For this month’s Artworks, we hear from Anna Mylonas, a Notts-based silversmith who runs Nine Two Five Silver.
Hello! I'm Anna, the founder and maker here at Nine Two Five Silver. I make affordable, sustainable, sterling silver jewellery by hand from my home studio in Mapperley.
Growing up in West Bridgford, I was a magpie in both the Notts County sense and in terms of an obsession for jewellery, and all things shiny, that started from a young age.
In 2018, I enrolled in the wonderful Nottingham Jewellery school to do a six-week beginners silversmith course as a hobby. This course was amazing, it unlocked all my creativity which, combined with my love of jewellery, gave me the ability to create my own pieces.
After completing more courses, I bought some basic tools and set up a little work bench in the corner of my kitchen. I stayed up till the early hours creating, learning, and making a right old mess. I made so much jewellery, even I couldn’t wear it all.
The threat of redundancy from my job as an anti-social behaviour officer in social housing, gave me the push I needed to create Nine Two Five Silver and I set up a proper studio at home and began to make jewellery to sell. Soon, I found stockists such as the beautiful Whittle and Wolf in Mapperley, and was invited to sell my jewellery at makers markets.
I wasn't made redundant in the end, but after a while of juggling full-time work, two young kids and my business, I quit anyway and took the leap into self-employment. I haven't looked back! I have been so grateful to see my business grow from hobby, to side hustle, to full-time dream job. That's mostly down to the support from the people of Nottingham.
‘Why Nine Two Five?’ I hear you ask! Well, it's not just an amazing Dolly Parton song. You may have noticed that Sterling Silver is hallmarked with the numbers 925. This is because sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. So, Nine Two Five is a play on words with a double meaning for me. I work exclusively with sterling silver and when I named my business, it was my dream to make it my 9 to 5 job.
I create geometric, lighthearted jewellery designs that become timeless, everyday favourites. I prioritise affordability and sustainability. Using recycled sterling silver ensures that even in these tricky times, everyone can find something they love in their budget.
I love nothing more than catching a glimpse of someone wearing something I have made whilst out and about in Notts
I love nothing more than catching a glimpse of someone wearing something I have made whilst out and about in Notts. You can find me most weekends at makers markets around Nottingham. Favourites include The Stalls in West Bridgford, The Garage in Chilwell, the Sherwood Market and the Ruddington Market.
I am also super excited to be part of the It's in Nottingham Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle again this year. It runs from 28 - 30 November, and it promises to be another amazingly festive event packed with local talent, music and food.
You can also come and find me at the brilliantly vibrant, Sherwood Makers Christmas Market, in Woodthorpe Park, from 22-23 November. See my Instagram page for a full line up of markets and events I’ll be at this winter. The people of Notts always show us small businesses and makers such amazing support. I am so grateful and proud to be part of this city!
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