Treasure launch: a sparkling start to Jewellery Week

Walking through the entrance to Somerset House was like walking into a real treasure chest. An array of beautiful and handmade jewellery displayed as far as the eye could see. It was difficult to know where to begin and to be careful not to miss anything out.

Filled with complimentary drinks I began to meet and chat with the designers. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, eager to share their collections and inspirations. I was intrigued by the amount of originality with each piece and how much variation there was in each cabinet.

Kastur Jewels was one of the first displays I was drawn to.  Both rich and authentic with a splash of bold colours made for an exquisite collection. I really felt like royalty whilst trying on a gold beaded necklace.

MURU was also an interesting designer , showcasing both delicate Talisman necklaces and silver necklaces with precious stones. I thought the Talisman pendants were lovely, especially when I was informed that each one had a particular meaning. For example a swallow representing freedom. It was also interesting to discover that the pastel coloured stones were the pieces currently selling the best. This showed the jewellery is inkeeping with the style of ice-cream colours, on trend this season.

Having always had a quirky eye, my favourite designer of the day was Tatty Devine.  All handmade in London, which made me feel quite patriotic, these pieces were an eye catcher. From foxes to fruits, these colourful and fun pieces were a joy to view and photograph. Not only were these aesthetically pleasing but they also had a sense of charm and youth, which I very much admired.

Although viewing pleasure is important, the reason behind the collections was also something to consider. Zandra Rhode’s Tissue Bank collection, avaliable from July, is a campaign for the research of breast cancer. £3 from the sale of this product will go to the charity. I thought this was a couragous idea and one that will be widely appreciated.

Hot Pink was another revolutionary designer, where you could interactively design your own ring. From the band to the size of the stone, you could design your perfect ring online. I had great fun making myself a giant emerald ring; this is a fantastic and innovative idea that I am sure will become increasingly popular.

Euan McWhirter was another favourite of mine. With his statement pieces so intricately put together, it’s no wonder his jewellery has been worn by the likes of Kylie Minogue. His new collection Empire was  luxurious and elegant, the feminity of each piece was a breath of fresh air. When asked if he enjoyed his work I was glad to discover that he loved it. In fact most designers I met really enjoyed  their jobs. It was a pleasure to be around people with such a positive energy towards what they do. 

Bethan Williams

Photos: Bethan Williams