I’ve made a conscious decision to explore new materials for my designs. This is somewhat driven by the soaring cost of gold worldwide, but also my appetite to find materials with characteristics that would serve my design aesthetic.
Goldsmiths Fairs' stand at Collect ©Paul Read Photography
The invitation from Goldsmiths Fair to showcase my work at Collect 2026 at Somerset House spurred me on to take the plunge and create a collection primarily using aluminium.
Random Master Brooch 2007
This isn’t actually the first time I’ve worked in aluminium. Early on in my business I created some large sculptural pieces in aluminium and even took some of those aluminium pieces to Collect (like the Random Master Brooch which you can read about here), so it feels like a lovely full circle moment, particularly as I’m celebrating my 20 year anniversary as a jeweller this year.
Why aluminium?
Much like gold, cast aluminium has a wonderful texture and catches the light brilliantly - I harness that to dramatic effect through my designs.
New Mini Structural Sphere beads catch the light with movement
I haven’t deviated from my signature style, I angle each aluminium element and facet to my exact requirements, just as I have done in my other collections.
Jewellery making in progress in Jo's studio ©Paul Read Photography
Specifically, working in aluminium has enabled me to create a flashing ‘on and off’ as the intricate cubes collectively catch the light and come alive with movement.
The cube faces on these Maxi Structural Sphere beads flash on and off when worn.
Aluminium’s lightweight property opens up vast possibilities design-wise. It allows me to create impactful statement pieces which although large in scale, are light as a feather and more than simply functioning as jewellery; they are effortless to wear. If you know my work, you’ll know this is a very appealing factor.
These statement drop earrings are designed to be bold but comfortably lightweight.
I’ve become very fond of aluminium’s sophisticated hue and texture, which can look surprisingly precious. It works brilliantly both by itself or paired with precious metals.
Jo working on a new two tone aluminium and gold necklace in the studio ©Paul Read Photography
Cubes and Spheres
I’ve opted to explore cubes and spheres for this aluminium collection as I knew I could push the boundaries of scale whilst achieving that dramatic flashing on and off effect I love so much.
Jo finishing a cast aluminium bead in the workshop ©Paul Read photography
The colour of my aluminium appears to vary in tone but in fact this is just a trick of the light reflecting off the intricate surfaces I have created.
Long Mini Structural Sphere necklace
I’ve chosen to work with splashes of gold for some pieces, which I think complements each material beautifully.
Long Mini Structural Sphere drop earrings
I’m particularly interested in the juxtaposition of the other worldly spheres next to the angular, architecturally charged cubes.
You can view all the pieces I made for Collect 2026 here.
I’ll be bringing some of my aluminium designs to my Pop up show at Polly Wales’ showroom in LA on 7th April. Do get in touch if you’d like further details.
The Goldsmiths Company commissioned a 'Goldsmiths Story' while Jo was making the new aluminium work this year - read the full article here