Iconic Event: London Victoria & Albert Museum's Dazzling Cartier Exhibition Showcases Royal Jewels, Celebrity Icons, and Unseen Treasures

Just opened at London's iconic V&A Museum is a breathtaking new exhibition, offering a once-in-a-generation look at the splendour of Cartier.  This is the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, exploring how the Maison became an unparalleled force in the jewellery and watch world. 

Among the standout pieces are Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Diamond brooch, set with a rare 23.6-carat pink diamond; the Scroll Tiara, worn at the Queen’s coronation and later by Rihanna on the cover of W Magazine; Grace Kelly’s engagement ring from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection; a sinuous snake necklace worn by Mexican film star María Félix; and the iconic Crash wristwatch, designed by Cartier London in 1967.

This retrospective exhibition titled simply Cartier is a must-see treasure trove for lovers of design, history, and timeless glamour. The exhibition runs until November 16.  

With over 350 objects on display, this exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of jewels, watches, historic gemstones, and archival drawings, including loans from His Majesty The King, the Royal Collection, major museums, and private collections worldwide.

Designed by British architect and artist Asif Khan MBE, the exhibition is conceived as a “dreamscape where art and science converge,” with Cartier’s creations suspended in light, sound, and time.   

Visitors will journey through Cartier’s evolution from the turn of the 20th century—when the founder’s grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques transformed a Parisian family business into a globally recognised house of design and craftsmanship—to its enduring status as a cultural icon adored by royalty, aristocrats, and stars of cinema, music, and fashion.

The exhibition unfolds across three main sections, tracing the rise of Cartier’s distinctive style, its pioneering innovations in design and watchmaking, and its lasting image as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.” A special focus is given to the history of Cartier London, culminating in a stunning finale of tiaras.

Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, said: “Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. This exhibition will explore how Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, together with their father Alfred, adopted a strategy of original design, exceptional craftmanship and international expansion that transformed the Parisian family jeweller into a household name. 

"With its world-class jewellery collection, the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the centre of culture and creativity for more than a century. We are excited to be able to share with visitors some of Cartier’s most famous creations as well as revealing previously unseen objects and archive material that further enriches our understanding of a jewellery house that continues to influence the way we adorn ourselves today.”

All images courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Product Launch: Fable England collaborates with The Natural History Museum for new AW24 collection

British heritage jewellery, accessories and sleepwear brand, Fable England, have launched a capsule collection with London’s iconic Natural History Museum for AW24.

Inspired by the natural world, British fashion brand Fable England thoughtfully weaves tales from British literature into each of their collections, and their latest collaboration with London’s Natural History Museum is no exception. United by a shared passion for nature, Fable England and the Museum embraced the chance to explore the Museum's remarkable collections—a treasure trove of artwork, manuscripts, and rare books—in search of inspiration for this new autumn/winter 2024 collection now available on fableengland.com.

With more than 80 million specimens in the Museum's archives, the challenge was choosing the right narrative to follow. Ultimately, the story that captivated the Fable England team was that of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717), a pioneering entomologist. Defying the societal expectations of 17th-century women, Merian transformed the scientific understanding of insect life cycles, leaving a lasting legacy.

Maria Sibylla Merian’s 1705 publication, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, marked the first scientific documentation of what we now call metamorphosis. Her meticulously detailed, hand-colored plates have since inspired generations of natural history illustrators, artists, and entomologists.

Fable England drew from Merian’s and her daughter Johanna Helena Herolt’s botanical illustrations to create their abstract botanical luxury print, "Floral Engravings," which serves as the foundation for the entire collection. The print’s intricate borders, with elements of fine carvings and geometric patterns, were inspired by Alfred Waterhouse’s architectural blueprints for the Natural History Museum.

The Floral Engravings collection honours the artistic and scientific achievements of this mother-daughter duo, symbolizing new beginnings, unconditional love, and a lifelong devotion to their craft and one another.

Fable England’s Creative Director, Vanessa Radley, reflects on the collaboration: “We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to work with the Natural History Museum. It was an ideal partnership for such a special capsule collection for AW24.”

“One of the highlights for me,” Vanessa adds, “was the unforgettable experience of visiting the Museum’s Rare Books Library and meeting Special Collections Manager, Andrea Hart. The design team was given the chance to explore priceless rare books, including beautiful illustrated studies in botany, entomology, and ornithology. I was especially excited to discover that some of the artwork we selected for our hero print, Floral Engravings, was actually the work of Maria Merian’s daughter, Johanna Helena Herolt, whose illustrations are often mistaken for her mother’s.”

