"Jewellery is so vast...There's something for everyone", said Angela Benjamin, an Ealing based physiotherapist and jeweller who spoke to Nub News about her inspirations, sustainability and the importance of community. 

The owner behind Ange B Designs has dedicated over three decades to physiotherapy, but ventured into the world of jewellery design 15 years ago, nurturing her creative spirit alongside "looking after people's aches and pains." 

She said: "I studied to be a physio and have been doing that for a long time, but I always enjoyed arts and crafts. 

"So, I then fell into jewellery making, maybe about 15 years ago, when I went to an adult education college in Hounslow, and part of the course was making a ring." 

Angela continued: "I'm at the stage now where I've got a kind of 50 50 split where part of my week I work in clinic looking after people's aches and pains and then the rest of the time I'm either making my own jewellery or teaching workshops." 

What started as a hobby gradually evolved into a deep passion, prompting her to contemplate a transition from physiotherapy to a creative career. 

Angela's journey led her to pursue a foundation in art and design at the University of the Arts London (UAL), Chelsea School of Art. 

She explained: "The aim from there (UAL) was to actually go and study architecture, because I'd always had it in my head that I wanted to be an architect. 

"And I think that's part of where my love for jewellery stemmed from, because my jewellery is very architectural and sculptural." 

Ange's commitment to honing her craft led her to Morley College in Waterloo, where she was awarded a prestigious jewellery scholarship in collaboration with the De Beers Diamond Group.  

This opportunity allowed her to acquire new skills and knowledge in jewellery making. 

Some of Angela's designs range from rings to bracelets (credit: Angela Benjemin).

"I attend Morley College, which is based in Waterloo. And I was very lucky last year as I was awarded a jewellery scholarship from Morley in conjunction with De Beers Diamond Group. 

"I had the opportunity to do a full year and learn lots of new jewellery related skills with the aim being to upskill me for my business", she said. 

Ange started her business in 2016 and has since been designing, making, posting, packaging and promoting everything herself. 

Angela admitted: "I want to be at a stage where I'm providing the best possible service. 

"My business ethos is all around sustainability, so I work exclusively with recycled metals such as recycled silver, gold and ethically sourced gemstones." 

Her materials' origin, the treatment of those involved in mining, and the promotion of conscious consumption are all fundamental aspects of her approach to jewellery design. 

"It's really important to me where my materials come from", said Angela. 

She added: "The way in which people who mined it have been treated, how they're paid, and I also want to encourage people to think a bit more before they purchase their jewellery." 

This is why Ange offers a unique service where she recycles old jewellery, melting down silver or gold to create new and meaningful pieces. 

"Everyone is getting the message that we're kind of on borrowed time on the planet and unless we look after the resources that we have, we're going to be in a lot of trouble", she said. 

She continued: "The earrings that I'm wearing, they're made out of sterling silver.  

"I can also wear them in the other ears to make them look different because they're not identical and I make lots of pieces that are interchangeable so you can mix them up to make them as timeless as possible." 

Angela in front of her workshop (credit: Angela Benjemin).

Angela's designs are inspired by her love for architectural structures and geometric shapes. Her jewellery often features intricate, asymmetrical designs that create a harmonious contrast with the human body. 

She revealed: "I love structure, I'm always looking at buildings and how they're put together, and I just find it fascinating.  

"I love shapes and a lot of my shapes are geometric, but slightly offset or slightly asymmetric.  

"I think it comes with my physiotherapy training as well. I'm always looking at the body and seeing how, the body works, how the body moves." 

Angela added: "But with my jewellery, I like that it slightly conflicts with the body. It doesn't always look exactly as you think it should, but that's okay for me." 

As for other sources of inspiration, Angela gets it from everywhere be it music, art galleries or "the corner of buildings." 

However, an architectural work in particular that has stood out to Angela is the famous tower block in North Kensington, west London, Trellick Tower.  

The 31-floor tower was completed in 1972 and designed by Hungarian architect, Ernő Goldfinger who was a key part of the modernist architectural movement after World War II. 

Angela told me she had watched a documentary about the London block, and it had fascinated her.  

She said: "Trellick Tower, brutalism, that type of architecture I really love. 

"So many people think it's ugly (Trellick Towers), but I think it's amazing." 

Trellick Tower is a Grade II listed tower block on the Cheltenham Estate in North Kensington, London (credit: Cesar Medina).

Another reason Trellick Tower is a source of inspiration for Angela, is not just the tower's design, but what it represents – community.  

Angela told me: "It is a community. It might not be your local neighbourhood that you walk around, but It's a community, a vertical community." 

Living and giving workshops in Ealing means that Angela constantly engages with residents.  

She puts on classes on how to make your own jewellery made from wax at the Open Ealing Art Centre and for the past few years, Angela has also been a part of Ealing Beat - Ealing's first ever art trail. 

Angela said: "This year I think it was my sixth year of doing it. It's such a lovely way of meeting other creatives in the area because when it started, it was all a bit like, ooh, how's this going to work? 

"Are there people that want to come and see it? Are there enough artists? But now there's over 70 artists showing.  

"It's just lovely to be in a space where you meet people who can relate to what you are doing, whether it's working as a small business or being a creative." 

While Ange continues her physiotherapy practice, her dream is for jewellery making to become her main job. 

"I feel like I've done enough physio work, but I enjoy the contact with people and hopefully helping them as well. 

"So, there's that kind of thing that you're doing something that makes someone feel good, but it would be nice to have the jewellery as my major earner. That's the goal", she said. 

Angela's rings incorporate different gemstones and patterns (credit: Angela Benjemin).

If not jewellery, then Angela would be using her hands to create something else she told me. 

Angela said: "I couldn't imagine not ever doing any making. I don't know whether I'd morph away from jewellery and more into sculptural pieces. 

"I just love the process of working with raw materials, and then using my hands to make them into something else that's come out of my head." 

As for aspiring jewellers, Angela encourages them to take the leap and follow their passions, believing that learning, networking, and building confidence are key to success. 

She said: "I always say to younger jewellers. 'Oh, I really wish I'd started this years ago' because even though it's been challenging doing my day job and doing the jewellery, I've really enjoyed it.  

She added: "Whether it's social media as a way of promoting my business while still doing the day job, or whether it's being able to network with other creatives and being self-employed helps.  

"I've been self employed as a physio for the majority of my physio's career, so I think that's helped me work on my own and feel brave enough to start another business as well." 

Even Angela who has had her business up and running for years now is still learning and wishes others to do the same. 

She said: "Getting as much information as you can, learning new skills is the best thing that you can do. 

"I was going into college every day and going to different tutors that I hadn't been to, and nothing beats getting new information because it inspires you to try new techniques or new designs, things you might have thought, 'oh, actually, I don't know how to do that'." 

"But now I feel I've got a bit more confidence to think I'll give that a try." 

Angela added: "And I always think jewellery is so vast...There's something for everyone."  

If you want support Angela, follow her Instagram here to see her jewellery and to connect with her. 

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