Meet the maker Claire Francis

Hello, my name is Claire.

I have been making jewellery since 2007 and generally make one-off pieces incorporating designer lampwork beads, Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls and semi-precious gemstones - amongst other things.

I make chainmaille using various metals, including Sterling Silver and also pieces from Art Clay silver.

I am registered with Goldsmith's London assay office (my maker's mark is MC). All Sterling Silver items weighing more than 7.78 grams will contain a full UK Hallmark, which is your guarantee that the item you have purchased is genuine Sterling silver.

Some additional information about the materials I use:

FRESHWATER PEARLS These are pearls which are farmed using freshwater mussels.

LAMPWORK GLASS BEADS These are glass beads which are handmade by skilled glass artists. Molten glass is then shaped or wound around a steel rod to form a bead. Other design features may be added and then the finished bead is placed into a kiln to anneal over a period of hours. The annealing process allows the stresses caused during the manufacturing process to dissipate and the bead is strengthened and is less likely to shatter than a bead that has not been annealed. Care should still be taken, however, as glass will break if it is handled roughly. Expect variances in colour, size and shape since no two beads will be exactly alike.

SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS Beautiful crystals with the most exquisite cut and finish, available in an astonishing range of shapes and colours, manufactured by the Swarovski company of Austria.

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PEARLS These beautiful beads are formed around a crystal core which is then coated with many layers of a highly luminous, high quality pearl finish that has been developed by the Swarovski company of Austria. Each crystal pearl is perfectly round and has a fabulous glow that is comparable to that of cultured pearls.

UK HALLMARK Consist of 3 compulsory punch or laser marks:
Sponsor's (or maker's or manufacturer's or name) mark
Metal and fineness (purity) mark (Sterling Silver (92.5% silver) is stamped .925 and Fine Silver (99.9% silver) is stamped .999)
UK assay office mark

CHAINMAILLE Is made from wire, formed into rings which are then woven together to create amazing patterns and textures.

Thanks for visiting my Folksy space, please also visit my website: moonlitnightcreations dot com.