London based, Seattle born jewellery designer Kyle Hopkins is the underground jewellery label to know. Merging art with metal making, his pieces are conceptual, highly thoughtful and symbolic, with such a personal feel they instantly become beloved mementos.

Currently finishing a two day residency on SHOWStudio, where he’s been busily making his own death mask,  Twin caught up with the Hatton Garden based designer…

When did you start making jewellery?
I was about five years old when my neighbour started me. I just never wanted to do anything else.

Materials?
Silver and gold, exotic hard woods, steel, fur from time to time. Whatever material lends itself best. Learning how to work new materials keeps me learning and keeps it interesting.

Favourite piece to make from AW12?
First kiss lip ring. It’s got the most vivid memories when I work on one of them the memories become nearly tangible, like when a smell wafts through a room and carries you to the very edge of a moment you thought was lost.

Favourite piece to wear from AW12?
The ear and finger prints necklace.

What do you do for fun?
Read. Witgenstein, Foucault, Jonathan Safran Foer, Kurt Vonnegut, Machiavelli, Tolstoy.

Where to buy?
kylehopkins.co.uk and Kabiri