Jewellery creation is a revered profession and, throughout the ages, everyone from royalty and rock stars to yummy mummies and street pimps have coveted the bling. Though we’ve moved into an era of mass production and, sometimes, lower standards, there are designers who will always break the mould, keep it real and, ultimately, keep us desperately wanting more. 

Armand Serra

When it comes to iconic rock n roll jewellery design, there’s no one more qualified than Armand Serra, a professional guitarist who auditioned with the likes of Iron Maiden, Motorhead and the Scorpions before he became a famous silversmith. Serra got his break when working for a jewellery store part time and a client walked in looking for a skull ring, when no one else in the workshop could do it he took the project on. In doing so, he carved a name for himself as a sought after designer that musicians flocked to for gothic pieces – resulting in MTV naming him the jewellery designer of the rock world. He’s fashioned pieces for members of many 80’s rock bands and is credited for creating the wolf pendant that Metallica’s lead singer wears religiously. He currently runs his store, Crazy Pig Designs, in London.

Betony Vernon

Whether adorning the likes of Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Dita Von Teese and Christina Aguilera, on covers of massive glossy publications or in exhibitions in famous galleries around the world – you’ve definitely seen her creations. This American born designer lives and works in Milan and Paris using her degrees in art history and industrial design to bring her passion for art to life. Paradise Found, one of her most noted collections, was presented at Paris Fashion Week in 2001. Centered on sexual vitality, expression and aesthetics, the erotic jewelery collection was inspired by Betony’s research into sex and sensuality and with it, she aims to make bold statements about body confidence, attraction and the harmony of the human body. Check out an upcoming book called TheBoudoir and see Lady Gaga wearing her jewellery in her music video for Paparazzi.

Shaun Leane

UK Jewellery Designer of the Year four times running, Shaun Leane’s work has been displayed in galleries and museums and on runways around the world. He collaborated with Alexander McQueen to create couture pieces that cemented his place as one of the most sought after designers of our time. Celebrities covet his pieces, which have been praised for their romantic nature, fusing emotive beauty with sentiment. Someone who consistently pushes the boundaries of contemporary design, Shaun’s work has been praised by titans of the fashion world, gracing the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Grazia, pushing his jewellery house to the top of the list when it comes to grace and style.

 

      

Jacky Letard is an experienced jewellery designer who specializes in diamond rings and especially wedding rings.