Enamel Necklace inspired by visit to Dubrovenik

This necklace is inspired by a visit to Dubrovnik late last year. ‘Pearl in the Adriatic’ is the name often given to Dubrovnik, Croatia. The design is inspired by the view from the cliffs just outside the old town. The colours of the sea and vegetation combined with the textures of the foliage were breathtaking. I knew immediately I wanted to replicate it in enamel as a piece of jewellery.

I studied the texture of the vegetation to try and replicate it in the hand engraved texture that comprises the Basse-taille technique.

I explored different shapes in my sketch book before settling on the final design. I decided to use cloisonné for the agave leaves to emphasis them in the design.

From photos and drawings in my sketchbook I engraved the silver to echo the foliage. I used very thin layers of transparent jewellery enamel to colour the design. I used the enamel like watercolours. I added tiny amounts with careful and painstaking placement.

The piece was ground and polished to finish it. The silver setting was made and then the freshwater pearls, which it is strung with, were selected. The completed piece carries the memory of that perfect day. The breathtaking view can be touched and enjoyed by the wearer wherever they are.

Competition Success

I was absolutely delighted when this necklace too won a silver award at the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards 2026. It nearly didn’t get finished in time and it was a real race against the clock. I knew I wanted to make this necklace for this year’s awards as soon as I saw the view. It was a huge challenge to finish it in time but I was determined to give it my all. Once I had completed the other necklace, Marsh Dawn that also won an award though!