Growing up in Sri Lanka, Shirani Fernando was captivated by the way sunlight streamed through decorative window panels, casting intricate shadows across walls. The patterns seemed alive, dancing with the breeze, transforming ordinary spaces into moments of beauty. Encouraged by her father to follow her artistic passion, these early experiences would later become a defining influence on her jewellery designs, inspiring her to translate Eastern and Western architectural forms and textures into wearable art.

After moving to Essex,  Shirani spent over a decade as a preschool teacher, balancing the demands of work with raising two young children as a single parent. Yet, even while teaching, her creative ambitions remained alive. Driven by a desire to explore her creativity more fully, she specialised in jewellery at London Metropolitan University, where she honed the technical skills that would launch her second career.

Now, as part of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Shine 2025 new talent showcase and training programme, Shirani is sharing her inspiration and distinctive vision for her latest Light and Shadows Collection with a wider audience. Her jewellery transforms architectural inspiration - from Sri Lankan window panels to contemporary Western structures - into delicate sculptural, three-dimensional pieces.

In her own words, Shirani shares her journey from the classroom to the studio, exploring how her life experiences, cultural heritage, and artistic curiosity combine to create jewellery that is both bold and deeply personal.

From Teaching to Jewellery

'I have always been a creative person, and as a child growing up in Sri Lanka, I was constantly sketching, drawing, and making crafts, such as macramé, sewing, embroidery, dressmaking, flower arranging, and even cake decorating. At that time, girls were often more home-schooled than career-driven. My dad encouraged me to follow whatever creative path I wanted, which gave me the freedom to explore. Even today, when I achieve something meaningful, like being selected for Shine, I feel as though he is still guiding me, still with me.

Jewellery making, however, is my second career. I worked as a preschool teacher. As a single parent with two small children, teaching gave me the same school holidays as my kids, allowing me to care for them while working. After about 13 years in education, I realised I wanted to pursue something more creative - something that I could truly enjoy for myself. I enrolled in an Art and Design Diploma at my local college, where I not only learned a great deal but also achieved excellent results. My tutors encouraged me to continue, insisting I should not stop there. Taking their advice, I went on to study an Applied Arts degree at Hertfordshire University. There, I explored a wide range of skills and mediums before finally choosing jewellery as my specialism - the moment my journey as a jewellery maker truly began.

But doing a degree didn’t give me enough practical, hands-on training. So I went to London Metropolitan University, where I finally developed the technical jewellery-making skills I had been looking for. During my time there, I even won the Goldsmith of the Year Award. With the prize money, I bought my first few tools, and since then I haven’t stopped.'

Taking the Leap

'It was very scary for me when I first went into teaching, because I had never done it before. But I had two little children, I was very young, and I had to figure out a way to look after them. Later, changing from teaching into the craft side of things felt just as frightening. I didn’t know if it was the right move to make. Still, I thought, ‘I need to try something.’ I kept my teaching job part-time so that I could return if things didn’t work out.

At the same time, my children were incredibly supportive. They would say, ‘Mum, you’re always coming home with files and marking work - why don’t you do something you actually enjoy?’ By then, they were old enough to understand my needs and to support me, while also becoming more independent themselves. That gave me the little break I needed to take a chance on jewellery.

Teaching helped me provide for my children, but jewellery is different - it is who I am. It’s what I love, what I’m good at, and it’s something I can do with my whole heart. Jewellery has brought me knowledge, happiness, and the joy of meeting new people. All of those early experiences built my foundation. When I look back now, I realise each skill gave me confidence and shaped the maker I am today. Whenever I see others doing macramé or thread work, I smile and think, 'Yes, I used to do that too.''

Recognition, Growth, and Learning Through Shine

'Becoming a jeweller has taken me a very long journey, so being recognised and taking part in Shine means everything to me. Beyond the recognition, the experience has been invaluable for building knowledge, confidence, and practical skills. I can lift my head and proudly say, ‘I’m in Shine’.  Shine has taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes - people are generous in guiding me, showing me how to improve, and encouraging me to learn the right way.

The learning extends far beyond jewellery-making itself. I’m gaining skills in photography and writing about my work - areas I didn’t know much about before. Repeating tasks, learning from mistakes, and applying feedback has helped me grow, and it’s exciting to see my progress.

There’s so much involved in being a jeweller today. It’s not just creating pieces - it’s also social media, researching, photographing your work, marketing, packaging, posting items, and juggling everyday life as a single person. Wearing so many hats at once can be overwhelming. But the reward is that I learn something new every day, and I genuinely enjoy what I’m doing.'

Contemporary Wearable Art: Statement Jewellery with Choice

'My design style leans towards contemporary wearable art, focusing on statement jewellery, though I also create smaller, everyday pieces. Many of my designs are available in three different sizes, giving the wearer the choice to select what suits them best. Someone who loves bold pieces can choose the large version, while someone who prefers a subtler look for work can opt for a smaller piece.

While I particularly enjoy making large-scale statement pieces, I ensure there is variety in sizes and combinations. This includes variations in pearls, gemstones, and finishes - for example, gold, black, or a combination of gold and black. I like giving my customers options so they can decide how they want to wear a piece. Even those who don’t typically wear contemporary jewellery can explore different sizes and styles to find what appeals to them.

I mainly work with sterling silver, often enhancing my designs with gold plating and oxidising. Some pieces feature oxidised edges with a gold-plated centre, highlighting the design and giving it depth. For clients who want pieces in solid gold, I create 18-ct gold jewellery on commission. For everyday wear, my silver pieces are plated with high-quality, three-micron gold plating, ensuring durability and elegance.'

