In the 21st century, there is an increasing tendency towards automation, and robots have already replaced many of the ancient trades. But one thing is certain: it is impossible to recreate human imagination and creativity artificially. One of the crafts that continues to amaze remains the mastery of jewellery, and Stephen Webster stands out with works of art that set extremely hard-to-reach standards. Born in Gravesend, Kent, England, in 1959, Stephen pursued his passion for jewellery, and at only 16, he attended a Silversmith and jewellery course during his years at Medway College of Design in Kent. Later, he studied with Tony Shepherd, master of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a prestigious company that dates to the twelfth century.
After completing his training with Tony Shepherd, Stephen went on to work as a craftsman for prestigious design houses in Hatton Garden, London, thus putting his name on the map of the most acclaimed jewellers of our times. His career took him to Canada to design for an independent jeweller, and he relocated there for more than three years. 1989 marks the beginning of Stephen Webster LTD with over 200 sales points around the world. University for the Creative Arts awarded Stephen in 2007 with an honorary Master of Arts degree, and in 2013 for his services to skills and training in the British jewelry industry, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire. He received not once, but twice the great honor of setting the De Beers Diamond Stakes Trophy. He is known as the outlaw rock star in the British Jewelry industry, and there is nothing conventional about him.
Traditional values, rock ‘n’ roll, fashion, contemporary music and literature are influences that blend to create unique pieces of jewellery that adorn some of the most famous people in the world. Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna and Guy Richie, Johnny Depp, Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, Sharon Stone, or Cameron Diaz are just a few of the celebrities that Stephen designed for. Stephen’s jewellery is out of the ordinary. He chooses designs that emanate emotion and spark conflicting feelings in the heart of the admirer. His collections tell a story and send a message. Nothing is accidentally picked, and there seems to be a jewel for every state of mind. The famous trilogy Altered Perspectives is now complete with the addition of its third part: Vertigo. The title of the collection is not chosen randomly. The abrupt shapes, atypical for jewellery pieces, but also their oversized proportions, create a compelling and mesmerising visual impact, much like the whirling sensation caused by vertigo. Apart from the white and yellow 18ct gold, diamonds, and colourful enamel, Stephen introduces titanium, for its lightness property and the, by now, famous tendency for the use of alternative materials.
The focus of this collection is placed on the earrings, designed in geometrical shapes, inspired by the horizon building of the Lyons Architecture in Melbourne-Australia. It does seem like the horizons broke into a thousand pieces, all assembled in the Lost Horizons set of earrings and rings. Vertigo is just as unconventional and surprising as all the Stephen Webster’s creations. And just like he has accustomed us throughout his career so far, Vertigo is the innovative collection that revolutionizes, adapts, and sets the ultimate trend. There is an unspoken loudness in the genius of Stephen’s creations. In a world flooded with fine jewelry, there is only one possibility to break stereotypes: the uniqueness of art pieces sprung from the endless passion of great talent – Stephen Webster.
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Article edited by Stefania Abbruzzo