Laura Ngyou in Sp-Ring Q&A

Updated: Feb 14, 2022

Laura Ngyou

Laura's jewellery reflects a fascination for miniature worlds found within the natural landscape; from exotic jungle flora to the humble rockpool.

Her obsession with geology drives her to select the most interesting and unusual specimens in both uncut and polished gemstones. By pouring molten gold and silver onto varying grass species, negative spaces and striated textures are formed as the metal burns through the organic matter.

Laura uses these to compose unique settings and jewellery sympathetic to a gemstone’s individual character, re-imagining the natural landscape and dynamic crystalline structures. Laura's recent work remains experimental, whilst focusing on intricate growth patterns, refined by the addition of geometric form and structure.

In the words of Cilla…

What's your name and where do you come from?

My name is Laura Ngyou and I am from London, but have recently made the move to Somerset, just outside of Glastonbury where I am now based!

What do you do, and what do you make?

I'm a Jeweller, who’s main aim is to create pieces that of course look, and feel good, but also act like miniature sculptures or wearable art. I have a few larger non- wearable pieces in the pipeline and have always been interested in expanding my practice - perhaps using a variety of materials such as wood and stone, as well as metal.

What is your favourite gemstone? And do you have a favourite tool you’d like to tell us about?

It’s very hard to choose a favourite gemstone, as there are too many fascinating choices. I am really interested in geology and the way that gemstones occur and grow naturally. I would have to say it would be opal, as it occurs in so many different forms and colours. I love that fact you can find specimens of opalized wood, bone and other materials that are potentially millions of years old.

Why and when did you start making?

I have always enjoyed making and drawing from a really young age. Increasingly the things I began to make became smaller and extremely detailed, so jewellery was a natural choice. For me I think making is quite a meditative process that you can lose yourself in. I use making as an outlet to express things I have found intrigue in the natural world, which could be anything from the unusual form of a mushroom discovered whilst out walking in the woods, to the texture of a sea-worn rock observed on the beach. The jewellery I create is an amalgamation of my re-imagined observations and experiences.

If you could go on holiday right now where would you go?

It’s not very exotic, but my best holiday was a camping trip on the Pembrokeshire coast. It was a beautifully hot summer, I swam in the sea every day, foraged for seaweed, saw puffins and tasted the best pineapple upside down cake I’ve ever had! I would be very happy with a repeat of that.

What's your most treasured piece of art you own?

I am a huge fan of Junko Mori’s work, and I recently bought one of her blackened steel succulent-like wall sculptures that she auctioned off on Instagram for charity.

Any dream commissions you’d love to be working on in the future?

I'd love to be commissioned using Welsh gold.

Laura's work is available in store and with an opening date of APRIL 13th, so you won't have to wait long to come and experience it.

Fair Luxury Pledge

As we progress as a brand we feel more responsible for sourcing our materials or at least being informed of our and your choices.

We've just taken the Fair Luxe Pledge.

We already recycle our metal where possible, and as we mentioned in the last newsletter we are on the Fairtrade Gold register. We choose stone dealers that we have confidence in - in the way they source the stones we use in our jewellery designs. Recently we have begun to look at ethically mined stones, and are due to receive a delivery of ethically sources sapphires from Capricorn Gems based in Queensland, Australia.

Video: Capricorn Gems, an Introduction.

If you're interested in a piece created from sapphire or Fairtrade Gold then please do get in touch.

If you want to learn more about ethically sourced gems then here's few links to explore.

Ethical Gem Suppliers

Sustainability Stories: Mine to Market

Moyo Gemstones: How it All Began

Our Sp-Ring 21 Exhibition

Our Sp-Ring 21 exhibition continues in our window when the shop is manned - which is Tuesday-Friday at the moment so do have a peep if you're passing. The date is getting closer and closer. Hoping to see you all soon. Opening April 13th HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL. We are uploading more and more items we have in the gallery to on to our online shop, but if you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact the gallery.

10 Glebe Street, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1ED

029 2071 1036 | www.annemorganjewellery.com