In the Studio with Sia Taylor
In the heart of Somerset, the artisan jeweller takes Liberty on a tour of her workshop.
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In the Studio with Sia Taylor
In the heart of Somerset, the artisan jeweller takes Liberty on a tour of her workshop.
From her Somerset studio, jewellery designer Sia Taylor crafts intricate pieces inspired by the natural and the ethereal. With a background in sculpture and fine art, each delicate creation is, to her, a miniature, wearable work of art and each piece is hand-crafted by Sia and her team in the West of England using the finest metals and materials.
Known for her minimal approach and recognisable “dots” aesthetic, inspired by the seeds and natural shapes that surround her, Sia’s approach is one that explores the art of their materials and inspirations in equal measure.
To discover more about her methods, Liberty joined Sia Taylor at her Somerset studio.
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Can you tell us about your background and how you began working in jewellery?
I studied Fine Art at the Royal College of Art, and while I was doing my Master's degree in sculpture, I felt the need to change the scale of my work. Working on large-scale pieces felt uncomfortable for me, and I wanted to create something more intimate.
I started taking jewellery classes, and it seemed like a natural progression from sculpture—working with metal on a smaller scale and creating something precious that could be worn. The ideas were the same, but the execution was different.
How would you describe the aesthetics of your brand?
I think my jewellery is quite minimal and understated. I love the idea that it is something you catch a glimpse of rather than a bold statement. My pieces do not feature gemstones; instead, they focus on gold and different shades of metal. The emphasis is on simple forms rather than designing around a stone, as one would for an engagement ring. My designs explore the colours, forms, and shapes of metal itself.
How did your signature dot designs originate and develop?
The first collection I created was inspired by seeds, branches, and sticks. When we were living in Spain, I would take walks and collect tiny treasures from the forest surrounding our house. I started making pieces incorporating small sticks, leaves, and seeds. Over time, I realised that the most interesting elements were the seed shapes—what eventually became the dots. I began isolating them from the other elements and focusing solely on them.
From there, the dots took on a life of their own. Their placement, whether evenly spaced, closely grouped, clustered, or scattered, created rhythm in the designs. The collection evolved when I started introducing colour, adding another dimension. The dots became a continuous thread running through all my collections—a base to everything I design.
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Your work is often described as capturing ethereal moments. How do you approach this in your designs?
I am naturally drawn to fleeting, ethereal moments. Rather than focusing on the physical form of a flower, for instance, I am inspired by its movement in the wind or the way its petals fall. My work is about capturing the essence of things rather than illustrating them literally.
I also find inspiration in the sky—its ever-changing moods and how it can be a metaphor for emotions. I love the idea of capturing a feeling in my jewellery, much like an artist would with a painting or sculpture. My approach is not traditional; I do not design around a gemstone or create engagement rings. Instead, I use jewellery as a form of artistic expression, capturing moments, emotions, and stories.
How does your environment, particularly the Somerset countryside, influence your work?
My work is deeply rooted in the landscape around me. In recent years, it has been particularly inspired by the English countryside—meadows, flowers, and the changing seasons.
I spend a lot of time outdoors, walking or running, and when you are alone in nature, you notice the smallest details—the way the wind moves across a field, a bird in a hedgerow, or the shifting light. These observations feed into my work and shape my designs.
Can you describe the creative process behind your pieces?
My work begins in my mind when I am outside, absorbing my surroundings. I am very attuned to sounds, movements, and changes in nature. When I return to the studio, I begin by sketching and writing in my notebooks. Words are a big part of my creative process, as they help me articulate ideas before translating them into visual designs.
From there, I work with our head goldsmith to develop small silver maquettes, testing different shapes, forms, and mechanisms. We spend a lot of time refining and adjusting tiny details, such as the spacing of elements or how a piece hangs. Movement is crucial in my work, so ensuring the right balance and shimmer is essential. It is a meticulous and considered process.
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Would you describe your jewellery as wearable art?
Yes, I hope so. The pieces are sculptural and artistic in nature. They are an extension of my background in Fine Art and sculpture, just in a more intimate and wearable form.
Do you have any personal favourite designs?
The dots will always be the most important to me. They continue to inspire me, and I am constantly thinking of new ways to reinterpret them. I also love the golden leaf pieces, which capture the feeling of autumn—the movement of falling leaves and the shimmering light.
Can you tell us a bit about your latest collection, Shifting Skies?
The Shifting Skies collection is very colourful and joyful, inspired by the changing colours of the sky at dawn, dusk, and during stormy or foggy days.
For this collection, we developed an extended palette of colours, allowing us to work in a more painterly way. These subtle variations in tone help to capture the beauty and depth of real-life skies.
I am really looking forward to sharing this collection with everyone. It is something new and different for us, and I cannot wait for people to discover it at Liberty.
Sia Taylor
18ct-24ct Rainbow Gold Sunset Fringe Arc Necklace
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sia Taylor
18ct-24ct Gold Rainbow Dots Arc Bracelet
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sia Taylor
18ct-24ct Gold Tiny Rainbow Wings Drop Earrings
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sia Taylor
18ct-24ct Gold Rainbow Graduating Dots Necklace
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sia Taylor
18ct-24ct Rainbow Gold Falling Dust Bracelet
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sia Taylor
18ct-24ct Gold Tiny Random Rainbow Dots Necklace
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sia Taylor
18ct Gold Daisy Drop Earrings
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
