Gurhan is perhaps best known for using high karat gold. But with the price of gold so high of late, a lot of fine jewellery designers have turned to other materials, notably silver.
Here, Gurhan uses a mix of 24k yellow gold (well, one bead), polished and oxidized sterling silver. The result is a really pretty mix, due to texture and colour. Length is not indicated on Harrod’s site, so it might be worth enquiring. Price is £899.00.
This wigmaker and makeup artist turned jeweller is inspired by the repetition of simple forms. This circular necklace features enamel painted centres, sterling silver and stainless steel. Available from New Zealand gallery Objet.
Boston jeweller Michele Mecaldo offers sleek and industrial looking pieces, but her designs have a lot of warmth to them. This 14k gold locket accented with a .25 diamond has the feel of ancient armour but also a very contemporary, lean appeal. Contact the designer directly for pricing; she also does custom pieces and will work with your materials.
Likely better known for his sterling silver designs, David Yurman offers a diamond necklace in the starburst pattern so beloved by the Victorians. Set in 18k gold, the piece is set with 5.95 carats of diamonds and measures 25 inches with a hidden push clasp. It retails at Neiman Marcus for USD $39,000; matching earrings are available for $7,500.
Much of Colorado-based designer Jenn Dewey’s work is inspired by the wrought iron found in New Orleans. She describes her Charm Gate bracelet this way: Shown in sterling but available in other noble metals… A symbol with universal meaning, similar heart motifs are found in several wrought iron gates throughout New Orleans… specifically the Charm Gates of the Court of Two Sisters restaurant – historically famous for their gift of granting “charm” to all who touch them… this is also very similar to the Adinkra symbol for Mother Earth!
See her web site for matching pieces; bracelet is USD $385.
The sterling silver body of this charming trapeze artist are jointed and move. Made by London-based jeweller Lexi Dick and part of a whimsical and occasionally dark range of jewellery. Definitely worth exploring. Trapeze Girl sells for £175.00.
Made of what appears to be oxidized sterling silver, this pretty branch ring is set with a pearl (no details on the web site as to the materials used; sorry!).
Available for $100; see more pieces by Annie Louise Plante here.
British designer Marianne Anderson offers these oxidized sterling silver earrings with a freshwater pearl drop. She describes them this way: The contrast of the dark silhouette against the white freshwater pearl drop pearl creates an elegant contemporary take on a classic ornamental motif. Comfortable on the ear – the shape fits snugly around shape of face.
These are available as pierced or clip-ons; £140.00.
Made of 18 and 22k gold, sterling silver, rutilated quartz, citrine and hematite, this pretty ring is made by Berkeley, California based artisan Alison Antelman. She sells her work at shows across the US; check her web site for additional info.
New Zealand jeweller Deanna Gracie does beautiful work inspired mostly by nature and local landscapes. This piece is composed of sterling silver, 9 and 18k gold, and a Japanese technique called shibuichi, a four-to-one alloy of copper to silver, producing a greyish metal.
Available for NZD $445 here.
