This season Stephen Webster looks to the British Isles for inspiration as the new fine jewellery collections pay homage to the best of British history, culture, art and design.
Set with a rainbow of marquise-cut gem stones, carefully hand selected to create dynamic silhouettes, Magnipheasant depicts the iridescent plumage of the pheasant; an exotic bird ever present in the English countryside. This exquisite collection also celebrates Webster’s early work, referencing his use of vibrant colours to create extraordinary and eye catching pieces. Set with amethysts, citrines, topaz, opals, garnets, spinels and coloured sapphires, each piece is tipped in pave black diamonds to beautifully emulate the pheasant’s distinctive feathers.
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- ’Lady Stardust’ Pearl Ring set in 18ct white gold with a south sea pearl and pave white diamonds
Inspired by the cultural icon David Bowie, the Lady Stardust collection depicts the famous ‘lightning bolt’ motif featured on the renowned ‘Aladdin Sane’ album cover. Webster has captured Bowie’s pioneering style by translating this now iconic geometric pattern into beautifully articulated bracelets, elegant drop earrings, striking cocktail rings and pendants set with colourful Crystal Haze stones and pearls. Drawing further on traditional British imagery, this collection also reflects the classic ‘herringbone’ motif. This chevron-like design is accentuated by the use of white and black diamond pave as well as brightly coloured sapphires which have been skilfully set to create a ‘dip dye’ effect, graduating through the full colour spectrum.
Characterising Webster’s renowned wit and humour, the playfully titled Stargazer collection references the legendary Cornish delicacy, the Stargazy Pilchard Pie. Spectacular chandelier drop earrings and collars feature gem-set cascading stars to create a stunning showpiece suite which rivals the most awe-inspiring constellations in the night sky.
“Intrigued by the image and back story to ’Albion Rose’ a William Blake illustration which depicts a mythological giant called Albion who gave his name to and ruled the island that was to become England over a thousand years before the Romans, I started to create a collection inspired by alternative interpretations of being British. There were many points of inspiration for us to reference and turn into collections from Blake and his story alone, however I couldn’t resist for this English story to expand to a few more Englishmen who have had a huge influence on me. The first; William Hogarth, social commentator, print maker and painter like Blake. Hogarth’s works; Rakes Progress, The Election, his depiction of Gin Lane and how the English lived, behaved and how London looked in the 17th and 18th centuries have always fascinated me. Then there’s the third Great Briton and the reason for me going to art school; the one and only David Bowie, to me the most diverse, prolific and creative rock star ever. We couldn’t possibly create a collection inspired by being English without paying homage to the chameleon from Bromley who still fascinates and inspires me today.” Stephen Webster, Creative Director.
