When it comes to design, the natural world often provides the creative spark. Take some of the world’s great architecture: the 2008 Olympic stadium in Beijing is known as ‘the bird’s nest’ to reflect its intricate lattice exterior, while the La Alhambra in Granada, Spain has features based on natural stalactites and honeycomb. It’s not just architects that take their cue from nature either; anything from cars to fashion frequently have their design firmly rooted in nature’s timeless form and function. Nature can be dramatic and awe inspiring, or it can be subtle and ethereal, so it’s no surprise that many of these qualities have been used for inspiration when it comes to jewellery design.
Natural inspiration
According to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the Romantic movement in the early 19th Century pioneered jewellery decorated with flowers or fruit, reflecting a general interest in botany. These designs became more “extravagant” as the century progressed with more “complex compositions of flowers and foliage”. And today’s jewellery designers are no different in seeking creative artistry from the natural world. How about an 18ct White and Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Mayfly Brooch? Nature’s mayflies might only live for 24 hours, but this brooch will last many lifetimes, set with sparkling diamonds down its body and golden yellow sapphires over her wings.
We’re in clover
Japanese jeweller and pearl specialist Mikimoto has pieces influenced by clover, leaves and olives including a pair of 18ct White Gold Akoya Pearl and Diamond Clover Earrings, with a sparkling diamond set flower and a rich single Akoya pearl suspended below. Or a ring from the Italian-designed Primavera range uses the four petals of a flower with an 18ct white gold open flower style cluster ring, featuring a centre rubover set round brilliant cut diamond with 32 smaller round brilliant cut diamonds. Another celebration of nature is an 18ct white gold crossover ring – this time from the Insetti collection – and featuring 23 round brilliant cut diamonds (the end one being a marquise cut) and a butterfly at the other end, with claw set sapphire wings (oval cut and pear cut).
All these and many more pieces of jewellery influenced by Mother Nature are available from Cheltenham jeweller Martin & Co. Why not take your inspiration from nature when it comes to your next jewellery purchase whether it’s a special gift for someone you love, or a treat to yourself?
