This February sees the return of an annual ring exhibition at Anne Morgan Jewellery, an award winning contemporary jewellery shop and gallery in Penarth, in the Vale of Glamorgan. Now in its second year, the exhibition is showcasing high-end work from some of the UK’s most celebrated and visionary independent jewellery designers.
On until 31 May, the exclusive Sp-Ring exhibition features fine handcrafted rings in silver, gold and precious gemstones, including eye-catching signature collections from the likes of Alison Macleod, Barbora Ryborova, Shimara Carlow, Louise O’Neill, Helen Brice, Shimell & Madden & Karl Karter. And following the success of last year’s showcase they also welcome back collections from Kate Hodgson, Paul Finch, Sue Lane & Jacks Turner.
“This exhibition really showcases the incredible talent of the UK’s leading jewellers, and is perfect for those seeking an alternative engagement or wedding ring. This may be the only chance you’ll get to see these rings in the flesh in South Wales, and it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – you don’t want to miss it!” said Anne Morgan.
JEWELLERS’ BIOGRAPHIES:
ALISON MACLEOD
Alison Macleod makes jewellery in silver and gold, inspired by vintage and antique treasures and the stories they tell. Based in Dumfries and Galloway, she has been running her jewellery business since leaving art college 11 years ago and now has a studio in the centre of Glasgow.
Her Catkin Collection draws on a pattern seen long ago on an antique ring, which inspired her to develop her unique technique of layering sometimes hundreds of tiny disks to make a pattern reminiscent of the Spring catkin flower.
BARBORA RYBOROVA
Barbora Rybarova creates desirable one-of-a-kind pieces and limited collections in silver and gold that celebrate the natural beauty of rough gemstones.
Working from her studio in Kent she combines fascinating textures of raw minerals with smooth brilliance of precious metals and cut gems. Selecting the stones and finding a source of unique and beautiful minerals is an important part of her creative process. She works on gems by carving and polishing them using traditional carving skills, yet preserving their natural rough look.
Aquamarine Ring from Barbora Rybarova
HELEN BRICE
Helen is a self-taught Goldsmith, having studied a BA(Hons) in Design Crafts at Hereford College of Arts.
Her asymmetric designs stem from a love of architectural and organic detailing, pattern and texture, and Helen uses different finishes and contrasting materials – mainly Gold, but also Sterling Silver, Platinum & Palladium – to compliment the specially selected gems.
Diamond Meteor Rings from Helen Brice
JACKS TURNER
Working primarily in 18-carat gold and platinum, the award-winning Bristol-based jewellery designer combines conventional goldsmithing and stone-setting techniques with the latest in computer-aided design technology to create exceptional, elegant and distinctly modern pieces, each finished by hand.
Asymmetric Green Amethyst and Diamond Rings by Jacks Turner
KARL KARTER
Karl is a traditionally trained diamond mounter who has been working in Hatton Garden for the past 20 years. Having trained as an apprentice for several years, followed by working at a top Mayfair Jewellers, he launched his own brand in 2005. Now based at The London Rocks Workshop in Hatton Garden, Karl works in the studio alongside other upcoming designers.
Prism Ring from Karl Karter
KATE HODGSON
Specialising in Victorian flower setting, where metal is pulled over a gemstone to create tiny flower shapes, and influenced by botanicals and vintage jewellery, Hodgson’s work – made at London’s renowned The Goldsmiths’ Centre – has sold internationally and been featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, amongst others.
LOUISE O’NEILL
Louise’s work is characterised by simplicity of form and purity of form. Her pieces are made from high carat golds and utilise precious and semi-precious stones; formal simplicity of the pieces complimented by the sensitive implementation of a carefully considered colour palette. All of her work is hand made in her London studio.
PAUL FINCH
Paul Finch creates sculptural pieces in silver and gold combined with diamonds or gemstones in unusual settings. A self-taught designer jeweller for nearly 25 years, he now works from his rural workshop in South France where he draws on his technical abilities to undertake all aspects involved in the fabrication of his work. This results in bold settings, indulgent and interesting pieces with no constraints on design.
SHIMARA CARLOW
Shimara’s work is inspired by natural forms, primarily seed pods. She uses silver, 18ct gold, gum nuts and a dazzling array of precious stones to create her tactile jewellery. After completing a degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery at the Glasgow School of Art she relocated to Melbourne Australia where she continues to create her jewellery and silverware from her garden studio.
SHIMELL & MADDEN
Fusing the worlds of conceptual design and traditional goldsmithing, Luke Shimell and Emma Madden combine structural patterns in 18ct gold with unusual gemstones to create bold and distinctive fine jewellery.
Inspired by the universal and timeless language of geometry they create modernist pieces that have a sense of the ancient. British made, they create their collections and bespoke pieces in their London studio in Shoreditch.
Arc Circle Ring from Shimell and Madden
SUE LANE
Working from her rural Herefordshire studio, Sue Lane’s bespoke contemporary designs are subtle and minimal, with clean lines and a soft finish, punctuated with carefully sourced and selected diamonds and precious coloured stones. Each one is unique, borne of her desire to keep pushing boundaries, experimenting and evolving.
Silver and Gold Ring Set with Sapphire and Diamond from Sue Lane
For more, see annemorgan.co.uk
Anne Morgan Jewellery Gallery
10 Glebe Street, Penarth, CF64 1ED | 029 20711036
