Margaux simultaneously juggle the launch of her brand and her job at another company. Small glimpse into the jewellery Mac Guyver’s way of working.
Where do you work?
I work 4 days a week for another brand in London: Comfort Station. I am in charge of the making, the production and the studio more generally. I have a room with my bench and my desk in my flat.
What is your favourite tool?
I particularly love my parallel pliers (both sides open and close while remaining parallel) and my magnetic tumbler.
More generally, I am addicted to tools and materials. The right tool used the right way will always make the job a lot easier. Nothing is more frustrating than spending three times longer on a task because you don’t have the right tool. Even if it is paradoxically and strangely satisfying to achieve your goal with limited means. It must awake the Robinson Crusoe (or Mac Gyver) in me.
What tools do you mostly use?
My wax and files, my piercing saw (to cut metals), my wooden hammer and my triblet or bracelet mandrel (to shape the rings and other pieces), my torch (to solder, weld and anneal my pieces), my callipers (to measure my pieces really precisely), my pendant drill (to drill holes, sand metal using small rubbers and sanding paper, and polish it using small mops), all sorts of pliers, my sanding sticks, and my magnetic tumbler (to clean and polish my pieces while keeping their characteristic texture).
What materials do you mostly use and why? Which one do you prefer?
I carve most of my pieces in wax before casting them in metal (silver or gold most of the time). I have also used wax to make objects and installations when I was studying at the Royal College of Art. In a way, wax and metal are quite similar materials, you can melt them, file them, cut them or add to them. Although wax is softer than metal and not as permanent.
How do you choose raw materials?
I buy silver and gold from traditional suppliers in the UK. When possible I try to offer “recycled” or “eco” options to my customers. Then I just buy the precious and semi-precious stones I fall for. If they have a unusual color, a special shape, some nice inclusions, I just have to get them even if I am not sure what I will do with them!
Do you produce – by yourself – all the pieces of your collections?
For now, I make everything myself. It will probably change if I need to produce in larger quantities. I work with a few different workshops and craftsmen in London (caster, stone-setter, plater,…) when I need to outsource some production steps.
To read the next part : WWAN(1) – 3/3 More details about Margaux
Photos : © ÄPLÄ Studio. Photographies fournies par Margaux Clavel et publiées avec son autorisation.
