I’ve been so excited to share with you my new Arco collection which launched last week. Inspired by the elegant curves and pleasing geometry of Classical Greek & Roman architecture, all the pieces are handmade from recycled silver and gold plated silver.

This handmade jewellery collection is particularly special to me as I’ve been experimenting recently with using CAD (Computer Aided Design), 3D printing and casting to bring my ideas to life. Using these techniques has really helped me to realise designs that would otherwise have been impossible to create.

The collection features stud earrings, drop earrings, statement hoops, necklaces and pendants and as a nod to their Classical inspiration, each of the nine designs is named after a Greek or Roman goddesses. The pieces all have a beautifully textured slightly matte appearance which I created by using a brass brush to finish them with.

As Christmas isn’t that far away (I can’t believe I said that in late October!), I thought I’d share with you my 4 favourite necklace and earring designs from the new collection that would make the perfect jewellery gift idea for a loved one:

Above: Minerva semi circle earrings in gold plated recycled silver (left) & Selene large hoop earrings in recycled silver (right)

1) The Minerva semi circle earrings in gold plated recycled silver

Like pretty little minimalist rainbows, the Minerva semi circle earrings are the perfect elevated everyday pair of handmade earrings. As with all the pieces in the Arco collection, they are so wonderfully light and comfortable to wear you’ll hardly notice you’ve got them on. Featuring a stepped circle stud with a semi circle drop, they move freely when worn and the textured surface catches the light beautifully. The gold plated recycled Minerva semi circle earrings cost £150 and the silver ones are £130

2) The Selene large hoop earrings in recycled silver

One word….wow! These stunning handmade silver hoop earrings make the ultimate understated statement. At 3cm diameter the Selene large hoop earrings are dramatic without being over the top and each one weighs only 5g so you can wear them comfortably all day long. These bold silver earrings have a strong minimalist vibe, but are still totally timeless meaning you’ll be wearing them for years to come. The recycled silver Selene hoops cost £180, or if you’d prefer the gold plated Selene hoops, they’re £200

Above: Athena circle pendant in gold (left) and Artemis mini circle necklace in silver (right)

3) The Athena circle pendant gold plated recycled silver

The Athena handmade pendant is named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare and handicrafts (the last one seems particularly apt!) It features a textured circle pendant which hangs from a smooth metal loop, giving a beautiful contrast between the two finishes.

I always like to test run my pieces before making them available to buy and I’ve been wearing this circle pendant all summer long! I opted for the 60cm chain – it sits mid chest height so I can wear it over tops and dresses, but there’s also a 45cm chain length available if you prefer a slightly a shorter length. The one I’ve barely taken off is made from gold plated recycled silver and costs £130, but there’s also a silver Athena pendant which is £110.

4) Artemis mini circle necklace in recycled silver

The Artermis mini circle necklace handmade in recycled silver (and also available in gold plated silver), is one of those pieces you’ll turn to again and again. The unique stepped circle design measures 1cm diameter and comes on a pretty 45cm long recycled silver belcher chain. This necklace looks great on its own for a pared back daytime look, or layered up with other pieces for more impact which makes it a really worthwhile investment as it's sure to be a jewellery box favourite for years to come. The silver Artemis necklace costs £65 and the gold version is £85.

I hope I've given you some good ideas for Christmas jewellery gifts (or any other occasions for that matter). Remember if you want to make a small tweak to a piece such as a different chain length, then just get in touch and I'll do my best to help. Don't forget you can also get 10% off your first online order when you sign up to my mailing list.

Elin Horgan designs and creates handmade jewellery in her Bristol studio. Elin’s beautifully simple handmade jewellery is carefully crafted and designed to be worn every day. You can read more about Elin’s work and the ethos behind her understated jewellery brand on her About Elin Horgan Jewellery page.

If you’d like to enquire about a specific product or discuss a custom piece of jewellery, please have a look at the Bespoke Handmade Jewellery page or email info@elinhorgan.com