Meet the Maker - Carola Solcia

This week we interview Carola Solcia with her ring collection 'Colours Lenses'. An elegant collection of gold rings with softly coloured semi-precious stones that create viewing lenses through to the cutwork details behind. From an afternoon jewellery course to a degree at Central Saint Martins, we talk about Carola's jewellery making journey and the inspirations behind her work.

When your jewellery making journey begin?

I started making jewellery in Italy while I was attending a science high school. I wasn’t doing particularly well there, I’ve always been more of an artsy, crafty person. Someone suggested I try a jewellery-making course in the afternoons, and that’s where everything changed. I met an amazing jewellery teacher who completely inspired me and made me fall in love with the craft.
One summer, I went to London to learn English, and someone mentioned the jewellery course at Central Saint Martins. I decided to visit the university, and the moment I walked into the workshop, I was absolutely amazed by the atmosphere and the magical vibe of the place. When I returned to Italy, I applied to the course - and that’s how it all began.

Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends) 

I’ve always loved rummaging through jewellery boxes, especially my grandma’s. She had such fun, quirky pieces and I used to go through them with her while she told me where each one came from and what occasion she wore it for. I loved those little stories.
I think that’s where my fascination started, how people keep their jewellery, how it sits in a drawer or on a shelf, and how personal it all feels. It’s like each piece holds a secret. I find that super inspiring!

Where did you find inspiration for the rings in the exhibition, tell us a little bit about each one if you can? 

The Colours Lenses collection explores how memories can shift and distort over time, how what we remember isn’t always exactly what happened. I used transparent stones as a symbol for that, like little lenses that filter our perception. The rings reveal shapes of stones that are no longer there, almost like a memory of a piece.

If you weren’t a jeweller what would choose as a career? 

It would definitely still have to be something creative. I really enjoy embroidery, so I think I’d probably do something related to textiles, maybe textile art or design. I’ve always loved working with my hands and be able to make something by myself from start to finish. 

Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

It really varies, sometimes it starts with a concept or even just a sentence that has nothing to do with jewellery at first. What’s been driving my work over the past few years is my fascination with how jewellery is so personal and intimate. I recently heard the artist Pio Abad say in a video for the Turner Prize exhibition: “You can’t get closer to the body than with jewellery.” That idea really resonates with me and continues to intrigue me. From there, I begin to create different pieces. I like playing with archetypal forms of jewellery, like a classic pearl necklace or a gemstone ring, and then transforming them into something new. At the same time, I love letting the materials guide me. Sometimes the piece takes shape through experimentation, rather than a fixed plan.

Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts
recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?

I’m a big podcast listener. Jewellery making can be quite a solitary activity, so having a podcast on in the background makes me feel like I’m part of a conversation, it keeps me company in a really comforting way. I listen to a wide mix, from The Guardian’s Today in Focus to comedy podcasts from the US. It really depends on my mood and what I’m working on that day.

I also share the workshop with some amazing makers, so there’s always something interesting playing in the background. The music is super varied, from R&B, cumbia to drum and bass.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Alongside my jewellery collections, I am developing one off pieces and objects that combine different disciplines, such as metalwork and embroidery incorporating vintage jewellery boxes and other memorabilia. I am inspired by the fusion of various craft techniques and I hope to further explore these connections in my own practice and in collaboration with other artists.

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