N.Rollinson
Natasha, founder of N.Rollinson is a jeweller who is skilled in traditional and contemporary methods. Her designs are award winning and have been well exhibited and recognised internationally.
We spoke to Natasha about her passion for jewellery and her jewellery business.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
I knew that I wanted to make jewellery from the first time I worked with silver. Aged sixteen, I took a short course one Summer at the Edinburgh College of Art and made a wide, hammered cuff in a minimal, modern style that would still fit in with the style of things I make now, all these years later.
I have studied and trained intensively in jewellery, first in Belfast, then Reading, followed by Kilkenny before moving to London to live and work as a goldsmith for six years.
My business has grown organically, from bespoke commission and exhibition work whilst I trained and then worked at the bench.
I began N.Rollinson in Islington, London in 2014 and it has grown from there as a destination for refined collections, bespoke designs and unique wedding and engagement rings.
My husband is from Belfast - we moved back at the end of 2017 and renovated an old office block. My showroom and studio is downstairs.
What/who influences/motivates you?
My inspiration comes from all over the place, but my work is underpinned by precision, versatility and nature inspired geometry.
I strive to create effortlessly elegant jewellery that transcends time and season and am motivated by the connections within jewellery. The sentiment that jewellery holds and the specialness in pieces that can be passed on is a truly amazing thing and a joy to be a part of, whether it is a gift for yourself or someone you care about, or a symbol of love that binds two people together.
I also have a fascination with objects that transform, have a hidden element or a dual purpose, which has lead to signature pieces where versatility is key and is a recurring theme in many pieces.
What has been your biggest hurdle proudest moment or accomplishment in your career?
a. biggest hurdle
I would say my biggest hurdle was having the confidence and self-belief to focus on building my brand, even though it was what I’d always wanted. Maybe because it is what I’d always wanted. I am a perfectionist!
b. proudest moment/achievement
My proudest accomplishment was the studio in Belfast.
It was a ten year dream to design a creative home for the jewellery that I love to make and to turn my dream space a reality has been fantastic.
Could you give some advice for any young, emerging designers?
Work hard, persevere and try to maintain a happy outlook on life! A good working attitude will get you far. And as cliched as it may be - ‘Rome wasn't built in a day’. Take the opportunities that come your way and try to get as immersed as you can in the industry you are interested in, it pays off in the end.