Theo Fennell is not a jeweler, he is an artist without a doubt. During my trip to London at the beginning of July, I was able to see her latest creations or I would rather say her works of art. In his projects, his passion for art and original and unique design is expressed freely. To give you a glimpse of his inspiration and his work, I choose the three rings created by the artisans in Theo Fennell’s workshop on Fulham Road in London.
The Chinese Secret Garden takes its inspiration from a traditional Chinese garden where birds live. The top of the ring frames a green tourmaline, surrounded by a row of diamonds, while the body of the ring has been delicately etched with cherry blossom. The miniature Chinese doors on either side of the ring open to reveal two scenes of the hand-painted enamel of a crane’s sedge. An important reason in Chinese mythology because the crane is traditionally symbolic of longevity, purity and a serene passage in life.
The Chinese Secret Garden Ring © Theo Fennell
The Chinese Secret Garden Ring © Theo Fennell
The Chinese Secret Garden Ring © Theo Fennell
Theo Fennell and Willard Wigan, the famous English micro-sculptor, collaborated to create The Ring Empty Quarter. Their adventure began in early 2013, when Theo realized that Willard’s micro sculptures could be perfect for some of his unique design ideas. When the ring is open, she presents us with a desert scene. But, in reality, sand dunes cradle three camels, which were magnificently crafted by Willard at the microscopic scale. The ring is accompanied by a magnifying glass and a chain so that it can be worn around the neck, allowing the user to see clearly the three camels. The body of the ring has been carved with desert flowers and adorned with rose gold salamanders that climb through it. The two artists are working on their next project, “The Ring Colosseum” featuring gladiators wrestling inside in a miniatur arena.
The Empty Quarter Ring © Theo Fennell
The Empty Quarter Ring © Theo Fennell
The Empty Quarter Ring © Theo Fennell
The Empty Quarter Ring © Theo Fennell
The Hermitage Ring draws inspiration from beautiful reflections around aquamarine and how it mimics the brilliance of tropical waters.
The ring highlights a beautiful aquamarine cabochon that opens to reveal a pink gold crab miniature set with rubies that made its home on the seabed … a real hermitage. The body of the ring depicts a magical underwater world inhabited by seahorses, turtles and fish – all of which have been hand carved and delicately set with pavé diamonds.
The Hermitage Ring © Theo Fennell
The Hermitage Ring © Theo Fennell
If you have the urge to see other good surprises, take a look at www.theofennell.com and I promise you will not be disappoint
