Made in Scotland: Lindsey Gallacher

Every year we at Bill Baber Knitwear head to Scotland’s Trade Fairs in Glasgow and while we’re there we find ourselves browsing the beautiful pieces that, like our own, are made right here in Scotland. Last year we were delighted to have Lindsey from Lindsey Gallacher as our neighbour and were really taken with her unique jewellery, made from stone. Who wouldn’t want a one off piece made from a pebble from your favourite beach or the place you got engaged? We were so taken with how emotional and special these pieces could be, not to mention how beautiful they are! Read on to find out more about these beautiful creations, as well as Lindsey’s own favourite coastline in Scotland.

Lindsey, photo taken by Callum Mackay

Can you tell us how your business got started?

I started out as a studio jeweller directly after graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 2000 where I gained 1st honours in jewellery and silversmithing.  This is my 25th year in business, and something I’m very proud to say I have managed to continue to do, through all the various challenges we as craftspeople face.

Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products? 

My inspiration comes directly from the materials I find in my local environment.  The work I make with stone has been a development since 2015 when I moved back to my home county and picked up a piece of flagstone and wondered what I could make with it.  I was awarded funds from the VACMA to purchase a stonecutting machine and since then I have been able to work with harder stone.  Customers now send me their pebbles and I make jewellery from different types of stone which in itself is new inspiration.

Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?

I make each piece by hand, which makes each piece bespoke regardless of whether I make a number from one piece of stone, or from one special pebble from a customer.  I have a number of large machines for cutting and polishing stone, plus all the jewellers tools for the metal work.  For the larger pendants, I measure each setting like a traditional stone setter would do for a precious stone.

What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?

The most popular items are as follows in order – no7 studs, no10 pendant, no18 pendant, no7 ring.  All the designs are named by numbers to represent the outer diameter of the setting, which helps me greatly. Other popular items are cufflinks, charm bracelet and drop earrings.

If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?

My favourite place to visit locally, which isn’t on the tourist map in Caithness is Holborn Head.  It has very dramatic cliff formations which aren’t for the faint hearted nor for groups with children, but if you like spectacular coastlines, Caithness has much to offer and a wonderful new path which continues all the way to Inverness.

Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?

I would recommend a visit to see Jenny Mackenzie Ross who is a ceramist in Caithness, her mill is open to the public to visit near Latheron with her business North Shore Pottery  Jenny has built her own outdoor kiln and fires her work in it, her work is beautiful and I am in awe of all ceramicists.

Thanks so much to Lindsey for talking with us and do make sure to check out Lindsey Gallacher on her Website, Facebook or Instagram! Check out her unique jewellery pieces and pick up the perfect gift, we won’t tell anyone if it’s for you rather than someone else!