About

Hello, my lost celtic soul - I'm so glad you found me and my work. My name is Ilona Henderson, a dyslexic jeweller based in Scotland. For the past 10 years I've been making jewellery inspired by my life in the Scottish Highlands.

I grew up playing in the woods and on the beaches of Loch Fyne with my younger brother. Fascinated and obsessed with the natural materials around me, I started taking jewellery classes at the age of 15. I further developed my craft when I moved to the big city of Glasgow in 2009 to study at Kelvin College in their cutting-edge workshop.

From then on I've been honing my craft at my bench. I specialize in hand-carved wax I apply these skills to Scotland’s history and landscapes to produce stunning and captivating designs.  My aim is to pass Scotland’s history on to a new and global audience using modern means.

At the start of the pandemic, I reconnected with my native language of Gaelic. I spoke some Gaelic as a child, but since then I have discovered so much more, and have been learning to speak more fluently. I wanted to find a way of incorporating it into my jewellery, and the Gaelic language has been the inspiration behind my unique ogham charms. Just like the Celts, I feel a very strong connection to the earth and nature. I have reflected this in my business by refusing to create more plastic waste. I prioritise environmentally conscious practices and packaging.

Why do I make jewellery, and who do i make it for?

'Anam' means 'Soul' in Gaelic, and in turn, I make beautiful jewellery that reflects my spirit and soul. As Maya Angelou says “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” 

My untold story is my jewellery, and I tell my story in metal and stone, so you can see it and touch it as I do.

I tell the tale of the rough and rugged Scottish lands. By wearing my jewellery you can take that tale with you no matter where in the world you go. 

I was lucky enough to grow up in my ancestral homelands on the west coast of Scotland. However, many of my Celtic kin were displaced, or never formed a relationship with their native land. My story is that of Alba - Scotland, and I hope my stunning work can connect you with a piece of your heritage.

My aim is to rejuvinate the gaelic langege, inspiring and educating others along the way.

Mission Statement

To let go of fast fashion. To reconnect people with the Gaelic language. To help people find their heritage. To reimagine and redefine Scottish culture.

My dream is always that of helping people embrace their heratige and I show it off boldly through my jewellery. I make statment pieces that you can pass on to your children.

Check Anam Jewellery out on Instagram and Facebook to see what we're up to.