Maxine Lister, Head of Licensing at the Natural History Museum, also praised the collaboration: “Our shared values and commitment to showcasing the beauty of the natural world made this partnership a natural fit. This collection celebrates the groundbreaking work of Maria Sibylla Merian, a true pioneer for women in science. Sustainability was a key focus for both Fable England and the NHM, and the collection reflects that commitment, featuring materials like TENCEL™, recycled PU, and recycled nylon.”

All images courtesy of Fable England.

Craft and Sustainability: Repurpose, reuse adnd repair craftsmanship showcased at Selfridges during London Craft Week

Selfridges’ new permanent RESELFRIDGES destination in the Accessories Hall at its London Oxford Street location offers a unique opportunity to explore unusual gifts, keepsakes, and collectables. During London Craft Week, visitors can witness artisans, makers, and innovators using creativity and craftsmanship to repurpose, reuse, and repair unwanted items and waste materials.

Throughout the week, May 13 - 19 2024, visitors can purchase a select range of unique pieces and observe demonstrations of specialist craft techniques and innovative new methods of making.

Emily Frances Barrett

One featured artist is Emily Frances Barrett, a jeweller who transforms lost or found objects into beautiful multidisciplinary jewellery and art pieces. 

Emily Frances Barrett

Emma works with discarded treasures, whose scars reveal glimpses into the past, finding beauty in everything from forgotten jewels to discarded buttons.

WYP PYM

WYP PYM - Waste Yarn Project with Celia Pym - is a collaboration between Siri Johansen, co-founder of the Waste Yarn Project, and textile artist Celia Pym. They explore playful, resourceful design and celebrate slow craft through handmade knitted clothing and accessories.

Allday Goods is a kitchen knife company that repurposes plastic waste destined for landfills into lifelong products. Their mission is to raise awareness and encourage a rethink of our relationship with waste.

Tessa Silva

British-Brazilian artist Tessa Silva examines the impact of material use on society by creating delicate, one-of-a-kind art objects from milk proteins.

Inspired by the medieval history of her hometown, London, Ciara Bowles combines ancient techniques with vibrant colors to create timeless jewellery pieces. Her work emphasizes ethical production and craftsmanship using reclaimed and recycled materials.

Blast Studio

Blast Studio, based in London, excels in transforming leftover coffee cups into futuristic furniture and architecture. They use 3D printing technology to turn discarded waste into sustainable furniture and interior products, such as lampshades and containers.

Anabela Chan, a fine jeweller, champions laboratory-grown gemstones, blending sculptural designs with science, and Lucie Gledhill creates unique jewellery from recycled metals using traditional techniques and chain-making, exploring material relationships through low-tech design approaches and a slow creation process.

Finally, the King’s Foundation offers specialist training programmes in heritage and craft skills. At Selfridges, shirts donated by Turnbull and Asser were embroidered by graduates using expert embroidery techniques.

Photos by Lucia Carpio

Fashion Weeks: Fashion Network launches mobile App for Fashion professionals

Fashion Network, the Paris-based information website for international professionals in fashion, luxury and beauty, is serving the industries by launching its own application (app), available on IOS and Android, in ten languages, featuring live coverage and photos of the latest fashion shows, as well as news from the fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

This way those in the business who need to keep up-to-the minute on any of the latest Fashion Weeks (be they in Paris, Milan, London, New York, Tokyo, Seoul and Berlin ) and fashion news, will not miss out.

The app is free of charge, with no registration required nor advertising.  It features a free image bank that is updated daily, bringing together the latest creations of 5,000 designers from all over the world.

According to Fashionnetwork.com on their website, several million high-definition photos of catwalk shows are easily accessible, including runway looks and photos focusing on details such as shoes, bags, jewellery and more.  There are also loads of imagery such as backstage photos, official visuals of collections and the best street looks photographed outside of events, that are crucial for those needing to keep tap on trends.

Subscribers will receive an alert when a show goes live and even if the shows are running late. In addition to these live broadcasts, there are tens of thousands of archive videos, including fashion shows, reports and interviews.

The Calendar section is a practical tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike, who want to find their way around the plethora of global events on the calendars of the fashion capitals of the world. 

Read more on their website by clicking HERE.

COSMOSS by Kate Moss collaborates with Amy Russell Taylor and Emma Lucy Knowles

Jewellery is not just for Christmas, but for year-round, soul-enhancing well-being.

