Artists Residency With Jeweller, Jonathan Videgrain

One of the best things about jewellery making is finding inspiration for new designs, whether that's from your home surroundings, the people you meet to your travels.

Today, Jonathan Videgrain shares his Artists Residency experience at the Red Gate Residency in Beijing.

He tells us more about the purpose of the trip, the challenges he faced such as finding tools and spotting fake gemstones, to meeting other creatives from across the world.

Since the trip, Jonathan has designed a range of stunning genuine gemstone bracelets, inspired by his experience in Beijing. Read on to find out more about his experience, with some great snaps of Beijing's markets and a peek into Jonathon's new jewellery line.

You can read more about Jonathan's jewellery, how his brand has developed and his background in our 'Meet The Jeweller' feature here.

Don't forget - inspiration can be found everywhere, you just have to search for it...

" I wanted to find inspiration for both my ready-to-wear jewellery and my contemporary art-jewellery..."

Artists Residency In Beijing

When it comes to seeking inspiration, nothing quite compares to visiting another country. This is the main purpose of an Artists Residency, which involves an artist residing within an institution with the intention of experiencing the culture, making art and sharing their own experiences. No two residencies are the same, with each offering varying levels of luxury, facilitation and funding.

One established residency is the Red Gate Residency in Beijing, which accommodates international artists in its row of redbrick studios in the bustling Feijiacun Village – a throwback to old Beijing that is hard to find since its recent and rapid redevelopment. The residency program is open to artists of any medium, and in August 2018 I became the first jeweller to take part, funded by The Arts Council of England. I wanted to find inspiration for both my ready-to-wear jewellery and my contemporary art-jewellery.

Challenges As A Jeweller

The biggest challenge for a jeweller in Beijing is undoubtedly the strict guidelines surrounding fire safety in the city. With security checks not dissimilar to an airport at every metro station, all flammable substances are banned on public transport.

Being able to get a jeweller’s torch back to the studio - were quenched rather quickly.

The fire precautions are somewhat understandable though, as many of the most famous landmarks in Beijing including The Temple of Heaven, The Summer Palace and parts of The Forbidden City are wooden structures and all of these have burnt down at least once in their long histories.

Fortunately, the internet came to my rescue, which was unsurprising as in 2017 the number of online shoppers in China peaked to an astronomical 533 million users.

With a little help from a native speaker, my final purchase of a jeweller’s torch came from JD – China's answer to Amazon. Like most things in Beijing, the torch was cheap, temperamental and delivered promptly by bicycle.

"If finding a jewellers torch was a needle in a haystack, then finding gemstones was like a needle in a tailors..."

Gemstone Shopping At The Markets

If finding a jewellers torch was a needle in a haystack, then finding gemstones was like a needle in a tailors. My first and most successful stop was Pianjiayuan Flea Market. As you enter the vast covered market, one side clearly shows why it has earned the affectionate nickname of the Dirt Market.

Sellers crouch over their plastic trays laid out on mats on the floor, each with a low stool for the shopper to sit and collect handfuls of cabochons and beads before bartering aggressively (but not angrily) for the best price.

Here the sellers offered the fantastic service of allowing you to pick your cabochon, then pick your ring design for them to hastily set the stone in front of you.

Whilst this offers a great service to those looking for a unique keepsake from their visit, as a jeweller I found it quite difficult to communicate the fact that I wanted only to buy their loose gemstones.

Nevertheless, the further you venture into the market, the taller the tables become and the more prestigious the presentation of the stock becomes.

"It was a challenge to decide what was genuine and what was not, but I was confident that the unique blue-flash of some freeform labradorite cabochons could not be replicated by a fake..."

By the time you weave your way to the other side (no mean feat in the 32-degree August heat), you will be forgiven for thinking you are shopping in the high-end jewellers of Europe and the UK. In the middle of these two extremes, you hit the sweet-spot: affordable, beautiful strings of beads, carvings and collectables.

It was a challenge to decide what was genuine and what was not, but I was confident that the unique blue-flash of some freeform labradorite cabochons could not be replicated by a fake, and I confidently selected my favourite shapes and negotiated a good price. The jade was harder to decipher, and I embarrassingly paid over-the-odds for some freshwater pearls. The carnelian beads, however, were a beautiful colour, certainly genuine and a very good price.

I discovered a more formal way of shopping in the Honqiao Pearl Market. Although the prices are very negotiable, I felt most comfortable at the wonderful Josephine Pearl – one of the more established pearl shops in the 6-floor market. The shop has been there for 24 years. When I explained that I liked baroque pearls she hauled several large bags from beneath the counter for me to explore. She openly explained that these were the hardest to match into pairs, let alone whole strands, and therefore I could get a very good price for them individually

I fell in love with the unusual shapes and peacock hues, and she gave me a very good starting price for my selection. My only negotiation was insisting she add a string of near-round pearls to my bag for her asking price, which she reluctantly did (although those experienced in haggling would know that her reluctance was for show).

"Upon arriving in the UK I immediately ordered gemstone beads from Kernowcraft because I knew I could rely on their quality..."

Home Comforts & A New Collection Inspired By Travel

More than the gemstones, it was the experience of the market that was the real value. Upon arriving in the UK I immediately ordered gemstone beads from Kernowcraft because I knew I could rely on their quality.

As soon as I clutched the strands of carnelian, lapis lazuli and green aventurine in a bundle I was transported back to the bustling market, the smell of fried dumplings and the noisy chatter of negotiations in Mandarin.

I had also ordered some Flex-Rite jewellery wire and some sterling silver crimps and I have just released a collection of genuine gemstone bracelets, inspired by my time wondering the Beijing Gemstone Markets. The bracelets are now available on my Etsy, in the beautiful shop Out Of The ORDinary in Skipton, Yorkshire and I will be selling them at the Artsmix Leeds Craft Markets.

As for the experience of being an Artist in Residence, the greatest part was meeting the other artists working in Beijing at the time.

I shared my experiences with a fashion designer, a ceramicist, a conceptual artist, two writers and two photographers from England, the Channel Islands, America and Germany – and I now have friends from all over the world that I no doubt will be visiting in the years to come.

"I have just released a collection of genuine gemstone bracelets, inspired by my time wondering the Beijing Gemstone Markets..."

Follow Jonathan & Discover The New Collection

Etsy | Facebook | Instagram

Explore Kernowcraft's range of over 300 types of stunning gemstones beads! Available as loose beads and bead strands for your jewellery designs.

Browse our high quality range of jewellery making findings, with everything you need for your jewellery designs. Find earwires, head pins, jump rings, clasps and more...

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!