My jewellery is so often influenced from nature and feelings that once you start to collect, admire or just show interest in what I do, you may begin to find yourself fascinated by the emotions that inspired me to produce an item.

The shapes, colours, textures and sheer romance in a coral reef have inspired many designs. Here you can see the Dwarf Coral (left) that I first saw in the Red Sea, Egypt, this inspired me to produce my 'Sunray Coral' range (right).

"It would start with a walk in autumn. That would help me immediately. I find that's where I get my ideas - out walking if I'm at work or when I'm away on holiday. It's brilliant. I can't stop thinking about the 'nitty gritty' of work and concentrate on new things as soon as I am relaxed.

My work is very organic and natural. I may get an idea from the shape of a leaf on my walk or the texture of bark. As soon as I have finished, I want to rush back and put those ideas into solid form. The only time I ever draw is just to remind myself of a shape. On the best days I can go straight into the metal. I like to make the metal work for me, making miniature sculptures. I'm fascinated by textures. You can achieve a totally different look depending on the finish.

My perfect piece would be a dramatic silver necklace, a centrepiece that I could then adapt. I'd get the basic shape that first day and then it would take a couple more to get it right technically. I'd also be able to simplify it to make it more accessible to everyone. It is very exciting when you make a very dramatic, large piece that you think could only be worn on the stage and then somebody comes in and buys it and it's absolutely right for them. I'd love to know whether dress designers have the same experience."