'When I give my jewellery as a present, I feel like I'm giving protection to someone I care about...'
- Sofia Boutella
National Endangered Species Day in the USA!
It was National Endangered Species Day in the USA yesterday!
Seeing as the US is such a vast, diverse source of beautiful nature and wildlife, we thought we'd celebrate the day too. And who better to be a mascot for nature than the humble bumble bee?
There has been an 87% decline in the rusty patched bumble bee population since the late 1990s, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Rusty patched bumble bees now remain in just 13 states, down from 28. And they're important little creatures, pollinating more than 90 commercial crops including nuts, fruits and vegetables!
This day is about focusing on the need to protect and save threatened and endangered animal and plant species.
Let's #savetogether
Atelier Access All Areas: Bespoke Commissions: Rennie Mackintosh Style
Do you know who Charles Rennie Mackintosh was? We have an exciting commission we are working on which is inspired by the Scottish designer's distinctive and natural style.
Mackintosh respected craftsmanship and tradition, values which are at the core of Luke Goldsmith Jewellery. Here are some initial sketches.
What do you think?
Atelier Access All Areas: Gemstones
I spy a secret meeting going on regarding some specially cut precious stones which have just come in. They are drusy gemstones, exceptional because of how they've been cut. They definitely have a beautiful texture and sparkle.
ATELIER ACCESS ALL AREAS: BOHEMIAN #2
Atelier Access All Areas: Bohemian #2
It's been a busy day in the atelier...
Luke always begins making a piece of jewellery by gathering inspiration and then sketching some initial ideas. These sketches are then refined and built upon until he's happy. This can mean lots of changes from the initial sketch to the final piece. Like any designer, the process is creative and evolves everyday.
Here's a sketch from the Bohemian collection.
ATELIER ACCESS ALL AREAS: BOHEMIAN #1
The 'Bohemian' collection whisks away the wearer into a world of sweet, spring-time softness. Inspired by Art Nouveau's fantastical evocation of nature, Luke has crafted pieces which include butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and the precious bumble bee.
The focus falls on interesting forms, mixed materials such as mangano calcite and silver and using colourful gemstones for a burst of theatricality into classic, elegant creations.
And the flower motif used in the collection has a story of its own...
When Luke was an apprentice, the flower was the first piece he ever made. A throwback to where it all began, Luke continues to work with the flower in his bohemian collection, which is being expanded due to demand. The flower will keep being reinvented, adorned with different natural elements to keep the organic, fresh feeling. Creations using the flower may also be realised in Luke's bespoke service.
We love the Art Nouveau movement, especially this doorway shot in Prague. It is a style which will always influence some of the work here at Luke Goldsmith jewellers.