We’re thrilled to share this inspiring Pride Month Q+A with emerging artist Alana Sweet (she/her), BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production final-year student, and creator of the double Venus ‘Sapphic Ring‘.

Read below to learn all about this iconic piece’s origins, Alana’s complex creative background, and her advice for fellow artists!

Hey Alana! Can you please tell us about your journey as a creative/jeweller so far?

I’ve always been pretty creative, whether it was drawing, dancing or dressing up. After studying art at A-level and completing an art foundation course with distinction, I decided not to go to university. Instead, I wanted to travel and explore, so I spent a few years working seasonally at festivals in the summer and ski resorts in the winter.

Lockdown changed everything. I really missed being in nature and was looking for a new challenge, so I trained as a florist. I set up my own business and created floral installations for film and TV. I loved the meaning and ritual behind flowers, but they always wilted in the end. I realised I wanted to create things that lasted.

I started saving broken flower heads to dry and began turning them into jewellery and hair pins. Around the same time, some of my own jewellery broke, and with the film industry paused because of the writers’ strike, I ended up falling down a rabbit hole learning about how jewellery is made. Within a week I’d applied to BAJ through Clearing and got a place. I moved to London, started the course and launched my jewellery business.

How did the Sapphic ring come about? The current version is ‘2.0’ – how did you evolve this design?

It’s my way of honouring the fluid, beautiful and undefined ways I love. I called it the Sapphic ring because it hints at queerness without needing to spell it out.

The first version came about really spontaneously. I didn’t plan it or sketch it out, I just started carving it in wax for myself. Then I posted it on TikTok and people really connected with it, which was so lovely. That response made me want to create version 2.0. It still has the same feeling, but it’s more refined and slightly thicker. The original will always be special to me, but this version feels like it’s really found its place.

Your ring has been worn by local LGBTQ+ icon Amy Spalding, most notably in the viral music video for Catty’s track ‘Joyride’! How did this come about?

That honestly made me cry happy tears. Amy commented on my TikTok so I messaged her to offer her a ring as a gift. She was so lovely and said she’d tag me in a post. The ring appearing in the music video wasn’t planned, I think she just wore it that day and it ended up featured. I’m still over the moon!

What has been your favourite thing about the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production course at BAJ?

Definitely the chance to collaborate with different people and companies. These are opportunities I don’t think I would’ve had on my own.

Is there a particular technique or skill that you’re most drawn to?

Wax carving and lampwork!

You’re about to enter your final year of your degree, where do you envision your journey going next?

I’m really excited to keep developing my style and growing my jewellery business alongside my final year. I want to keep experimenting with new ideas and materials, and hopefully create pieces that feel meaningful. Beyond that, I’m open to wherever the journey takes me! I’d also love to collaborate with other artists, not just jewellers, and combine our different skills to create something unique and unexpected.

What would your advice be to someone considering coming to BAJ?

Take your time exploring your options and think about what you want from your course. Every place has its strengths and challenges, so it’s worth chatting to people who’ve studied there and getting a feel for what it’s really like.

Do you have any specific advice for LGBTQ+ creatives?

Make art that feels authentic and right for you. You don’t need to follow expectations or explain yourself unless you want to. There’s no right way to be creative or queer. And finding people who support you really does make a difference.

Learn more about the Sapphic Ring and the rest of her artistry on Alana’s Instagram page, and explore the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production degree that Alana is completing here.