Inspiration from Light, Shadows, and Architecture

'The starting point for my Light and Shadows Collection was a window panel from Sri Lanka. Growing up in a hot climate, I remember how sunlight would hit the panels, allowing air into the houses and creating beautiful shadows on the walls. While I don’t always replicate the shadows themselves, the decorative window panels have always fascinated me, and I wanted to bring that aesthetic into my work.

Wherever I go, I am drawn to open-scale designs, surface textures, and intricate lace-like patterns - whether in architecture, vases, or other decorative objects. I’m particularly inspired by the three-dimensional shapes, decorations and design elements of buildings, such as windows and structural forms. I also draw inspiration from Western architecture. For example, the repetition of windows on buildings like The Gherkin captures my imagination, or St. Paul’s Cathedral and the White House, where rows of windows create patterns of light at night.

For this collection, I explore different scales and variations, from large statement pieces to smaller wearable designs. By incorporating the Sri Lankan window panel into these Western architectural forms, I create jewellery that merges two very different architectural styles. This combination is a blend of East meets West, reflecting my life in England for the past 38 years while staying connected to my Sri Lankan roots. It’s a way of expressing my identity through my work - bringing elements from both parts of my life into one cohesive design.'

From Sketch to Sculptural Jewellery

'I take photographs constantly - anything that catches my eye. It could be a manhole cover, a window grille, or a gate. I keep these images as inspiration, and when I begin a design, I often make quick sketches to explore how an idea might look. My sketches are not meant to be perfect drawings - they are tools for understanding a design. I keep a sketchbook by my living room, constantly doodling. Often, a small sketch of a flat shape evolves into a three-dimensional piece of jewellery.

Because silver is expensive, I usually experiment with copper or brass first. These metals are ideal for testing shapes, bending, soldering, and combining elements. Once I’m satisfied with the design, I recreate it in silver. I use the technique of bending wires to create a three-dimensional architectural look, with extensive texturing and detailing. I enjoy the challenge of creating something unique and sculptural rather than flat. Each piece is an exploration of form, fold, and dimension, sometimes using paper to test shapes before translating them into metal, which behaves differently and requires careful manipulation.

Etching is another technique I enjoy, particularly with copper, as it holds depth and detail beautifully. After perfecting the design in copper, I create a master mould and produce the piece in silver. I also enjoy working with wax, which is both therapeutic and versatile for experimental pieces. Each piece can take on multiple finishes - gold, black, or a combination of black and gold - to give the jewellery a different look and feel, even within the same design. For some of my more complex pieces, I’ve started using laser welding, which allows me to set stones and connect delicate elements that cannot be soldered traditionally, especially when gold plating or oxidising is involved. I’m also exploring 3D printing, using resin combined with silver to create more affordable yet tactile and textured pieces.

I handle nearly every stage of creation myself, though I outsource gold plating to ensure the highest quality for customers. I also use professional casting services for the base forms. After that, I spend significant time cleaning, polishing, soldering, and finishing each piece. This hands-on approach allows me to maintain control over both the quality and the artistic integrity of my work.'

Bold and Subtle: Jewellery as Wearable Art

'I think my collection offers something for everyone. People who enjoy statement jewellery for cocktail parties or special events are drawn to the larger pieces and sculptural rings I create. At the same time, I also offer smaller versions for those who prefer something more subtle, suitable for work or casual occasions.

I envision my customers wearing my creations as wearable art. Many of my pieces involve intensive work, often unseen by the wearer. That’s why I want people to wear them proudly, whether it’s to a party or an evening event. The larger, bold designs are meant to stand out, make a statement, and highlight the wearer’s personality. For me, jewellery should be seen, enjoyed, and appreciated - not hidden away.

Sometimes, the same piece offers different finishes, such as a blackened edge with a gold centre to accentuate the design, or plain gold for those who prefer simplicity. This approach gives customers choice in both colour and size. While I enjoy highlighting details with oxidising, I also provide options without it, ensuring people can select what resonates with them.

A perfect example is one of my cuffs. Its size and three-dimensional design give it an edge that sets it apart from everyday bangles. The combination of form, colour, and texture makes it striking, and it’s exactly what I aim for in my larger pieces. For those who enjoy bold, eye-catching jewellery, this is what I offer: pieces that are both distinctive and memorable.'

Lattice Pearl Necklace – Versatile Elegance

'The piece that I often wear is the Lattice Pearl Necklace, featuring white pearls that move subtly, creating a delicate, flowing effect. I love the contrast of the gold and white, which gives the piece a refined elegance. It also reflects Sri Lanka’s nickname, the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, adding a personal connection to my heritage.

The necklace is versatile - you can wear it during the day or for an evening out. I also create a larger version, giving the wearer a choice between a bold statement piece or a more understated size. The gentle movement of the pearls evokes a window-like effect, inspired by my Sri Lankan window panel designs. Although subtle, the three-dimensionality of the piece brings it to life. I carefully bend and shape each element to achieve this effect, ensuring that the design feels dynamic and sculptural, a hallmark of my jewellery style.'

Expanding Horizons: Connecting, Learning, and Showcasing Through Shine

'I’m really looking forward to meeting customers as well as industry professionals and selling my work through Shine, because I’ve never done anything like this before. The selling exhibition is an exciting opportunity to meet makers, gallery representatives, and the other ten jewellers and silversmiths on the training programme. It’s a chance to build confidence in speaking to customers and the public and continue learning from the start of Shine.

With the knowledge and confidence, I’m gaining from Shine, I feel ready to take my work into galleries and exhibitions, develop my collection further, and create more pieces to showcase both here in the UK and at international jewellery shows, building on the start I made this March when I exhibited at the Romanian Jewelry Week. I want to expand my presence in the industry, moving beyond making jewellery in isolation to showing it, selling it, and connecting with people who appreciate it. The skills I’m learning - photography, communication, and presentation - will help me grow my work and reach a wider audience in the jewellery world.'