Now COSMOSS, the beauty and wellbeing brand founded by Kate Moss, has joined forces with British jewellery designer, Amy Russell Taylor (founder of the A R T brand),  and together they have collaborated with crystal healer and expert, Emma Lucy Knowles, for their exclusive Oracle Dial necklace.

Kate Moss sporting three lengths of the Oracle Dial - bespoke crystal amulets that are now added to her curated COSMOSS product range.

The Oracle Dial is a handmade piece crafted from 100% recycled gold and silver with production "powered by 100% green and vegan energy. "  Each contains a triad of Blue Topaz, Prasiolite (green quartz) and Black Sapphire, set within a design that continuously flows with every movement of the body.

Available in three different sizes with chain lengths from 16” to 30”, each bespoke necklace can also be accompanied by the COSMOSS Sacred Mist and a Palo Santo Cleansing Stick for an energy-enhancing Gift Set. 

The Oracle Dial for COSMOSS is available exclusively at amyrusselltaylor.com.

MERCI MAMAN launches Mother’s Day collection with CATH KIDSTON

Two great brands come together to add sparkle to that special Mother and Child connection.

Personalised jewellery brand Merci Maman has teamed up with British retailer Cath Kidston to launch a unique mix & match jewellery collection just in time for Mother’s Day.

The Cath Kidston X Merci Maman are available to order in selected Cath Kidston stores and online at www.mercimamanboutique.com from February 17th.

The collaboration honours motherhood and celebrates the special relationships we have with the mother figures in our lives, offering a unique and personalised gift to mark the occasion.  

This is the first time Cath Kidston has released personalised jewellery.

Customers select their favourite Cath Kidston fabric bracelet, pick a Merci Maman charm, either in gold or silver, then personalise the charm with hand-engraved names, dates, or messages.
Available in five different iconic prints, the bracelets come in three different sizes, child, teen and adult, including the “Mummy & Me” matching set. Several different charms are offered, providing multiple personalisation options.

The leaf is star of UNOde50's new jewellery line this autumn

Now news came that Spanish jewellery brand UNOde50 is set to launch its new capsule collection based on nature come September, just when the weather is turning autumnal.  

My Nature from UNOde50

The collection named My Nature uses the leaf as its main focus, as it symbolises energy.  

 UNOde50 jewellery is crafted from hypoallergenic materials.

My Nature necklaces.

Photos by Lucia Carpio.

The new range includes enveloping rings and inspirational earrings, as well as bracelets and necklaces in their unique bold, hand-crafted designs.

UNOde50 shop at 

143 Regent Street, London.

Photo by Lucia Carpio.

UNOde50 was founded in the late 1990s by José Azulay.  The brand limited their first hand-made jewellery collections to an exclusive 50 units per design.

UNOde50 began its international adventure in 2008 and now owns flagship stores in cities all over the world including Tokyo, Barcelona and London. A successful partnership with Swarovski gave UNOde50 a unique cut to their crystal pieces, known as the X-cut.

UK fine jewellery industry to reach £3.3billion in 2018

In the UK, the retail value of the fine jewellery industry rose for the fourth successive year to a high of £3.2billion in 2017, according to research from Euromonitor International and is predicted to rise again in 2018 to reach GBP £3.3 billion.

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” and British women’s favourite choice of gem to wear, according to research published today by leading UK online jewellers Gemporia (www.gemporia.com).

All categories of fine jewellery; rings, neckwear, wristwear and earrings have grown, with necklaces showing the largest (10%) uplift over the 2014 – 2018 period. Overall, rings are still the biggest category of fine jewellery sales in the UK worth £1.39bn in 2017, predicted to rise further to £1.435bn by the end of 2018, while watches saw the slowest growth with 2% retail value increase in 2017.

Karolina Zlotkovska, beauty and fashion analyst at Euromonitor International comments, “The decline in the British pound sterling, following the Brexit vote in 2016, was beneficial for fine jewellery retailers in the immediate aftermath. With a cheaper currency and plenty of stock, jewellery could be sold with a preserved margin to foreign customers happy to seize the opportunity.”

The Euromonitor research has been released to coincide with the International Jewellery London trade event, current held at Olympia, Kensington, (2-4 September 2018).

Jewellery for dramatic effects from BaroQco at Paris Fashion Week

Forget minimalism and austerity if you want to take the cue from jewellery designers Imelda and Eduardo whose label BaroQco is best associated with the notion that to be unique you have to be different.

