Statement Jewellery 101

Statement jewellery has definitely made a comeback. The broader, boxier silouettes are the perfect canvas for a stunning statement earrings, colourful chokers or a bold cuff. 

So, what makes a statement piece of jewellery? There is actually more to it than just a bigger piece and it's all subjective: what one person considers statement is another's minimalist. Looking at current trends, the shift towards striking pieces is evident, but let's look at a few different aspects.

Spectacular Sizes

Large dimensions are an obvious place to start when discussing statement jewellery. Creating a larger aesthetically pleasing piece poses a number of design challenges: proportions, volume and materials must all be used carefully to make a stylish piece.

For example: Manu uses bimetal to create semi-fine statement pieces that are contemporary yet accessible. Simon Harrisson brings the natural world into his costume jewellery, referencing fairy tales and mythology in his bold pieces. Jane Moore injects colour into her designs through use of vitreous enamels. Shimell and Madden challenge physics with their spectacular compositions, for example their helix ring.

Generous Gemstones

Sometimes it is the gem at the heart of the design that creates the statement. A significantly sized sapphire, ruby, emerald or diamond is always going to grab attention, or better yet a breath-taking gem combination.

There is a particular design challenge in taking a large gem yet creating an elegant and refined jewel. Structural aspects, scale and volume are important considerations.

Andrew Geoghegan's Paraiba Chapiteau ring is a fine example, but Josephine Bergsoe, Shimell and Madden, and Ronan Campbell show similar sensibilities and skills. Or look at Inga Reed and Nicole van der Wolf for spectacular gem-centered neckpieces.

 

Spectacular Surfaces

A sparkling surface of pavé set gems or expanses of textured metals allow for generous creativity. Cardillac's forged Iris ring or revolve earrings create a luxurious statement in gold.  Other prime examples are Angela Hubel's Domino ring and H&D's Discus necklace - with 922 diamonds set on a platinum disc. What makes these designs truly statement is their ability to capture and reflect the light more broadly than a single line or gemstone.

Opulent Styling

There is strength in numbers: a single dainty piece may not stand out much, but 10 worn together can certainly have an impact. Layering up your jewellery is a popular option - think of the trends for "neck mess" or curated ears and hands loved by jewellers and celebrities alike. It allows the wearer to get creative and adapt the collection to the event - maybe less for the office, yet more for a night out.

Shimara Carlow rings, Bracelet stack by Ronan Campbell and Nicole van der Wolf

 

Double up on a necklace - or pair short with dramatic long chains like these by Sophia Epp, Josephine Bergsoe, and Sarah Herriot.

Unconventional Materials

Unconventional materials is where art jewellery becomes interesting - non-traditional materials bring together different disciplines to create small scale works of art or feats of engineering - or as seen from the jewellery corner: large statement pieces.

A good example is Roger Bennet's inlaid wood necklaces - using his skills as a woodturner and his personal predilection for detailed silver inlay to create small-scale pieces from his perspective, or tactile and colourful statement necklaces from our point of view.

For the maker they are an expression of technical skill and adaptation. For the wearer an expression of individual style and curiosity of the unknown - talking pieces for both.

Simon Harrisson Maia bracelets are perfect for this years' oversized double-cuff trend. The x-ray-like quality of Monika Jacubek's resin cone rings in gold and silver are a popular choice. Ursula Mullers anodised aluminum jewellery brings a contemporary graphic look.