Peruvian Opal

5th March 2019

Turquoise & Marble

1st February 2018

Beautiful nuggets in turquoise and marble. Each stone is unique, with varying shades of blue, green and grey. A long time favourite, I've always loved to incorporate them into new designs. For these necklaces I wanted the focus to be on the natural beauty of the stones and approached the design to create a subtle statement. They are now available as one-of-a-kind necklaces in the Limited Edition collection.

Turquoise, quartz and cotton necklaces

Turquoise and marble necklaces in production

Turquoise and quartz necklaces with hand stitched cotton ribbon

Shop the collection at www.thevamoose.com

Limited Editions

13th April 2017

I've been updating the shop this month with a new collection of limited edition necklaces featuring Peruvian opal, natural magnesite and marble. Each stone is one-of-a-kind and individually photographed, so you'll be able to explore and find the stone you love. Here are some of my favourites from the current collection and a look at what's coming up next....

Rope and silk necklaces with natural magnesite and pink opal

Peruvian opal, quartz, magnesite and marble necklaces

Pink opal and silk necklace alongside a close-up of the stone. I love how the details resemble the blending of colour in an abstract painting.

Beautiful colour from semi-precious stones

Rope and silk necklaces with pink opal and magnesite

One-of-a-kind marble and pink opal necklaces in production

Selecting and preparing Peruvian opal and kyanite stones to be made into necklaces

Leather and silk necklaces with quartz, pink opal and magnesite

Working on some new ideas with pearls, quartz and opal

Peruvian opal, quartz, amethyst and marble

PS. I'll be posting collection previews and works in progress over on instagram @thevamoose. Follow along if you would like to see more over the next few weeks!

Coming Soon

16th November 2016

I've been preparing a new collection of limited edition necklaces over the past several months and they're finally ready to reveal in the shop this week along with a few other new styles. If you don't want to miss out, subscribe to the newsletter and I'll let you know as soon as they're available. Until then, here's a preview...

Natural magnesite, Peruvian opal and quartz necklaces

Limited editions in pink opal and natural magnesite pictured with quartz pendant necklaces currently available from the basics collection

Silk and cotton necklaces with natural magnesite and pink opal

Beautiful shades of autumn in the form of a thin slice of Peruvian opal

Silk and cotton necklaces with unique pink opal and natural magnesite stones

The new limited edition collection will launch this week so don't forget to join the newsletter and be the first to hear when it arrives or follow along on Instagram @thevamoose for more updates.

Bracelet Samples

5th February 2015

The shop will be seeing some changes over the next couple of months and I’ve been sorting through old and new samples in preparation. I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of these colourful gemstone bracelets with faceted citrine, quartz, feldspar, jasper and moonstone getting me in the mood for the approaching spring season. Gemstone bracelets | The Vamoose

beaded bracelets with rope, leather and semi-precious stones

Ocean Jasper

11th July 2013

When working with semi-precious stones it's easy to get inspired by the material itself. Ocean jasper is a perfect example, with it's varying colours and orb-like patterns. Since finding the ocean jasper slab pictured above, I've been keeping an eye out for similar hued gemstones. The rope necklace on the far left features a beautiful piece of ocean jasper with spotted patterns resembling something of a deep sea nature. Sadly, it’s the only one I have at the moment, but I’m on the lookout for more!

gemstone and brass bracelets

Ocean Jasper and Rope Necklace by The Vamoose

twisted rope and ocean jasper necklace

Orange + Gold

2nd April 2013

Rope gemstone and brass jewellery by The Vamoose

New in the shop this week is a faceted citrine necklace with long braided cord. Although orange is usually associated with autumn, in lighter shades it’s a colour that makes me look forward to sunny spring days. Hopefully we'll be seeing more of those soon!

pink opal and brass necklace | orange calcite necklace | faceted citrine bracelet

Citrine and cord necklace by The Vamoose

faceted citrine and braided cord necklace

Citrine and rope necklace by The Vamoose

Amethyst and Marble

18th February 2013

I’m looking forward to sharing some of the new things I've been working on, but before then, here is a selection of favourites gathered from the past year. Amethyst and marble, with rope, brass and a few other pale-hued stones...

Amethyst and marble by The Vamoose

opal, jasper and brass necklaces | amethyst, marble and rope necklaces

twisted rope and marble necklace

natural marble nuggets | sketchbook inspiration (image credits 1,2)

braided rope and natural marble necklace

marble, brass and green opal earrings

Rope and amethyst necklace by The Vamoose

twisted rope and amethyst necklace

Amethyst and marble by The Vamoose

amethyst and brass bracelets | rope and amethyst necklace

Amethyst and marble by The Vamoose

jasper and brass necklace | pink opal and brass necklace

Pom Pom Factory

8th August 2012

For anyone who has been waiting for the fabric necklaces to be restocked, a new batch is finally ready! The fabric and mesh necklace, pictured centre, is a new style inspired by this sample. After coming across the image on my flickr, I couldn't resist recreating it as a smaller version. The necklaces will be available from tomorrow in limited quantities, with prices starting from 23 GBP.

