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Yvonne Chadderton – Background & Experience

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Background and Experience

Yvonne Chadderton graduated in Jewellery Making from Sir John Cass School of Art 1979, with City and Guilds of London Advanced Silversmithing, and a commendation by Johnson Matthey Silver Award in 1978. She is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association FGA and was awarded a Gemmological Association Diamond Certificate in 1978.

Yvonne worked for Cartier of New Bond Street, London, for two years in their diamond and gemstone department. She has always been passionately interested in precious stones, and her experience in their workshop gave her a benchmark of quality and craftsmanship upon which many of her creations are based. Yvonne often uses unusual gemstones not normally seen in jewellery, utilising both facetted and cabochon cuts, and recently has begun to specialise in high quality Opals from Coober Pedy in Australia.

For twenty years Yvonne owned ‘The Last Word’, in Royton, making handmade contemporary jewellery and silverware. She then spent 14 months travelling in Africa, Australia and South America. Her home-based studio is just outside Northwich, Cheshire.

Influenced by water and architecture her creations tend to have simple, clean lines and make a strong statement. A satin finish applied to the metal is often used to emphasise the sculptural aspect. Designs evolve from the shape and colour of the stones, each design is unique but can be repeated in a suite of jewellery such as a pendant and matching earrings.

Commission work is diverse, from tiaras and diamond studded suspender belts, to walking stick handles and church wafer trays. Her jewellery is always carefully designed for strength and durability. In addition Yvonne will re-design new pieces from broken and dated jewellery no longer worn by the client, creating heirlooms that will be passed down and treasured by future generations. All work is hallmarked by the London Assay Office.