Stockbridge jewellery shop, Aetla, is feeling patriotic this Edinburgh Fringe Festival . Until August 28, their show, A Celebration of Scottish Jewellery, will feature this country’s best makers, with a collection that celebrates our heritage and innovation. Highlights include pieces from Glasgow School of Art graduate, Ellis Mhairi Cameron , who is inspired by ancestral artefacts.
As well as her beautiful jewellery, you can view her take on a sgian dubh - a knife worn as part of traditional Scottish Highland dress. This glinting-ly dramatic and precious version is made from steel that’s encrusted in salt and pepper coloured diamonds. There’s also work from Fraser Hamilton, who makes pieces including a pendant that’s wrapped in a cage of gold that resembles a castle portcullis, or sculptural signet rings.
For something similarly wearable, there’s Dumfriesshire-based Alison Macleod. She was recently featured in British Vogue, and makes jewellery that’s inspired by Victorian treasures. These include her cluster ring with colourful diamonds and a signature catkin gold disc or a good luck charm necklace.
There are also creations from the excellent Grainne Morton, whose distinctive work includes chandelier earrings that feature charms, shells, semi-precious stones and cameos. In order to put all these treasures into context, Aetla will also be showcasing a curated selection of antique pieces from jewellery consultant, Keira Wraee-Stewart, which offer a glimpse into Scottish jewellery’s history. 46 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh (0131 220 5811, www.
aetla.co.uk ).
