COLUMNIST / JANET FITCH
Summer
Gold
Resident columnist Janet Fitch delves
into the latest jewellery trends and
details upcoming events and launches
for you to explore this month
M
idsummer is upon us, and “the chance to minimise the layers and
enjoy a classic mix of linens and cottons in a palette of white and
neutrals. Add a flash of sun-kissed skin and a well-placed glimmer
of gold and you’re ready to go wherever the day may take you.” These
are the words of Tilly Sveaas, the living embodiment of her brand,
inspired by a thoroughly modern update of her granny’s jewellery box. Gold is the colour
of the summer season, and bold is back in style, as in her large gold oval linked necklace,
gold T-bar ring, and large gold curb chain bracelet, loved by press and influencers.
(www.tillysveaas.co.uk)
Laura Parra changed career in 2014, from fine art and restoration to training at Holts
Academy - “swapping gilding for gold”, she says. She was accepted into the JeDeco gallery
in London’s Oxo Tower, and in 2016 was awarded the IJL Kickstart People’s Award. Her
jewellery is characterised by techniques that include creating miniature sculptures with
wax droplets and setting precious stones at randomised angles into the wax before casting,
resulting in fluid and organic pieces. Laura hails from Spain and the richness and colour
of the country are evident in her jewellery, which evokes the feel of summer. Her 18c yellow
gold irregular shaped and textured bangles and bracelets, set with emeralds or natural
coloured diamonds, peridot and tourmalines are eye-catching and colourful when worn
singly or stacked together. (www.laparrajewels.com)
For those who love summer gold but prefer a more delicate look, Drajee London have
the perfect answer with their layering pieces, all in solid gold, hallmarked by the London
Assay Office, each with a certificate of authenticity and a unique number. The latest Nomad
collection features the Horn or Rose des Vents necklace, the Humming Bee pendant, the
slender Triple ring or Heart Hamsa Hand bracelet. Drajee London is named after dragees,
the sweet with a delicate shell encasing a delicious interior that makes it a special surprise,
like the jewellery. (www.drajee.com)
The first enamelled jewellery is believed to date from around the 13th Century BC, and
has been in and out of fashion ever since – Limoges was the principle centre in the 12th
and 13th Century, it was popular during the Renaissance, and again in the Art Nouveau
period, with the fine enamelling in France of Rene Lalique. Happily enamelling is enjoying
a revival of interest in recent times, with new and innovative work emerging.
Christoph Straube is a goldsmith, living and working in Nuremberg, Germany, who
experimented with many materials in his work before returning to traditional materials
like silver, stainless steel and enamel for his current series of extraordinary and unique
seemingly three dimensional, geometric necklaces and brooches, achieved by shading and
colouring. “As a first step I sketch on paper, then using the computer and3D software I
construct 3D objects which I export as line drawings, aligning several shapes and printing
them out on paper. I then cut them out, glue them on a metal sheet and saw them out
ready for the main part - enamel painting in several firings, applying a white background,
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JUNE 2019 | WWW.JEWELLERYFOCUS.CO.UK