Mark Borg won our April/May 2020 Design of the Month Competition, due to his stunning filigree skills. We wanted to learn more about this jewellery maker. To find out how he had cultivated such skill and what lead him to jewellery making. Scroll on below to learn just that, as well as whether he prefers tea or coffee.
Tell us a bit about yourself – your background, education and training in jewellery making
I come from the tiny island of Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea which boasts the ideal weather with sunshine and warmth almost all throughout the year. I am a 33 year old married guy who loves running. Be it just a 5k run to Ultramarathons, few other things makes me feel as alive as running does. Nothing beats the thrill of a good run along the beautiful Maltese scenery. Another hobby of mine is jewellery making. I have studied silversmithing at the Malta School of Arts in Valletta, when at the tender age of 13 I started specialising in filigree works. Recent works have, however, paved my way towards stone setting and I have been combining the two ever since.
When did you discover your love of jewellery?
It was actually by coincidence! During summer holidays my mother used to send my brother to pottery classes. I got bored and wanted to do something as well, so she applied for filigree lessons, without even knowing what it was!
Tell us a bit more about your work. Are there any particular materials or techniques that you favour?
I mainly use sterling silver for the outer frame of my creations and fine silver for the inner part. Using only tweezers to shape the intricate pieces of filigree takes time and loads of patience. I am also intrigued with other techniques, and thus the process of learning is never ending. I try to modernise the traditional filigree into contemporary work in order to help this dying art survive.
How would you best describe your design style?
There is no particular fixed design. If I am designing a piece of jewellery, I try to keep my work simple in order to let the stone take the credit. In filigree work, I try and take it to the extreme with 3D work. It is a huge challenge to solder 3D filigree pieces without melting anything!
As a jewellery maker, where do you get your inspiration from for your pieces?
Ideas can come in many shapes and forms. Living on a tiny island, we are blessed with a rich heritage and history, which inspire me to create traditional work with a contemporary twist. I am also in love with Art Décor and Art Nouveau, which inspire me especially in stone setting.
Do you have a piece that you are particularly proud of?
I made a small replica of an SE5 Biplane based on real blueprints in filigree handcrafted in sterling silver. I was offered to sell it countless time, yet, it still stands proudly on my shelf
What is the one item in your workshop that you couldn’t live without?
My torch! I have to control the heat in order to solder tiny pieces without melting any of it. Having to solder fine silver and sterling, which differ in melting temperature, is quite tricky.
What upcoming trends do you see being popular soon?
I think CAD will take over most of the jewellery trade. It is cheap, easy and efficient; However, bench jewellers will still be needed to provide insight on the design. Jewellery cannot only look good; it must be durable and comfortable to wear.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from your time in jewellery making?
No shortcuts! When working on a piece, take your time with it. Don’t rush or skip any steps, this will reflect in the final result. The difference between an amateur and a professional is the detail; don’t settle for an ok, start over if necessary but you must always be sure of your piece before giving it to your customer.
Do you have any particular advice that you would give to up and coming jewellery designers, or someone interested in getting into jewellery making?
The jewellery trade is vast and beautiful with a lot of different techniques. When starting out, start slowly and only grasp one technique at a time. You will struggle at first, but know that is OK! We all have been there. My final exam while studying filigree was a traditional Maltese miniature filigree tray; while soldering the last handle it turned out into a giant orange blob! Had to restart the whole thing; never give up! Loads of friendly people are happy to share their knowledge!
Finally, time for a bit of fun in our quick-fire round!
Tell us your favourite…
Colour? – Blue – love blue skies!
Biscuit? – Fig Roll
Coffee or tea? – Tea – not too much milk though, please!
Place? – No Place Like Home
Animal? – Cats (Have two cats at home, if I said dogs they would murder me in my sleep!!)
Book? – Midnight Children by Salman Rushdie
Gemstone? – Pigeon Blood Ruby
Food? – Meat Pie
Film? – Lady Hawk
City? – Mdina – The silent city
Song? – Take my breath away
Describe yourself in a hashtag? – #artisan
What’s one thing people don’t know about you? – I am a good cook.
See the video of this interview
Many thanks to Mark for talking to us
Find out more about Mark’s designs via his Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.
Natasha Mogul