The Curios collection is inspired by a love of strange and intriguing historical artefacts; evoking memento mori and entomology cabinets from the Victorian Era, and the bold graphic style and symbolism seen in pieces from the Egyptian Revival Period. Adding to the intrigue, Jessica was further inspired by Victorian opening poison rings and fragrance-filled pomanders, hence the creation of a collection of intricate hinged creatures that contain the unexpected. When presented with a hinged trinket we feel a compulsion to discover what lies within, see the collection to discover for yourself.

 

The highlight of the Curios collection is the Cicada Neckpiece, an incredible, intricate life-size gold and black cicada. This contemporary locket - already a stunning piece - opens to reveal a dazzling golden beryl in the clutches of a miniature figure whose limbs serve as the stone setting. The veins along the wings and the markings on the body have been hand engraved and then plated in 22ct yellow gold, providing a striking contrast to the main body which has been plated in black ruthenium. The Cicada is fixed to black ruthenium branches that form a torque-style necklace, reminiscent of the cicada’s natural habitat of ancient deciduous forests.

 

The Curios collection was produced during Jessica’s final year at the Royal College of Art. It was made as a showcase of her accomplished jewellery knowledge, craft and skill, and so features extremely beautiful, technically complex and challenging pieces. Each piece is one of a kind, never to be made again.