Presenting their Haute Couture jewellery creations this month at Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2018-19, the designers celebrate their Dutch, Chinese Indonesian and Portuguese roots and embrace diversity as the foundation to their inspiration and creation.

The name of their label, BaroQco comes hails from the Baroque era when European cultural movement takes the turn from simplicity to lively and exuberant detailing.

According to the designers, BaroQco has a unique grandeur with an ability to surprise while achieving a sense of awe. Imelda and Eduardo started to create jewellery as they were looking for a tiara or crown for their wedding day and the search led them to creating their own and from there they expanded the range to include necklaces, cuffs and bracelets, and earrings.

Master painters like Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir inspire the designing couple.

« AS WE EMBRACE THE IMPRESSIONISM, WE STRIVE NOT ONLY FOR THE OUTER BUT ESPECIALLY FOR THE INNER-BEAUTY. IN OUR CREATIONS WE WANT TO PUSH BOUNDARIES OF ARTISTIC TECHNIQUES. AND THEREFORE THE BAROQCO IS A BOOK WITHOUT AN END. »

The stones used include opal and Swarovski crystals, and all the metalwork and gold are nickel free, the usage of non toxic plating to makes the jewellery more ecofriendly.

Anabela Chan's jewellery are objects of desire

London-based Anabela Chan may not be a household name yet, but her deliciously sumptuous and enchanting and exquisitely hand-made jewellery are  already counted among red-carpet favourites for A-list celebrities, the likes of Lady Gaga, Rita Ora and FKA Twigs.

Using a gamut of precious and semi-precious stones as well as sustainable and ethical laboratory-grown gemstones, Anabela's main focus are in the intricate workmanship that bring out best of the myriad of colours.

Anabela's designs are bold with a sense of drama but many are like miniature sculptures, or pieces of artwork.

Dancing butterflies fluttering around blossoms with a dangling tear-drop diamond for a pair of romantic earrings, or a magical setting of a butterfly resting on a bouquet of orchards for a ring.

Diamonds may appear as clusters of stars or floating in space in her Constellation range, while in the Couture Jewellery collection, Anabela takes you on a mythical journey into a paradise garden borrowing features from nature: fern leaves, butterflies and beetles for a necklace, ear-cuffs, brooch and bracelet.

Originally trained as an architect, Anabela's flagship boutique in London is situated just a stone's throw from the buzzling Piccadilly Circus, but quietly tucked in the discrete courtyard of Ham Yard Village on Denman Place on the doorstep of Ham Yard Hotel.

Designed like a curiosity shop decorated with glass jars to showcase the jewellery, adorned with objets d'art and taxidermy specimens, the shop is uniquely enchanting for the discerning lady in search of something magical.

Anabela was born into 3 generations of film directors and cinematographers, having grown up in London and Paris, and trained at the world-renowned Royal College of Art and Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

According to her CV,  Anabela had worked with iconic architect Lord Richard Rogers and Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen in London for 7 years before returning to jewellery to launch her eponymous label in 2013 and opening her London boutique in November 2014.

While happy to accept commission work, one of Anabela's recent special projects are couture hand-embroidered one-of-a-kind cushions produced in collaboration with her friend Mane Virdee.  Note the glittering list of materials used for this collaboration:- crystal and glass beads, metallic gold and silver embroidery threads, hand dyed cotton and silk threads, velvet as shown on the kaleidoscope-like pattern formed on the cushion in the picture above with the help of Emily Gore who works for Anabela Chan.

To date, Anabela has won many international design awards:-
British Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards in Fine Jewellery, Platinum Jewellery 2012, 2013
Gemmological Association of Great Britain Award 2012
Studio William Cutlery Design Gold Award 2012
Sponsored by Swarovski 2012, 2013
ITS Finalist 2012, 2013
Vogue VFDE New Talent Award 2014

Anabela Chan is London's best kept secret no more.

All photos © Lucia Carpio 2017 

THOMAS SABO launches Royalty Range From Autumn/Winter 2017

Glorious ornamentation, graphic modern details and plays of colour in royal blue, purple and dark green are the essence of THOMAS SABO's new Royalty range from the 2017 Autumn/Winter Jewellery Collection.

"In the Royalty range, we have interpreted the stylistics of the Victorian era in a modern manner. The elaborate ornamentation makes each item of jewellery an elegant fashion statement," says THOMAS SABO Creative Director Susanne Kölbli about the inspiration.

