DUALITY Art Deco Ribbon Drop Earrings by Emma Calvert
By making use of what already exists, these earrings celebrate the past and makes it permanent in the present by immortalizing the offcuts of fabric in precious metal. Using ribbons and trims from 16th century Florence, 1920s art deco trims, antique French passementerie and military braids, intricate details are preserved through imprinting in wax and casting in silver with 23ct gold plating.
"My approach to Duality is through using the same antique ribbon as a starting point, but using the ribbon across two different styles and techniques, creating two different earring pairs each with their own identity. Both designs aim to preserve the intricacy and beauty of the original ribbon, but each one hi-lights a different element of the fabric– one the intricate, zig-zag woven pattern, the other pair focusing on the colour. In choosing contrasting materials, the metal pair appear fluid, like fabric, whereas the hand braided ribbon earrings have a solid, three-dimensional appearance. This not only creates a juxtaposition of the two designs, but also within each pair of earrings themselves, as the material appears to oppose what it would naturally do."
The Designer
Contemporary jeweller Emma Calvert explores the creative possibilities of textiles as jewellery. Drawing inspiration from elements of history, fashion and fine art, Emma crafts sculptural pieces that embody a love of pattern, colour and unexpected material combinations. Trained at Central St. Martins in woven textile design, Emma developed and explored three- dimensional form through weaving, folding and knotting. This evolved into her signature textile jewellery, working primarily with ribbons and sterling silver to create wearable, sculptural statements.
Her latest collection is inspired by the remnants and off-cuts of antique ribbons used in her textile pieces. Making use of what already exists, Emma reworks the ribbons and trims into distinctive modern treasures woven with history, preserving the intricate details in wax before casting in precious metal. Every detail of Emma’s work is considered and designed with purpose, with each piece handcrafted from the highest quality recycled and ethically sourced materials.
Jewellery Care
To look after your jewellery we recommend it must not be worn in the bath, shower or whilst swimming and we advise any perfume or hairspray is to be applied before putting on your jewellery to avoid contact with chemicals and cosmetics. Please remove your jewellery before engaging in practical activities such as sport.
Please get in touch to enquire about our cleaning services and restoring surface finishes.
