Carol James
Carol James, the amazing creator behind Silverfish Designs, resided on the picturesque slopes of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. With a background in archaeology, including a degree and a Master's focused on European Archaeology from Southampton University, Carol's love for the ancient world was threaded into most of her life. As a dedicated member and director of the Welsh Rock Art Organisation, she actively engaged in discovering and documenting prehistoric rock art, drawing inspiration from these ancient treasures.
Carol's jewellery journey
Carol's journey into jewellery making began as a delightful escape from her busy professional life. Enrolling in a local evening class in silversmithing, she quickly progressed from casual hobbyist to a full-time artisan, completing an intensive two-year OCN course in 2004.
Her creations, characterised by their contemporary and organic style, have been showcased in galleries and contemporary craft shows across the UK.
Handcrafted in her distinctive contemporary and organic style, Carol poured her heart into every piece of jewellery. Predominantly working in silver and gold, she continually experimented with decorative techniques, exploring the captivating interplay of light and texture and the effect of heat on the metals’ surface.
Prehistoric inspirations from North Wales
Carol's jewellery often reflects her archaeological passion, particularly her explorations of prehistoric rock art. From the initial rock art jewellery collection inspired by the Bachwen burial chamber in North Wales to later pieces influenced by her travels through Italy, Galicia, and Norway, each creation tells a story. Her Llanbedr Spiral collection is based on a decorated ancient standing stone (3000 - 2300 cal. BC), now located in St Peter's Church, Llanbedr. At the top left of the stone is a clear, pecked, clockwise, 9 ring spiral with one cupmark within the spiral and one just outside. Carol and her colleague, Dr George Nash. recorded the carvings and published a paper on their findings.
A lasting legacy
Very sadly Carol lost her long battle with cancer in 2024. Despite her recent passing, Carol's legacy lives on through her exquisite designs that capture the essence of history, and the joy of the natural world. Her work remains a celebration of her passions, inviting everyone to wear a piece of art that is as meaningful as it is beautiful. Carol James will be remembered not only for her incredible talent but for the warmth and creativity she brought into the world.
Carol left Silverfish Designs to Anna, her sister and fellow jeweler. The jewellery is now sold at a small selection of independent galleries and at Anna’s own website - iapetus.co.uk.
Carol James Jewellery
Flora Collection
The flora collection is inspired by shapes and patterns discovered in the rhythm of nature.
Pebble Collection
The pebble collection is inspired by discoveries along the coastline whilst working on archaeology
projects in North Wales. Each one is cast from a real pebble.
The Llanbedr Rock Art Collection
This design is based on the rock art found on a stone located at St Peter's church in Llanbedr, North Wales. The piece replicates the original carved spiral and cupmark detail on the stone surface.
The ancient art dates back to 3000 - 2300 cal. BC.
The stone was originally discovered in the hills above Dyffryn Ardudwy.
Bachwen Collection
The Bachwen collection is inspired from the Bachwen burial chamber on the Llyn Penninsula. The jewellery has a tactile organic feel which is great for everyday wear and perfect for anyone interested in ancient history.
Barclodiad y Gawres Collection
In Carol's own words: "Barclodiad y Gawres (meaning the Giantess' apronful) is a passage grave which lies on a small promontory overlooking a beautiful, rugged coastline near Rhosneiger on the Island of Anglesey. It was excavated in 1953 and has since been rather unsympathetically reconstructed to include a concrete dome and dry stone walling around the entrance and passage. The original position of the entrance would have looked out towards Holyhead.
This is one of the most impressive decorated monuments in the UK. The chamber contains six highly decorated uprights incorporating pecked zig zags, spirals, lozenges and serpentine lines. Interestingly all decoration faces into the central part of the main gallery meaning the patterns on the stones could only have been viewed by those inside the chamber, i.e. the dead or members of society allowed access to the chamber."
Llwydiarth Esgob Rock Art Collection
Engraved with a swirling design inspired by the prehistoric carved stone now at Llwydiarth Esgob. The re-erected boulder on Anglesey has Neolithic rock art comparable to that on either side of the Irish Sea.
The perfect gift for lovers of unusual jewellery with a tale to tell.
Halberd Rock Art Collection
The Halberd symbol is representative of bronze age rock art. The halberd is a dagger-like blade in the shape of a long axe. These carvings were primarily found in high-status ritual or funerary contexts across Europe.
The halberd symbol represented power, status and specialised warfare giving a warrior elite identity. This jewellery makes a perfect gift for today's warriors and goddesses who work tirelessly to make this world a better place. When you need a day to find some extra strength why not wear some Halberd and stand strong like a warrior.
