Yunus Ascott

“Being a member means recognition, support and inspiration. Being surrounded by interesting and talented peers makes me proud to be a member.”

I am proud of some of the larger scale bespoke sculptures and chandeliers that Eliza and I have made for clients, and the fact that our brand has never been in a box, moving between film work, interiors, fashion, and jewellery.

I grew up in North London, where art was always at the centre of my education. I attended Kings Langley Steiner School, and then Belsize Park Fine Arts College before doing a BTEC in Art and Design and then a foundation course in Fine Art at Kingsway and Westminster College. I then took up an informal apprenticeship at a foundry in London, where I trained in fine art casting and restoration.

Eliza and I launched our jewellery brand Yunus & Eliza in 2009, after a journalist saw one of our first rings and asked to feature us. Our first major piece of press was Helena Christensen on the front cover of ELLE wearing only Yunus & Eliza. 

In the first 5 years we both had other jobs, which was challenging, but it made us very driven, and meant the time we did have was very productive and energised.

Being a member of the Goldsmiths' Company reinforces this sense of purpose, not to mention having access to a real community of like-minded people.