Wedding rings by Justin Duance

Hannah May explores his coastal inspiration and creative process...

Justin Duance greets me with a wonderfully warm and slightly dishevelled smile that perfectly captures his unique brand of creativity: raw, original, unpretentious and charming.



Scrambling the narrow stairs of his sail loft-turned-workshop next to Newlyn's historic harbour, I can see where much of the character and inspiration behind his innovative designs originates. His workspace is dotted with random stockpiles of driftwood, timber and salvaged metals all awaiting their transformation into a beautifully bespoke piece of original jewellery. This melting pot of muse and workspace stands as a metaphor for Justin's creations: stunning fusions of material, meaning and technique.



Talking to him about his influences, experience and future projects as he unveils various treasure boxes of rings, cufflinks, watches and pendants, Justin's passion for designing and making is evident in both his enthusiastic conversation and sensitive handling of each unique item.

There's something powerfully organic and personal about his approach and offerings. Perhaps it's the humble roots of the business, dating back over a decade when he began making jewellery in his bedroom fresh from art college; he was drawn back then - as he clearly still is now - by the simple pleasure and freedom of creation.



One of the key inspirations and elements of his work - Cornwall's coastline and natural landscapes - informs everything from his use of ethically sourced and recycled materials to the development of his techniques and signature aesthetic. By combining salvaged wood with precious metals and gemstones, for example, each individual piece - like their wearer - represents a history, story and place.

A rich narrative runs through Justin's jewellery, particularly when it comes to his commissioned wedding and engagement rings. Couples might select materials that are personal to them, from heirloom gems and inherited engagement rings to tree wood from their wedding venue, which are then uniquely co-designed and created to their specifications. The resulting bands thereby act as a physical, tactile extension of the love story in play.



"We have used oak for our wooden rings that began as the keel of a 1906 Cornish lugger, fittingly called 'The Happy Return'. Our elm is sourced from Cornish gig boats and plum wood is cut from a local orchard," he explains. "Each piece of wood brings with it a life lived that adds great resonance and emotion to a design, particularly if supplied by the customer."

Couples can, of course, supply their own, or pick from 40 different types of wood ranging from apple to African blackwood, with every cut offering a unique grain and colour.



Always evolving his methods, Justin's latest collection is both cutting edge and contemporary, which are two of his signature hallmarks. His latest casting technique involves pouring molten metal into tiny moulds made of sand for dynamic, textured and unique wedding and engagement rings. Some clients even supply their own sand from special places for greater sentimentality.

"The odd rough grain that remains in the ring after it has been cast adds a fantastic texture," explains Justin.



Couples seeking further personalisation might opt for a meaningful inscription. Every item is also individually hallmarked and bears Justin's maker's mark that guarantees the content, purity and quality of the metals involved.

With silver, gold, titanium, palladium and platinum all available, and all either fair trade, eco-friendly or recycled, every material used to create Justin's rings limit the environmental impact caused by extraction from the earth.



Then there's the gemstones. From diamonds (white, champagne, cognac or black) to emeralds, sapphires, rubies, garnets, topaz and aquamarine - responsible, conflict-free sourcing is paramount to Justin, with the mine of origin traced where possible for conscientious and quality control assurance.

Having admired an array of sun-glinting jewels, my time is unfortunately up. But, as I leave the loft, Justin is suddenly struck with a realisation. He's forgotten to offer me a cup of tea. I'd usually note such an absence of interviewer/interviewee etiquette with a degree of incredulity, but - in his case - it's a wonderfully forgivable offence.

Commissions start at just £140 for a basic silver ring, while rings from his online collection start from about £70. Justin welcomes all queries and enquiries, so get in touch on 01736 368395 or visit www.justind.co.uk







words Hannah May