About Me

My name is Ylva Saleem. I was born in Sweden, just north of Stockholm. My family moved to the north of Sweden when I was little. I have three older siblings who all still live there.

I moved a few hours south to study at Umea University. I finished my studies before I travelled to the UK for the first time to meet my now husband. We met online in a chat room and spent 4 years chatting, emailing and speaking on the phone before we met IRL. When he asked me to move to the UK, I simply said YES. So, January 6th 2001 I moved from Sweden to Croydon to live with my now husband. We married in August 2004, and celebrated 20 years married on August 5th.

I have done many different jobs, and many different crafts, but when I found jewellery making, I knew my life had changed in a major way. This was around 2010-2011, and the rest as they say is history.

I have learned pearl knotting, seed beading, and working with silver clay, but I found my next love in silverwork. I did a year-long course under a silversmith in Ayrshire, and I might have continued if Covid had not hit. I love working with silver and copper.

I have a condition known as Aphantasia, which means I am unable to visualize images in my mind. Additionally, I’m not skilled at drawing, so I can’t visualize a design, sketch it out, and then create it like many designers do. My process often begins with weaving, and as I progress, I incorporate gemstones before determining the final design. This method of working is quite thrilling for me.

I have managed to amass quite a collection of gemstones of all kinds, from clear Quarts to Sapphire and Diamond, as well as rare stones like Bixbite, Grandidierite, Kyanite and many more. I absolutely LOVE Jaspers and Agates with their unique patterns. I mainly work with natural gemstones, pearls and opals, and to some smaller extent with dyed gemstones, genuine Swarowski, and to a small extent manmade stones.

I find great joy in accepting commissions, as collaborating with clients to create a piece of jewellery that reflects their vision is immensely rewarding.

If you have a concept for a piece of jewellery but you are uncertain about how to proceed, do not hesitate to reach out for a non obligation chat. If I cannot help you, I might be able to send you to the right designer for you.

So, this is me:)