A kind of magic

The definition of luxury has been lost over time, says jewellery designer Theo Fennell, who believes it’s all about authenticity and the experience

Over the last few decades, luxury has become a strangely misused concept. In my opinion, luxury should represent an experience or an artefact so special, unique and exquisite that it is only rarely encountered.

Luxury should be so unusual and so satisfying that a host of singular and extraordinary skills, ideas, materials, even strokes of genius, must come together to allow its creation. It seems to me that the concept nowadays is used to represent almost anything that is monumentally expensive, often for no reason other than the brand.

Many of these ‘luxury goods’ are produced in huge quantities and identical pieces are available all over the world in identical outlets. But luxury cannot be mass- produced. To appreciate any great art or craft takes time, learning and passion. Indeed, I regard it one of the roles of those who design genuinely original and beautiful products is to help their prospective buyers understand and appreciate a timeless quality.

However, things are beginning to change, and since the pandemic in particular, we have noticed a new, ever-increasing movement – a blossoming interest in authentically beautiful work. Commissioned, so it is original, handmade, where the eventual owner becomes part of the process, and the final piece is truly their own.

At Theo Fennell, our clients want to be involved, to be part of the process, and we make it so. We help them understand what it is possible with the materials and the techniques. They love to see their pieces being made in our workshop, or virtually if they can’t come in. We have always been absolutely determined that our work should be original, beautiful, perfectly crafted and give pleasure for generations. That each should be a one-off, or at least made in very small editions. It is all about our attention to detail, and this is what thrills our patrons.

Authentically precious

Handcrafted jewellery and silverware is positively talismanic and should be steeped in sentiment. These items should be viewed and treasured as the precious artefacts they are and be part of the owner’s look and character – not the passing breeze of fashion, or just another accessory.

We want the thought and care we put into our designs to shine through in the final piece.

Commissioning your own piece of bespoke jewellery is a wonderful experience and, like having anything made for you, introduces you to a new world where so much is possible, a new passion, a new interest.

We enjoy that journey as much as the patron. The satisfaction of watching an idea come to fruition is precious. It starts from a few rough sketches, then the technical aspects and then the actual piece is formed. Evolving from beautiful materials into a finished piece allows us to savour the process not just through our eyes but through those of the person who is going to wear it. To them, we hope it feels like a kind of magic. For me it is, and I will never tire of the alchemy – it thrills me as much today as it did some fifty years ago.

About Theo Fennell

From rings for royalty and rock stars, to trophy designs for international sporting events, Theo Fennell’s jewellery has been captivating the world for over 40 years. He was born in Moascar, Egypt, and spent his early years travelling the world due to his family’s military background. They settled in the UK and Theo attended Eton in the 1960s, where he surprised his teachers by becoming the first pupil to progress to art school. He first studied at York and then at The Byam Shaw. By pure fate, he was offered a job at the great silversmiths Edward Barnard’s where he discovered an aptitude and flair for silverwork and jewellery design.

His inspirational pieces can be eclectic, quirky, yet are always beautifully detailed. The combination of modern design married with classical, romantic traditions makes his style instantly recognisable.

For Theo, it’s all about the people, and some of his team have been with him for nearly 30 years. He also nurtures young talent and is closely involved in fostering the next generation in his workshops, and at various schools and colleges where the Theo Fennell awards are presented.

Further information – theofennell.com