of traditional hand skills are dying out.

We’ve exhibited at the fair for years because it is one of the few spaces open to a broad public that celebrates local design and craft.

The fair aligns with our brand in that we are all about being “well-made in Africa” – we make original pieces of jewellery by hand and we support others doing the same thing.

We are this year’s featured designers in the jewellery pavilion and are planning a really interesting stand that will engage people’s attention.

We go to the fair every year because it’s a great way to connect with people and spread the word about local contemporary jewellery.