Bold Elegance with a Twist of the Unique"....One eyelid flickers. She whips a pistol from her knickers..." This ring, Obey, and the collection it's from, Once Upon a Time, is the most talked about in my studio with visitors. I'm all about storytelling, both through my collections and for bespoke jewels and if I can add a little humour I will. This ring and earring capsule was inspired by Red Riding Hood. My favourite version being from the wonderful Roald Dahl and his Revolting Rhymes with his pistol wielding heroine. In the French version, she does a strip tease to escape the wolf; so enters Lacey Red Racey Diamond and Ruby earrings inspired by Chantilly lace. The ring features 17th century flintlock pistols as the ruby stone setting under her hooded cape that flows down one side of the ring and the bow ties around the other. The screw feature at the base depicts the join of a pair of scissors and a nod to the women who first told the tales, sewing on their spindles around the fire hundreds of years ago. So I am reminded whilst I am designing my next collection that we all delight in stories and the sense of discovery as we turn over a jewel, a miniature sculpture, unveiling its layers and their reasons for being, however simple or complex. My desire as a designer, is to showcase the natural beauty of the gemstones I design with, to celebrate the event or story being told and to elevate its wearer; to create a sense of wonder when worn. And yes, I did say a new collection. Alice x Balls of Steel Diamond and Ruby Earrings in 18kt yellow gold. Balls of flintlock pistols and frills of diamonds from Grandma's Lacey night cap. Lacey Red Racey Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18kt White Gold inspired by 17th Century Chantilly lace and a flick of rubies at the back. Uniquely beautiful.
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