The Inspiration Behind Silver Thistle Workshop
Welcome to Silver Thistle Workshop. I'm Aimee, a silversmith creating handcrafted silver jewellery inspired by Scotland's landscapes and heritage.
My mum grew up in Edinburgh and was incredibly proud of her Scottish heritage. She shared that with me throughout my life. After she passed away in March 2025, I returned to Portobello Beach, where she loved to swim as a child. Walking along the promenade I felt a strong connection to her. It felt as though she was telling me to stop waiting and do what truly made me happy, which was silversmithing.
She always encouraged me to be strong, independent, honest and creative. Starting Silver Thistle Workshop felt like the right way to honour her by creating jewellery inspired by the country that meant so much to us both.
Whether it's the rugged coastline, the changing colours of the Highlands, ancient history or heritage, those influences are never far from my work.
Every Piece Begins At My Workbench
Silversmithing quickly became the creative outlet I'd been looking for.
I enjoy taking raw materials and transforming them into jewellery with my own hands, and there's still something incredibly satisfying about watching an idea gradually become a finished piece.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to the bench is that there's always something new to learn. Every design presents a different challenge, whether it's experimenting with texture, choosing the right gemstone or discovering a better way to bring an idea to life.
I've also developed an interest in gemstones and their provenance. Researching where they come from, how they were formed and what makes each one unique has become an important part of my design process, often influencing a piece before I even begin making it.
Everything is handcrafted by me in my Liverpool workshop using traditional silversmithing techniques, recycled silver and carefully chosen gemstones. Every piece is hallmarked in Edinburgh if required by law.
Want to follow what’s taking shape at the bench?
Join the Silver Thistle Circle for workshop notes, new collections, Scottish-inspired stories and early glimpses of jewellery in progress.
Scotland's landscapes and heritage will always be at the heart of my work, but I've also had a lifelong interest in archaeology, museum collections and historic jewellery.
I enjoy researching old objects, studying their textures, symbols and construction, and how they've survived for hundreds of years.
I'm not trying to recreate historical jewellery. I'm interested in creating modern pieces that carry the character of old-world relics.
Future collections will also feature my hidden Honour Mark, inspired by the eagle from my mum's Sandilands clan crest and the clan motto Spero Meliora ("I hope for better things"). It will become a discreet mark representing the heritage behind Silver Thistle Workshop, and my promise that every piece has been made by me.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my workshop. I hope you enjoy exploring my collections.
- Aimee, Founder & Silversmith