New Jewellery Exhibition - Under the Microscope

The new exhibition, which opens today, looks at contemporary jewellery designers who celebrate the idea of the curiosity in all it's forms.

The exhibition is inspired by the early collectors who would sail away to far off lands in search of unknown flora and fauna. The designers in this new exhibition are modern day versions of the old silversmiths who turned exotic curios into brooches, necklaces and earrings like this example of a pair of beetle earrings from circa 1850 (on display at Victoria and Albert Museum).

The designers in the exhibition are

Vanda Noronha

(Fauna Necklace, printed acrylic & pearls £22)

Portuguese born, Manchester based, designer Vanda Noronha is inspired by a rich variety of subjects. Brought up in an inspiring household (both parents are scientists) from an early age Vanda was surrounded by old text books and equipment. She now uses her vast collection of antique scientific prints and illustrations as a basis for her designs. Prices from £12.50

Tatiana Sanchez

Mexican jeweller Tatiana Sanchez (readers will recognise her from a previous post) embraces the Gothic and macabre in her work, much inspired by the Day of the Dead festival held in Mexico each year. Beautiful hammered and oxidised brass spiders and beetles hand from silver chains finished with pearls and glass beads. Prices start from £34

Stephanie Simek

(Japanese Quails Egg Necklace, Lined with 23 Carat Gold £95)

American designer Stephaine Simek is drawn to the delicate an unusual. Her collection of curiosities range from a Japanese quails egg lined in 23 carat gold, pussy willow catkins to eyelashes and shells that make you sparkle! Her designs actually inspired this whole exhibition, referencing antique items such as an 18th century locket opening up to reveal a rare pressed flower or a ancient fossil turned into a brooch. Prices start from £19

Erica Weiner

We have been working with New York based jeweller, Erica Weiner, for over two years and her popularity shows no sign of slowing down. Her work fits perfectly with this exhibition as a celebration of the natural world, each piece looking like it's been covered in old gold and should belong in the Ashmolean Museum. Prices start from £18.

All work is on display and for sale in the Exhibition Room until January 5th 2009.