About | The Ark Jewellery by Kristina Smith

My story so far ...

I was born into an artist’s family. I grew up surrounded by painters and an eccentric actress, absorbing their artistic thoughts and experiences. My story also emanates from the personal paintings and heirlooms that have long been part of my family home, offering their own stories for generations to come.

I was offered a place at the Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design at the London Metropolitan University. It was of course a dream come true. But like many artists, from studying what you love to finding the courage to turn that love into a business took me along a scenic route.

A true entrepreneur at heart, I founded my own recruitment company and coached young people seeking a career change and pushing their passion. This drive focused my own attention on my interests, and in 2019, the Ark Jewellery was born.

From day one, I have used recycled or fair-trade materials. Without a doubt, the jewellery business has a particular reputation and disregard for the planet through mining. As an artist, I believe the passion to create art is not just to make a perfect material to create beauty, but also to educate and raise awareness.

Being intrigued by new technologies and 3D design printing, I explored the boundaries of what we can do that are perceived as precious, mixing unusual materials such as wood and fine metals, incorporating gemstones into designs that are elegantly inspired by the fragility and beauty of nature.

The collections are influenced by travel, culture and symbols transferring my stories, feelings and experiences into the jewellery pieces I create.

Art without a story is meaningless. But as all good art, my pieces give you room to discover your own emotions, connections and weave them into a story that ultimately makes them part of your life.

Accolades

Professional Jeweller Collections of the Year 2021 - Finalist The Arabesque Gold Collection (Emerging Brand)

Professional Jeweller Awards 2021 finalist in Emerging Brand category.

Nominated in the Professional Jeweller Power List 2021 Rising Star Category in May 2021.

Selected to take part in the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s new initiative, Getting Started: Stars in the Making 2021-22, putting jewellery and silversmithing talent in the spotlight and championing early career makers.

Shortlisted finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards 2021 Creative Jewellery Design category.

Nominated in September 2021 in the Creative Business Award category for the prestigious Women’s Business Awards.

Memberships

Member of the National Association of Jewellers

Association for Contemporary Jewellery

Craft Central

The Guild of Jewellery Designers