Independent jewellery artisans to watch
Meet the local jewellers moving into the global spotlight.
A wealth of the world’s most preeminent jewellery talent sits right on our doorstep. These are just some of the houses worth noting from London and Sussex and, from celebrity favourites and a renowned Taiwanese jeweller to timeless, one-of-a-kind, collectable craftspeople.
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel was founded in 2004 by Taiwanese jewellery artist Cindy Chao. Chao’s iconic museum-calibre pieces of jewellery are symbolic of the ongoing metamorphosis of both artistry and technique, merge the rarest gemstones with innovative designs.
For Cindy, every piece of jewellery should be a little work of art. Chao is devoted to blending 18th-century European artisan wax sculpting technique with contemporary cutting-edge craftsmanship, to create jewellery pieces that are organic, sculptural and architectural.
Chao’s art jewels can be seen in museums (most recently the William and Judith Bollinger Gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in May), auctions, private exhibitions across the globe, and the brand’s private showrooms in Hong Kong and Taipei.
Explore Cindy’s works of art at www.cindychao.com
Be The Other
Be The Other (BTO) is a handcrafted jewellery label by British designer, Monique Thomas, whose pieces of jewellery are inspired by geometric shapes, art and design.
Through creating handmade design-led brooches, Thomas seeks to make pieces that are striking and that push the boundaries of traditional fashion accessories. She says, “Jewellery is a timeless, sentimental reflection of our creative expression.”
The debut collection, entitled 'Uncommon’, features a contemporary range of gold and silver brooches inspired by the unique geometric shapes and forms created using ceramic art.
Discover more at www.betheother.com
Sif Jakobs Jewellery
Born in Iceland and trained as a goldsmith in Sweden, Sif has travelled all over the world, soaking up artistic influences and reimagining her own designs, particularly in Italy where her appreciation for Italian elegance was a constant source of inspiration.
Each collection is an homage to her travels, “I love jewellery that adds glamour to a woman’s look, much like Nordic and Italian savoir faire. This is why my jewellery always sparkles and stands out. I want to create jewellery that gives a feeling of luxury and make women all over the world shine – every day.
Discovery Sif and her designs at www.sifjakobs.uk
Augustine Jewels
British luxury jewellery designer, Alexandra Robson, curates necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings for business women, high net worth individuals and celebrities alike.
All of Alexandra’s jewels are sourced ethically from vetted mines around the world. Her suppliers are both British and international, ensuring the diversity of style and the richness of design is present in every piece.
Having just been shortlisted for Jewellery Designer of the Year 2022 and with the launch of her flagship showroom on the prestigious Ledbury Road, Alexandra is a firm favourite on our list of the top independent designers to watch in 2022.
Explore Augustine Jewels’ newest collection, English Gardens (earrings pictured above) at www.augustinejewels.com
Yaa Yaa London
Yvonne Asare, the name behind the vibrant jewellery brand, Yaa Yaa London is renowned amongst jewellery aficionados in the City whose colourful gemstone jewellery is designed for those that know how to wear colour well. YAA YAA LONDON™ presents pieces that capture the beauty of semi-precious gemstones.
The curator of luxury jewellery, Yvonne counts outstanding earrings, necklaces, bracelets and cuffs amongst her hero pieces. Thoughtfully, her rings are fully adjustable, avoiding issues commonly associated with sizing rings. In addition to the YAA YAA LONDON mainline collection, Yvonne has also introduced YYL LUXE, pieces set in gold vermeil, 22k rose gold and 925 sterling silver, that take all the elements synonymous with the brand and creates a collection of jewellery for those wanting to acquire something that bit more special.
Explore Yaa Yaa London at www.yaayaalondon.com
Flosé
An example of British craftsmanship in fine form, mother and daughter duo Susan and Florence founded Flosé this year with the desire to create unique jewellery that captivates the soul and spirit.
Seeking out the most precious exotic gem variations that speak to the individual, the duo’s aim is to delight with curations that connect you to people, places and stories. Their designs are to be treasured throughout generations with every piece leaving its own mark on history.
Discover the rare pieces at www.flose.co.uk
Tanja Ufer
Undertaking her initial apprenticeship at the Pforzheim Goldsmithing School, Tanja Ufer moved to England to complete the MA in Metalwork and Jewellery Design at Sheffield Hallam University and won a Setting Up grant from the British Crafts Council, enabling her to establish her studio.
Tanja has refined and developed her techniques and earned recognition nationally and internationally for her work, exhibiting at the prestigious Goldsmiths Fair, Made London, Philadelphia Museum for Art Contemporary Craft Show, New York Now Handmade Section British Group, V&A London, Inhorgenta Munich, and many other events.
On her designs, she muses, “My passion is to look for the natural beauty in gemstones, from the unexpected patterns that form in agates, quartzes and meteorites to the stunning flashes of colour in opals that spark the imagination and create a response. I am fascinated by the origins of the stones and unearthed surroundings. The work starts with basic geometric forms which are developed into wearable objects.”
Discover her range at www.tanja-ufer.co.uk
Rebekah Ann Jewellery
A jewellery-maker or 16 years after studying Jewellery and Silversmithing at the CASS in London, Rebekah Ann ethically produces her designs from recycled gold in Sussex, creating delicate pieces of jewellery including rings, token pendants and rough set diamond studs and hoops.
Rebekah’s jewellery marries the stylish and eco-conscious minimal jewellery that stands the test of time. Rebekah is a strong believer in luxury that is uncompromising and affordably luxurious. Her ethos is to show her clients that being eco-conscious and sustainable using recycled materials does not mean jeopardising style. Lovingly hand made to order in her workshop in Brighton, Rebekah’s jewellery is an investment for future generations to come.
Dive into her workshop and discover her one-off pieces at www.rebekahannjewellery.co.uk
David Smith Jewellery
David is a graduate of the world-renowned Birmingham School of Jewellery & Silversmithing which celebrated its 131st anniversary this year.
Established in 1982, David Smith Jewellery has over 30 years of experience in designing contemporary British jewellery and bespoke handmade commissions. With an in-house workshop and a personalised design service, David Smith Jewellery is a curator of unique pieces that include gold, platinum, palladium and silver; using precious and semi-precious stones and pearls.
Handcrafted engagement and wedding rings, remodelling and upcycling of old jewellery is David's speciality.
All David Smith signature stock is designed and created in the workshop and sold exclusively through his Shop/Workshop at Studio 9 Star Brewery, Castle Ditch Lane, Lewes BN7 1YJ
His collection of unique jewellery can be found here www.davidsmithjewellery.com
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