Marie Hochhaus

2nd March 2012

Marie Hochhaus is a photographer living and working in Hamburg, Germany. I came across her work over a year ago on flickr and have been following ever since. Marie has a wonderful talent for capturing light and emotion within her photographs, creating images with both a serious and playful appeal. Such a pleasure to see a selection of my jewellery featured in one of her shoots!

photography by Marie Hochhaus styling, hair and make up by Christiane Schwambach jewellery by The Vamoose model: Juliane@modelteam credit: all images courtesy of Marie Hochhaus links: Marie's flickr | website | facebook

Leather + Amethyst

29th February 2012

Leather and amethyst necklace by The Vamoose — leather, cotton cord, silk and amethyst necklace with vintage brass components

While making the final preparations for a new collection of rope and gemstone pieces, I took an impromptu side step and introduced some leather to the mix. Extra thick leather cord provided a simple and sturdy base for the collar style necklace, with an amethyst stone secured using wrapped silk, and cotton cord wedged in between. This one was just for fun, but I may have to explore it further!

And as a small preview, below are a few of the pieces I was supposed to be working on. Combinations of soft acrylic rope, golden tubes, natural marble and one of my favourites, a bright glass stone clamped into place with strips of brass. I'll be back soon to share the rest!

Amethyst and rope necklace by The Vamoose — Braided rope necklace with brass and amethyst

Marble and rope necklace by The Vamoose — Braided rope necklace with golden tubes and marble

Rope and glass necklace by The Vamoose — Twisted rope necklace with brass and glass

credit: photographs and jewellery by The Vamoose

Eefje de Coninck

13th January 2012

As promised, here is the second part of my collaboration with Belgium photographer Eefje de Coninck, featuring a selection of jewellery inspired by cathedral interiors, ocean waves and the cool hues of a glacial landscape. Eefje and her team styled the pieces with draped fabric, subtle makeup and softly braided hair against a back drop of marble and stone. View part 1 of the collaboration here. Photography and styling by Eefje de Coninck | Hair and makeup by Noëmi Haesen | Modelled by Stine Sampers and Elke De Mey

amazonite, vintage beads and layered metal necklace | silk cord and chalk turquoise necklace

above: silk, brass and chalk turquoise necklace | below: crystal quartz necklace with large vintage beads and layered metal discs

above: silk and gemstone earrings in riverstone | gemstone and brass tube necklaces | below: vintage brass and navy suede necklace

Fetie x The Vamoose

below: silk and gemstone earrings in riverstone | gemstone and brass tube necklaces

above: Leather, brass and gemstone bracelets in marble, feldspar, riverstone, amazonite and clear quartz | below: lemon chrysoprase and riverstone necklaces with layered brass discs

above: feldspar and brass tube necklace | silk cord and tourmaline necklace | below: large citrine drop necklace | vintage brass bar necklaces

Credit: all images courtesy of Eefje de Coninck | jewellery by The Vamoose Eefje's Links: blog | flickr | website

Feldspar + Pyrite

22nd December 2011

dried flowers | vintage postcard | porcelain jasper | pyrite bracelet | feldspar and brass necklace

Dried flowers, porcelain jasper and an old postcard helped provide the inspiration for the pyrite and feldspar pieces above. The design of the necklace was adapted from a previous feldspar version in pale grey, this time with a simplified approach and the addition of tiny brass discs. The feldspar squares have the most beautiful marbled pattern, with spots of colour in pink and mint. I took a similar approach when creating the bracelet, pairing pyrite cubes with a simple, plain chain. The old postcard features a statue of King Arthur, a mythical king of the Britons in ancient times, wearing richly detailed armour. photo by The Vamoose

Statue of King Arthur, Hofkirche, Innsbruck, designed by Albrecht Dürer and cast by Peter Vischer the Elder

While researching ancient armour, I became fascinated with the etched and embossed decorations, often depicting floral and geometric patterns, religious imagery or mythological references. Since embossing had a tendency to weaken the metal, etching proved to be the more popular choice for decorating armour in the late fifteenth to early sixteenth century. I found this piece especially inspiring, believed to have been made by order of Henry VIII, with elaborately etched and gilded steel. Too late for this collection, but I’d love to experiment with etched brass and gold leaf at some point in the future. collection by The Vamoose

Credit: jewellery and photographs by The Vamoose Research: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

15th November 2011

Marble, Brass and Opal Jewellery by The Vamoose

vintage postcard | redline marble and hammered brass earrings | agate and opal slab | silk, brass and pink opal necklace

My fascination with Italian cathedrals and churches doesn’t appear to be fading any time soon. An old postcard of Genova’s Chiesa dell’Annunziata interior provided the inspiration for the earrings above and a piece of dendritic agate with pink opal sparked a hunt for matching opal pendants. I could only find a limited amount, but it was worth the long search!

Geometric earrings in redline marble and hammered brass, inspired by the opulent Baroque interior of Genova’s Chiesa dell’Annunziata...

This beautiful slab of dendritic agate with pink tinted opal inspired a silk, brass and pink opal necklace...

