Getting to know – Maxine Pring Jewellery

We got to catch up with the fabulous and highly successful jewellery maker Maxine Pring

When did you start crafting & what do you make?

I learnt to knit and sew when I was really little, sat next to my lovely Nan, my first make was a hand-sewn dress from my Tiny Tears Doll, I can even remember the colour it was purple flowers, made from an old dress of my Nan’s. I still knit and sew nowadays but only occasionally but my real passion is for metal jewellery. I work with Silver, Copper and Brass.

Is there anything in particular that inspires your amazing designs?

Living in the heart of the Welsh Valleys I’m surrounded by nature, be it the Brecon mountains, inky black star-filled night skies, vibrant wildflowers or local wildlife. I love this time of year when my garden is filled with birds and butterflies, you’ll see a lot of those in my work alongside flowers.

What inspires you?

Living in the heart of the Welsh Valley’s I’m surrounded by nature, be it the Brecon mountains, inky black star filled night skies, vibrant wildflowers or local wildlife. I love this time of year when my garden is filled with birds and butterflies, you’ll see a lot of those in my work alongside flowers.

Is this your full time occupation or do you have a “day” job too!

I have a day job as well as metalsmithing. I work in Human Resources in the NHS for the Welsh Blood Service.  I am very fortunate that I love both my jobs, my passion for jewellery matches my passion for people.

Can you tell us where you work?

I am located just on the outskirts of Pontypridd, in the heart of the Welsh Valleys. I have a very cramped and messy bench in the spare bedroom, but have to decamp to hubby’s garage for hammering and using the blowtorch.

Proudest moment to date?

Getting my own makers mark and receiving my first silver piece back from the London Assay Office, it still has pride of place in my jewellery box and I wear it often.

Favourite destination for a night out?

I do love a good musical, Phantom of the Opera, War Horse and West Side Story are amongst my faves, and of course you can’t start a night out without a visit to my fave Italian Restaurant!