The richly detailed cross pendant and choker, as well as the feminine rings, earrings and bracelets of the range are made of 925 Sterling silver, some with 18k rose gold plating, and were forged by hand in a vintage line structure.

Each item of jewellery is finished with high-quality stone embellishments.

THOMAS SABO's Royalty range (previewed on video) will be available from 1 July 2017 in all of their shops and shop-in-shops, and through selected partners as well as on their website.

THOMAS SABO  established in 1984 by Thomas Sabo in Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany, operates around 300 of its own shops across all five continents with a total of around 1,860 employees. THOMAS SABO also collaborates globally with approximately 2,800 trade partners.

Thomas Sabo launches SS2017 collection featuring Ambassador Frankie Bridge

English singer-songwriter Frankie Bridge, a member of the girl group The Saturdays, is UK and Ireland ambassador of global premium jewellery and lifestyle brand THOMAS SABO, and is seen in their latest campaign for promoting the brand's Spring/Summer 2017 collection featuring two distinct looks; which continue to be inspired by the universal ‘Together’ message that has become a hallmark of the THOMAS SABO brand.

The new images display an eye-catching and fashion-forward selection of the new Spring Summer 2017 range, which includes elements of the new Africa collection.

Frankie Bridge comments:
“Summer is nearly here, so I need to update my jewellery wardrobe! I love when the sun is shining and the new collection really brings across the feeling of summer. I look forward to wearing it whether I’m on the beach or dining out..!”

All jewellery is available to buy in store and online now at the Thomas Sabo website.

Bold statement jewellery are artistic sculptures too.

Anna Maria Pitt's jewellery - from the Artic Poppies and Armorous collections -
are to be worn or admired as sculptural works of art.
 Pictured here at the Scoop International trade show held at the Saatchi Gallery, London, 12 - 14 February 2017.
© Lucia Carpio 2017

Architectural, geometrical,  and sculptural are just some of the descriptions that come to mind upon seeing the creations of Anna Maria Pitt.

Originally from Reykjavik, Iceland, now living in London, UK, Anna Maria said her fascination with nature and its bearings is the primary source of her artistic inspiration.  

Having studied silversmithing and jewellery design at Bucks New University where she graduated with a BA Hons degree, Anna set up her studio where her jewellery-creations are made by hand.

Her designs - be they a necklace, a ring, a pendant or a bracelet - make bold statements, ideal for the confident woman who likes or wants to be noticed.

Her jewellery creations are works of art that can be worn for maximum visual impact.  Yet each piece is uniquely beautiful, and can be admired as a stand-alone piece like a sculpture or objet d'art.

"I make design models out of paper before moving onto metal, which is then laser-cut and after I assemble and finish off each piece by hand in my workshop," explained Anna Maria in the lead up to her recent exhibition at the Scoop International trade fair held in London earlier this month at the Saatchi Gallery.   This was followed by Anna Maria's participation in Milano Fashion Week where four of her pieces have been selected for the Artistar Jewellery Exhibition.

You can almost imagine the Icelandic landscape when observing some of her jewellery designs.  In the picture above, Anna Maria models her Arctic Poppy bracelet on her left wrist.  Depicting a flower that blooms in the harshest of conditions, the piece is assembled by cold connecting eight separate parts to create the suspension of form. This modern piece blends the soundness of structure with the lightness of natural order.  On her right hand is one of her latest ring designs - the Migration Ring made from sterling silver, and are part of her cold connected Migration Collection.  Each ring, handcrafted by the artist herself, incorporates a clean slate, a flying bird or an abstract promise thereof, creating dimensional movement in each and every piece.

The picture above shows a selection of Migration necklaces, in varying sizes, made from gold plated sterling silver, as part of Anna Maria’s Migration Collection.   Inspired by migrating bird formations sweeping the sky, each silver or gold bird is fixed onto a circular plate, creating a dimensional arial movement flowing above the surface.

The Canopy bracelet shown in the picture above was inspired by forest tree crowns.  This large piece is assembled by fixing silver leafs to a bracelet base. Available in silver and gold.

Here is the sterling silver Backbone necklace - an intricate piece part of Anna Maria’s bespoke collection.  Inspired by a wild reindeer’s vertebrae, the necklace is assembled by cold connecting twenty six separate parts, emulating the animals spinal structure – creating a interconnecting spiral which fuses form and functionality.  Imagine it framing a lady's face and adorning a simple black dress.  It certainly makes a striking vision.

All images © Lucia Carpio 2017.