Credit: photographs and jewellery by The Vamoose

Eefje De Coninck

18th July 2011

Eefje De Coninck is a photographer living and working in Belgium. I’ve collaborated with Eefje in the past and it is a pleasure to have my jewellery featured in her photographs once again. Modelled by Eline Ros and styled by Eefje herself, the shoot is a beautiful mix of earthy tones and tropical colours with the help of a botanical garden backdrop and coffe bar interior. Part two of the collaboration still to come! All photographs by Eefje De Connick | Jewellery by The Vamoose Eefje De Coninck for The Vamoose

Credit: Photographs courtesy of Eefje de Connick | Jewellery by The Vamoose

Twisted Mesh and Riverstone Bracelet — Twisted Mesh Bracelet

Smoky Quartz and Silk Cord Necklace — Smoky Quartz and Silk Necklace

Vintage mesh collar — Vintage Mesh Collar

Silk and turquoise necklace — Silk and Turquoise Necklace

Hammered Brass

14th July 2011

With the new season approaching, I've been looking over and reassessing some of my samples for the next collection. One of my favourite pieces includes a hammered brass and rolo chain necklace featuring discs and chain from old factory stock. Due to their age, the discs were more of a dullish orange shade, but with a quick wash and polish they've acquired a beautiful golden shine.

Initially, I wanted the necklace to fall at a longer length, but after a few wears I couldn't stand the jangling sound with every movement. So as to avoid sounding like a walking wind chime, I removed a few inches and the jangling sound has thankfully been reduced.

As much as I like the design, I feel as though it didn't do my original research justice. Inspired by 16th Century armour, richly detailed textiles and Baroque interiors, perhaps I could have been a little more adventurous with those discs and created something that explored the design further. So as a personal project, I've gone back to my research and set about creating a number of experimental pieces, just for the fun of it. The Vamoose

So far, I've begun work on a neckpiece combining brass and leather, and also the beginning of a cropped vest-style item (pictured below). It feels good to be working on something different to the usual shop pieces, a little fun on the side and perhaps an incentive to continue this more often. The Vamoose

Image credit: my own photographs

Ismay Ozga

11th May 2011

Ismay Ozga is a multi-talented artist and illustrator currently living in the middle of England with her boyfriend and a kitten named Ruby. I've been a fan of her work for a while now, and was delighted when she agreed to collaborate. I sent over a selection of marble, crystal and layered brass pieces to which Ismay created a series of soft and inviting self-portraits and illustrations. All photographs and illustrations by Ismay Ozga. Jewellery by The Vamoose. The Vamoose by Ismay Ozga

A few links for anyone interested in viewing more of Ismay's work: portfolio | flickr | tumblr | blog credit: all images courtesy of Ismay Ozga

Developments

10th May 2011

Very excited to be sharing a relocated and newly designed blog with you today. I will no longer be updating at the previous blogspot address. Instead, the blog has a new home at www.thevamoose.com/blog. I hope you enjoy the improved navigation and be sure to check out the new image archive which features every image ever posted. Thank you Mark for doing such a great job!

For those of you who have been waiting for the new bracelets, the majority can now be found in the shop. I'm working on a new image packed post to share the inspiration behind the spring/summer pieces. I'll try and refrain from making it quite as long as the previous!

Web design by Mark Hesketh. Image credit: my photographs

spring awakening

13th February 2011

Spring may not be arriving until late March, but signs of the new season are already filling up my desk and most likely your mail inbox. I'll be introducing new pieces for spring over the next few weeks. Followers of my twitter and facebook page have already been subjected to sneak preview teasing and image heavy, design development posts will be appearing here very soon. Until then, here are some views of my desk from last week...

leather, brass and gemstone bracelets / dip-dyed pom poms / 4 of the 50+ bead containers painstakingly labelled and organised

My love for marble continues alongside mouth-watering shades of lime and layered brass...

leather and brass bracelets featuring coconut, wood and semi-precious stones

Some of you may also be interested to hear that I am making amends this season for the severe lack of bracelets in the shop. There have been quite a few enquiries already, so I'll be sending out a notification when available. Is anyone else looking forward to spring? Or are those of you based in the Southern Hemisphere longing for the transition from summer to winter?

an exchange

1st February 2011

Hello there, I'm back with another exchange to share, this time with the lovely Ashley from Fancy Fine. She has a great style blog regularly updated (I should take note) with vintage finds effortlessly translated into daily wear. Of course I was excited for the swap and she did not disappoint...

Lots of vintage goodies arrived including an old medical book, beaded and lace trimmings, a vintage slip, antique postcards and a National Geographic from the 60s.

Every so often I come across a garment which I find so inspiring I'm compelled to create a piece of jewellery to match. Such was the case when I unwrapped this little beauty, a wonderfully lacey off-white blouse.

I scoured my supplies for materials and re-emerged (not unlike McScrooge, money substituted for beads) with a selection of marble squares covered in suitably lacey patterns.

Thanks again Ashley, both for the gifts and inspiration! You can see a few of the necklaces I sent in action here, here and here.