When a jeweller and an architect join creative forces, the result is a series of one-of-a-kind rings that embody the essence of British architecture.
When an outstanding, worldly architect and an award-winning, Singapore-based jewellery designer creatively come together for a unique partnership, one can expect marvels of design. Such was the case with the artistic collaboration between Simone Ng of Simone Jewels and Jason Pomeroy, the founding principal of Pomeroy Studio. The result: a series of six rings, called Jewels of Architect that embody the grandeur of British architecture.
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Having grown up in the United Kingdom, Jason chose buildings that were close to his heart, and showcased a range of British architectural styles throughout the centuries. But it’s not simply a pastiche of the buildings, miniaturised to fit your finger. Both Simone and Jason wanted to capture the spirit of the building by distilling its essence and showcasing its most distinctive nuances.
Whether you’re a fan of the baroque, or an avant-garde kind of gal (or fella), here’s the lowdown on the six rings.
Design Inspiration: Berry Pomeroy Castle
Fun fact: Jason is a descendant of the aristocratic Pomeroy family, who once lived in the 15th Berry Pomeroy Castle in Devon. Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, the picturesque ruins are surrounded with historical intrigue. It’s no wonder then that this once-majestic structure serves as the inspiration for one of the rings.
Reflecting the symbiotic relationship between man and nature, the ring is adorned with floral motifs, an apple and a bee. A stunning 9.56 carat unheated green Peridot was chosen as the centerpiece of this ring. It opens up to reveal a hidden staircase, beckoning you to come explore within.
Design Inspiration: Kings College Chapel
Having studied at the Canterbury School of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Jason explains why this quaint historical town is extremely close to his heart. In the middle of the town sits Kings College Chapel with its high lofty ceiling, ethereal stained glass windows and ornate fan-vault arched ceiling.
The ring, which took more than 4,000 man hours to craft, is intricately set with diamonds, and is topped with an aquamarine sugarloaf weighing 18.20 carats. The ring opens up to showcase the details of the fan-vault design within the chapel.
Design Inspiration: Queens House
As a young student, Jason would often go to Greenwich with friends to picnic on the grounds of the former royal residence of Anne of Denmark, the queen of Kings James I. He distinctly remembers the Renaissance-styled Tulip staircase, England’s first centrally unsupported helical staircase designed by Indigo Jones.
The staircase has withstood the test of the time, and remains just as beautiful and structural from every angle. Set with an 8.91 carat blue Tanzanite sugarloaf, the gemstone can be flipped open to reveal the miniature helix of the staircase, which is adorned by mother-of-pearl tulip details.
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Design Inspiration: St Paul’s Cathedral
If you have ever visited St Paul’s Cathedral, you will know that its dome is a sight to behold. One of the most recognisable sights along the Thames river, it is framed by spires of Wren’s City churches.
Baroque in design, the ring opens up to showcase the micro byzantine design of the actual dome and is set with a single diamond in the middle to represent the light of faith. Topped with a rare 8.55-carat pink zircon sugarloaf, this ring took almost 4,800 hours to complete.
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Design Inspiration: The Palace of Westminster
At the beating heart of modern British politics lies the impressive neo-gothic structure of the Palace of Westminster and its famous Octagon Hall lobby. Within this illustrious hall hangs the most extraordinary chandelier—the inspiration for this ring.
Gothic elements govern the exterior of this ring, delicately set with diamonds and mother-of-pearl detailing. At the top sits a 10.65 carat red garnet sugarloaf, which opens up to reveal a diamond studded mini replica of the actual chandelier.
Design Inspiration: 30 St Mary Axe (affectionately known as The Gherkin)
A modern reinterpretation of the Gherkin, this ring a reflection of modern London, the epicenter of the financial world, as well as a hub for contemporary fashion, design, arts and culture.
It features triangular panels, and each alternate panel is studded with diamonds or hand-cut white mother-of-pearl. An amethyst sugarloaf is used to mimic the tip of the building; when you open the stone, you’ll spot an artistic inspiration of the geometric motifs that adorn the Gherkin’s facade.