A New Chapter for Heather Rajaratnam Jewellery
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently completed my Diploma in Coloured Gemstones with Gem-A in London! It’s been an incredible journey deepening my understanding of coloured precious stones. I am now a qualified Gemmologist FGA member.
During my time studying, my time in the studio was limited, but now I’m so happy to be back in my favourite place, creating again, and putting my new skills to use.
Bespoke Gemstone Sourcing
One of the most exciting things to come from my studies is the ability to offer a new service – sourcing coloured gemstones for bespoke jewellery commissions. Whether you’re looking for a particular stone or want a fully bespoke piece, I can now guide you through the entire process, from sourcing the perfect gem to designing and crafting the final piece.
I recently completed my first fine jewellery piece, a stunning platinum, diamond, and Tsavorite garnet ring. This marks the beginning of a new era for my work, combining my signature shapes, with precious stones which add a whole new dimension. I intend to make some pieces available to purchase directly, while most will be created on commission.
I’m already working on a special commission, creating a replacement engagement ring, as the original was sadly lost. I’m so honoured to have been asked to create such a meaningful piece. If you’ve got something in mind, I’d love to discuss how we may be able to make your vision a reality.
What’s Inspiring Me This Month
Beyond the studio, I’m finding inspiration in art, literature, and travel. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on my radar this month:
What I’m Listening To: The Love Letter by Lucinda Riley – an audiobook full of mystery and romance. It’s absolutely nothing deep, groundbreaking, or earth shattering, but it’s a beautiful escape during my dog walks along the dunes in Camber, and car rides dashing around the countryside.
Exhibitions to Visit: A highlight on my calendar was a trip to Paris to see Paris, City of Pearls at L’École Van Cleef & Arpels. This exhibition explores the cultural and historical significance of pearls, something I’m particularly excited to learn more about.
Places to Visit: Of course, the place my studio calls home, Rye, is one of my favourite places to visit and this month I visited the Sound Mirrors at Denge, part of the RSPB Nature Reserve near Dungeness. It’s well worth looking out for their next open day.
Upcoming Events
There are a few important dates for the diary:
Open Studios: My studio neighbours and I will be opening our workspaces to visitors on Friday, 16th May (5-8 PM) and Saturday, 17th May (10 AM-4 PM). This is a rare opportunity to see my work in progress, chat about commissions, and maybe even find a new piece to take home.
Of course, I can’t ignore the ongoing question mark on the future of our beloved Rye Creative Centre (RCC). Whilst there is no official word just yet, You can read more about the impact in a recent article from Rye News.