Modern Day Talismans

For as long as jewellery has existed, jewels have been worn as amulets, charms, or talismans. A talisman is believed to carry magical and protective powers; some protect the wearer from danger or negative energy, others bring good fortune, and others serve as symbolic declarations of love, strength, and hope. Talismanic jewellery is a universal form of adornment with prehistoric origins. In India and ancient Greece, gold was believed to have healing powers; ancient Chinese and Egyptian culture believed that jewels, such as turquoise and jade, were the keys to the afterlife; the Aztecs understood the mystical value of jewels, offering emeralds and jade to the gods by throwing them into the sea; and in traditional African  and Islamic cultures, talismanic jewellery was worn to ward off evil spirits. Interest in talismanic jewellery, in their different forms, continues to...

Celebrating a Decade of Wearable Art: An Interview with Elisabetta Cipriani

Elisabetta Cipriani’s pioneering concept of wearable art has redefined the meaning of, and the boundaries between jewellery and fine art. Since 2009, her powerful artistic collaborations have captured the imaginations of collectors from across the globe. Today Elisabetta’s gallery is a world-leading artist jewellery gallery representing over two dozen international contemporary artists. This year, Elisabetta celebrates her ten-year anniversary in the wearable art business. We sat down with Elisabetta to look back on her incredible journey over the past decade. What inspired you to start your wearable art business? I have always had a passion for antique jewellery ever since I was a child. Back then, I didn’t know anything about artist jewellery, but I had a passion for beautiful objects. My mother actually used to take out her jewellery with me while I...

A Decade of Wearable Art & Giorgio Vigna | 21 November – 13 December

Elisabetta Cipriani is pleased to present A Decade of Wearable Art & Giorgio Vigna, a special exhibition celebrating the gallery’s ten-year anniversary. The exhibition will be on show at Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery from the 21st November – 13th December 2019, Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm. 

Giorgio Vigna, Floralia (2019), 18kt yellow gold earrings with pearls, 10.5 cm long, Edition of 10, Signed and numbered

Featuring an eclectic and broad range of wearable art collaborations from the past ten years, the exhibition presents works by world leading visual artists, including Adel Abdessemed, Ania Guillaume, Ai Weiwei, Alba...

Inside the Spiritual Mind of Jewellery Designer Noor Fares

Elisabetta sat down with Noor Fares to discuss her career as a contemporary jewellery designer and the launch of her new Prana collection. EC: Throughout history, humans have attached great emotional and symbolic significance to jewellery. Why do you think jewellery has so much meaning? NF: Jewellery has so much meaning because it is a reflection of our culture, our tribe, and an expression of our personality which can be passed on through generations. Narrative is very important with fine jewellery, its story allows the wearer to connect with the piece and from this the story continues with them. EC: Your pieces are like modern day colourful talismans, inspired by ancient beliefs in the mystical healing properties of stones. Is protection an important component to your jewellery designs?...