On a crisp morning in London, our bespoke jewellery designer Narell, and production co-ordinator Ashleigh, set out on a creative exploration of the city’s most iconic museums. This was more than a day of culture, it was an opportunity to draw inspiration from history, connect with the present and embrace forward-thinking ideas that shape bespoke jewellery design. But first, coffee!
Their journey began at Tate Modern, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, a striking industrial landmark redesigned into a world-class museum. Inside, Anthony McCall’s Solid Light exhibition redefined their perception of light, form and space. Using thin mist and shifting beams of light, McCall’s immersive works create sculptures of light that change as visitors move through the installation, blurring the lines between the tangible and the ethereal.
As a pair with a deep interest and knowledge of precious gemstones, for Narell and Ashleigh, this play of light sparked a fascinating parallel with diamonds and their use in fine jewellery. Just as McCall transforms with light and movement, the specific cut of a diamond influences its brilliance by manipulating the way it responds to light. Where a round brilliant cut maximises a diamond’s sparkle, a cushion cut emits a softer, warmer glow. An extensive understanding of this delicate interplay between light and perception sits at the heart of bespoke jewellery design.
Following their visit to Tate Modern, the pair made their way along the bank of the river to their second stop of the day, taking in the city’s ever-evolving skyline where ancient architecture stands alongside modern glass towers. This dynamic blend of past and present beautifully demonstrates that great design is a dialogue between history and innovation – just like in jewellery.
At the National Portrait Gallery, grand oil paintings of monarchs and aristocrats adorned in pearl strands and gemstone rings underscored the enduring role of jewellery in storytelling. These portraits, spanning Tudor to Edwardian times, illustrated the significance of jewellery as a symbol of power, identity, and artistry. For Narell and Ashleigh, this was a powerful reminder that jewellery is more than an accessory, it is a reflection of heritage, craftsmanship, and human connection.
Their final stop, the V&A Museum, offered a direct link to the rich history of jewellery, showcasing centuries of masterful craftsmanship. From ancient treasures to contemporary creations, the collection provided endless inspiration, reinforcing the idea that understanding the past is essential for shaping the future of jewellery design.
As the day wound down, the pair settled into the V&A café with a pot of Earl Grey where they reflected on the art and history they had seen, and the ideas their experience had sparked. Their journey through London’s cultural landscape was more than just a team day out, but a creative catalyst, helping to shape the W&W designs that will become tomorrow’s heirlooms.
