The obsession with Ceard jewellery began at an antiques fair
where Mum and I both pounced on a brooch at the same instant, that reminded us
of one of the town art sculptures in Glenrothes. Mum got the brooch, but we
both started collecting at that moment.
Ceard is a Gaelic word, meaning maker or craftsperson, and
the company itself was Scottish. The pieces of pewter jewellery are inspired by
Scottish places and wildlife, but are in a modernist style.
We don’t know how many designs there are in total, but I’ve
catalogued all those we’ve found (either pieces that we have, or photos that
we’ve seen online).
I made a little zine for Mum with drawings of the different
pieces of jewellery, but I could probably update it now because I’ve found more
photos online!
I have recently come accross a CEARD pendant in pewter with the inscription "Bannockburn"on the back. Would you know anything about this design? It looks like a battle scene with figures in armour on it
ReplyDeleteHi, I would love to see a picture of the Bannockburn design. Thanks.
DeleteHaven't seen that one Jay. Sounds right, they all have Ceard on reverse.
ReplyDeleteI've around 20 pieces. I can't see any of the castles featured in the photos e.g. Balmoral, Crathes.
Hi.. I would love to see the Bannockburn design. I have a couple of pieces. Your drawings are fab Emma.
ReplyDeleteWould you like me to send you a photo of the pendant? I suppose too that it can be made into a brooch quite easily
ReplyDeleteI found a "Seabirds" pewter brooch and am convinced that these designs lend themselves to some inset enamel. Have you ever seen any with enamelling?
ReplyDeleteDo you know anything about the designer, J Finlayson Seel?
I've seen several with enamel on ebay
DeleteFound you when I was searching for info on my pendant! I have had "Arran" in my jewellery box for ever, picked up at a Carboot or charity shop :)
ReplyDeleteyour pictures are lovely BTW
ReplyDeleteI collect as well and have recently purchased a little wren it's absolutely beautiful but more realistic image. I have about 8 pieces. I love your drawings.
ReplyDeleteHello, my Dad was Jack Forsyth, who designed and made a lot of this. It's lovely to see it appreciated.
ReplyDeleteOh how lovely what designs were your dad's?
DeleteOh I do hope this anonymous contributor comes back on here! I would love to know more about Ceard and the designers!
DeleteHi, didn't see this. Fantasy, rowan tree and grasses were definitely his.
DeleteHi! I just found my mom’s Ceard pendant with Arran stamped on the back. You made a perfect drawing of it!
ReplyDeleteI can email you a picture of a Bannockburn pendent that my Mum has if you send me an email address?
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI attended Glasgow School of Art 1964-1968 and studied Jewellery and Silversmithing under
Head of Department J Lesley Auld and Assistant J Finlayson Seel. Jimmy Seel and his contemporary Bill Michael(Art Advisor, Jordanhill Primary Teacher College) I beleive produced the original designs under the Ceard brand name. The pieces were manufactured in Scotland by a third party company and in the early days were subject to piracy from abroad. Part time visiting tutors to G S A at that time possibly had an input too.
Jake Forsyth(Dollar)
Bill Hall(Rothesay)
Bill Kirk(Edinburgh)
Jimmy Seel passed away a couple of years back. Lovely man!
DeleteThanks so much for your comment there is so little info on Ceard online.
ReplyDeleteWRStirling - thanks for info- my collection can be found here
ReplyDeletehttps://pin.it/7CRUogH
Can anyone tell me if lead was used in the pewter to make Ceard jewellery? I have the Arran piece.
ReplyDeleteJust got a ceard fantasy pendant I’d like to sell anyone?
ReplyDeleteCory Wolfcrowe
ReplyDeleteHi not sure if this page is still live but i have 2 ceard pendants i'd like to sell
ReplyDeleteMy email is vickysav3@outlook.com
ReplyDeleteI picked up a firs pendant at charity shop just love it. Fab to read about it
ReplyDelete