The best news this week has to be that my favourite jeweller has launched her first open workshop slash shop. Hurrah!
Self-taught taxidermist turned jeweller, Tessa Metcalfe began by casting the feet of road kill pigeons from her bedroom and has since developed a cult following with her iconic, striking work.
Tessa learnt the fine jewellery skills as part of a Hatton Garden private collective, but her distinctly rock and roll style is a far cry from the delicate bling of the area.
She said of the launch, "I'm sick of the generic sparkly diamond rings in every window down Hatton Garden, jewellery and engagement rings don't have to be like that. I create fun pieces with huge colourful stones full of character. Pigeons hold my rocks in place, and then I make miniature rings for the pigeons to wear too. It's not for everyone, but I don't want to please everyone!"
The Tessa Metcalfe Homage collection celebrates 'finding beauty in the gutter'. Inspired by the city of London, the foot of a pigeon is transformed into a beautiful talisman of fine jewellery. Thorough investigation has taken the concept further than an idea and developed into a complete collection of timeless pieces playing on the fantasy underworld of Tessa's hometown.
Cast entirely from pigeons feet found from the city's road kill Tessa creates narrative jewellery. Lovingly setting precious jewels into the birds grasp and making miniature rings to adorn the bird’s claws the pleasure of her work can be seen all over the bold designs. Beautiful in their own right the pieces demand a closer inspection and invite the viewer to look differently at the neglected and feral pigeon.
I've got one of her rings but I have a sneaking suspicion another purchase might be on the way...
The Tessa Metcalfe open workshop is located a stone’s throw from Hatton Gardens at:
6 Laystall Street, London EC1R 4PA.
www.tessametcalfejewellery.co.uk
Love Laurel x
