Materials

Every artist has their favourite medium. Joanne works predominately in silver, niobium, and semi-precious stones.

Niobium is a hard grey metal which can be anodised. This means coating the metal with an oxide layer by using a controlled electric current. The oxide layer interacts with light like oil on water, a butterfly's wings, or a hologram. The result is vivid and lasting colours depending on the strength of current and the jeweller's skill.

Niobium is a light, hard metal with an extremely high melting point of about 2500 degrees Centigrade. It is usually used in the electronics and sections of the space shuttle are constructed from it. It requires skill to work niobium into a work of art. The metal cannot be soldered so Joanne has to devise was to trap, wrap or rivet the Niobium to silver. Results are obtained by painstaking and precise manipulation of foil, wire and tubing. In combination with a ductile metal such as silver whose soft texture contrasts well with Niobium's precision, the result is an unusual, light, durable, wearable work of art.

Niobium is hypo-allergenic; it will not stain or irritate your skin.

Niobium will never tarnish. To keep it clean just wash it regularly with soap and water. DO NOT use abrasives, specialist jewellery cleaners, or acids as they will strip away the oxide layer and rob your piece of its colour.