MEET KEILSON

Keilson Foote, originally from Devon, began his silversmithing journey in 2008.

A couple of years later he moved to St Ives in West Cornwall with his family where he has established his jewellery workshop (often accompanied by their dear spaniel, Monty!).

He now crafts bespoke precious metal commissions as well as a wide range of everyday wear and statement pieces often inspired by nature, blending various textures.

Saltings Gallery interior photo showing arts and crafts and jewellery on display

Saltings Gallery in Lelant, Cornwall with the entrance door open showing a glimpse of the interior

Jewellery cabinets filled with jewellery by Keilson Foote at Saltings Gallery. Art on the walls by local Cornish artists

Together with his wife Michelle, an accomplished potter, they proudly run Saltings Gallery in Lelant, supporting local artists and their fantastic work. Keilson has a wide range of his jewellery on display.

WHERE DO I SOURCE MY MATERIALS?

"I am committed to ethical craftsmanship, utilising only precious metals sourced from certified, non-conflict suppliers.

In efforts to increase sustainability I take pride in reclaiming old silver and gold to further ensure responsible practices throughout my production process.

I am currently exploring a new direction with local shipwrecked copper. Very exciting!"

A hammered copper ring with a hammered silver rectangle at the front

A selection of silver jewellery placed in front of a rock which has necklaces draped over it. A red carnation is placed at the top of the stone

WHAT IS HALLMARKING AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for precious metal jewellery above a certain weight (1g for gold, 7.78g for silver and 0.5g for platinum). It's a certified stamp that guarantees the metal's purity and authenticity.

The hallmark consists of four key symbols:

1. Sponsor's mark - this identifies the maker or brand. My stamp is my initials in a unique shape.

2. Finess mark - this confirms the metal's purity ( e.g., 925 for sterling silver, 750 for 18ct gold).

3. Year mark - this confirms the year the item was assayed or manufactured. This follows the alphabet and can be in different styles and fonts and is a mark of assured quality.

3. Assay office mark - shows which UK assay office tested and stamped the piece (London, Birmingham, Sheffield or Edinburgh). My work is assayed in London.

Hallmarking ensures buyers get genuine, high-quality jewellery and protects against fraud.

A view of St Michaels Mount, Cornwall from the shoreline over rockpools

WHAT INSPIRES ME?

I am very fortunate to live in Cornwall, and, like so many other artists before me the natural landscape, carved by wind, sea and weather provide great inspiration.

I have a long held interest in geology and some of the igneous (volcanic intrusions, mostly granite) and metamorphic (layers of sedimentary rock, changed and thrust up by volcanic action) rock formations can be seen in the reticulated or repoussé finished silver pieces I make.

I can never reproduce that which is created in nature, but the swirls of rock formations or deep-cut valleys created by water courses expose a veritable plethora of finishes which can be interpreted into very tactile jewellery.