Inspired by Nature

I have always been obsessed with rocks. As a small boy, I collected Baltic amber, cornelian, and all sorts of rocks and fossils. My father encouraged this passion with regular trips to the Geological collection at the Science Museum.

In my twenties, I traveled extensively. During several visits to Kathmandu, I discovered the local stones of the Himalayas: spinels, tourmalines, and aquamarines. I was hooked and wanted to learn more, leading me to study gemology at the Gemological Association in London.

One day, while searching for diamond beads, Fred Leighton, the legendary New York jeweler, introduced me to a renowned Indian diamond-dealing family in Mumbai’s Opera House District. I began making regular trips to Mumbai and Jaipur to source unique Indian-cut diamonds and colored gemstones.

Today, I work with a fourth-generation diamond dealer in India whose imaginative cutting techniques preserve methods long lost in Europe. I also seek antique diamonds, often with imperfect proportions but incredible charm and light. Dutch rose-cut diamonds from the 17th and 18th centuries are among my favorites, and I search for them with dealers across Europe and Asia.

I don’t follow traditional gem hierarchies, choosing stones solely for their beauty and character. I use only natural, untreated jewels, viewing them as gifts from nature. Coloured gemstones have always been central to my work, inspired by the jewels of the Maharajahs and Nizams of Mughal India, featuring Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, sapphires, spinels, and natural pearls.

I design simple, sculptural settings to showcase each stone’s natural beauty. Craftsmanship is vital, and some pieces are remade multiple times until I am satisfied. Each piece is handmade in England, with my workshop creating a limited number of pieces each year, including bespoke designs. I enjoy collaborating with clients on custom pieces, exploring unique possibilities beyond conventional norms for diamond engagement rings.