Profile

Amanda Hood began studying Three Dimensional Product and Design at the Lincolnshire College of Art and Design. Here she experimented with mixed media such as wood, glass, clay and metal using a range of processes and techniques.

It was the unlimited form and texture that Amanda could achieve with metals that appealed to her the most. This encouraged her to pursue Jewellery Design and Silversmithing at Derby University.

Following graduation in 1993, she moved back to Lincoln to teach part-time and to develop her ideas into fully-fashioned jewellery pieces.

In 1996 The Prince's Trust awarded Amanda with a Marketing Grant to research her jewellery's commercial potential. Further support followed after an amazing response from galleries, enabling Amanda to achieve her ultimate goal of producing and selling her own designs.

In 1997 she established the Lincolnshire studio to design and make contemporary jewellery in silver, gold and platinum. It is here that Amanda designs and hand-makes fine precious jewellery. She has developed a number of collections, but the majority of her time is engaged in the design and manufacture of commissioned pieces.

Influences:

Amanda explores her fascination with the environment around her and the relationship that exists within it. The Leaf Collection is influenced by the contrasting textures of rough and smooth, whilst the differences between light and shadow form the basis of the ebony ring designs.

Her designs promote a new way of interpreting jewellery in that they encourage the wearer to be more confident in showing difference and individuality. She is drawn towards simplicity which is reflected in her contemporary and minimalist work.

Special Commissions

In 1999 Amanda was approached by The Prince's Trust to design and manufacture a gift to be presented to HRH Prince of Wales.

She designed and manufactured a crown shaped three-dimensional tie pin in gold and silver incorporating calligraphy style initials of the Trust on the domed interior.

Amanda was asked to present HRH Prince of Wales with the tiepin on behalf of the recipients of the Trust. The Prince was delighted with the gift wrote a personal letter of thanks shortly afterwards.

Awards: