A UNIQUE pairing of artistic talent is now on display at Rock Island Coffee.

Being exhibited is a host of works by well-known photographer Amanda Temple and a series of custom jewellery designs by a lesser known craftsman, Alexandra Mosher.

The unusual showcase of jewellery and photography is the result of a series of shared experiences which forged a friendship between the two artists.

"We first met 12 years ago when I was working on the magazine, which shared an office with Alexandra's father," explained Ms Temple.

"We lost touch until a few years ago, when Alexandra returned to Bermuda after living in Proven?e. Since then, we have shared a table at Harbour Nights where I sold my calendars and matted prints of Bermuda and Alexandra, her custom jewellery."

Ms Temple's photographs are to be shown on rotation at the popular Reid Street store. The complete exhibit was inspired by her appreciation of pears and their distinctive forms.

She spoke with the this week about those aspects which drive her craft.

"The dining room of a previous house I lived in had louvred windows along two walls. Though horrible from an interior design standpoint, the light that filtered in was exquisite. It was diffused and with the whole room gently illuminated, was the most incredible environment for photography."

The light provided a wonderful tool for photography, and worked especially well when combined with certain objects in the house such as a wooden table which was "slightly reflective".

"Over time and after much experimentation, I was able to create backgrounds of vivid colours that blended seamlessly into one another and provided a wonderful contrast to the subtle texture of a pear's skin."

The photographer scoured the produce section at Miles Market in the hope of finding pears which boasted the "fewest blemishes and softly curved stalks". Flowers were also used.

At first the images were simple and then Ms Temple began integrating water and high-speed film, shooting at night. An unexpected view of objects behind a clear shower curtain caused a sudden interest in reduced and inverted images.

"This began an ongoing fervour to create ambiguity. Images which often seem computer-enhanced or generated are really nature's trickery. The myriad colours created through the water drops fascinated me and I began incorporating flowers, sheets of wrapping paper, faces and, most recently, famous paintings."

The photographer discovered a fascination for detail and perspective.

"In Paris, the gargoyles atop Notre Dame Cathedral managed to satisfy both these interests. The beautiful way their bodies have corroded with exposure to the harsh elements. They are softened and much of the detail in the carving of the stone has disappeared, though their character and strength remains."

Ms Temple and Ms Mosher have utilised their strengths to benefit each other since renewing their friendship. Ms Temple takes photographs of Ms Mosher's jewellery and has assisted in helping her create a logo and with marketing elements; Ms Mosher has produced unique pieces for Ms Temple, using stones, crystals and pearls she has collected.

Ms Mosher's talents stem from an early love of "pretty little things".

"When I was a child I had a rock tumbler, which is a small machine that spins around like a cement mixture. Jagged rocks go into the tumbler with gritty sand and, much like the ocean's effect on beach glass, beautifully smooth stones come out of the tumbler after several weeks of churning.

"I was always intrigued with this process and waited impatiently for the days to pass and for an ugly, muddy rock to morph into a colourful stone to be cherished."

At the age of seven she visited the Herkimer Diamond Mine in New York with her family where she was able to hunt with a pick axe in the quartz quarry.

"I thought it was incredibly exciting," Ms Mosher said.

The jeweller graduated with a bachelor's degree in art. On completing college, she moved to France where she painted with oils. She began making jewellery a year ago, inspired by places "I visit, people I meet and the objects found along the way".

Initially, word of mouth helped her sales, she explained, although her designs are becoming better known.

"I wore the new pieces I'd created and my friends and family would ask if I could make a set for them. Each new design is an experiment and I never know where it will take me."