Meet Fellow Creative - Jo Richards who is the jeweller behind Faye Benjamin Jewellery

Jo is a jeweller who creates silver jewellery and runs silver clay workshops. I first met Jo a few years ago after joining the Artful Collective. I think the very first time was at a Christmas Art Fair, when we happened to be neighbours. It is always such a treat to have someone nearby who understands the ups and downs of running a creative business! Since then we have met socially through the group, and most recently Jo visited my house to run a jewellery workshop for some friends and family where she shared her love of working with silver clay so that we could all create some pieces of beautiful jewellery. In this blog Jo answers some of the questions I posed to her about her creative work.

What inspired you to start making silver jewellery?

I have always loved jewellery, but at school I was encouraged to pursue a more “sensible” career, so I went to university intending to go into engineering. That didn’t stop me from sneaking into the workshop to make decorative pieces for myself and my friends, probably not quite what my lecturers had in mind!

After graduating and working in engineering, I really missed the creative side of my studies and longed to make things again. I tried stained glass and pottery for a while, but neither felt quite right. I then enrolled in a jewellery-making course and instantly knew I’d found my passion. I’ve been making jewellery ever since the mid-nineties.

What materials do you use to create your jewellery?

I have always worked in silver and was actually completing a three-year course in silversmithing and jewellery design when I discovered silver clay. I was instantly hooked, and it has since become my main medium. I have been working with silver clay since 2006, and I am still discovering new and exciting ways to use it!

How does working with silver clay differ from traditional silversmithing?

My designs have always been intricate and delicate. Traditional silversmithing typically involves working with sheet metal and wire, materials that aren’t always easy to shape into the kind of fine, detailed work I love to create. Silver clay, however, is perfect for achieving texture, detail, and organic shapes. It’s the ideal medium for the jewellery I’m passionate about making.

Do you run jewellery workshops?

Yes! I’ve been running workshops for many years now, and they are one of my favourite parts of the job. It is such a joy to share my love of silver clay and to see the delight on people’s faces when, after just one day, they go home wearing a beautiful piece of jewellery they have made themselves. Even those who start the day saying, “I’m not creative,” are always amazed by what they achieve. You can find out details of my workshops on my website by clicking here.

Silver Clay Jewellery made in a Faye Benjamin workshop

Do you run workshops from your own studio?

Not at the moment, but I’m fully portable! I teach throughout Hampshire and the surrounding counties, and I often travel as far as the Cotswolds. By private arrangement as I did with you, I can also run workshops in private homes or hired venues. It is a fantastic way for groups of friends or family to spend a creative day together.

What makes your workshops unique?

When I turned my hobby into a business in 2015, I knew I wanted to teach one day. For me, it is not just about learning a new skill, it is about creating a fun, relaxed, and memorable experience.

Whenever I attend a workshop myself, I always research the instructor’s experience and qualifications. I wanted to ensure that when I began teaching, I could offer the same level of professionalism and support. I am now a senior silver clay instructor, holding the highest Art Clay qualification, and I mentor students on the internationally recognised Jewellers Academy Metal Clay Diploma. I’m also a qualified adult education tutor, so everyone can feel confident they are in good hands.

Where can people buy your jewellery?

I sell both online and in person, through my Faye Benjamin Etsy shop . I also take part in art fairs, craft shows, and occasional pop-up shops. My work is currently stocked in Forest and Cove in Romsey and Chalks Gallery in Lymington. The best way to find out where I’ll be next is to check my website events page.

What’s your best-selling piece?

Ooh, that’s a tricky one! I am inspired by nature and the coast. Having grown up by the sea, many of my pieces feature themes of water, pebbles, and shells. These designs often hold fond memories for both me and my customers. My bestsellers tend to be the ones that evoke those special feelings, whether from my beach collections or my floral garden range. That said, I always think the piece and the wearer choose each other, that little spark of connection can never be predicted!