signs and symbols rule the world ...

Over the years I’ve come to realise that the pieces that speak most to Queen Michelle and I are those with a story to tell.

It also doesn’t hurt if they are big. You all know the motto by now - go big or go home.

Which is why this ‘Fertility Symbol’ set of pendants from jeweller Zoe Arnold is right up our street.

Crafted from 18ct gold, oxidised Silver, zinc, antique bone, cotton, alabaster, wood and brass. brass. Comprised of seven pendants featuring weeds embossed on zinc, shadows from the Natural History museum collections. This is a modern day fertility symbol. The figure in Alabaster stone, androgynous and silent. The pendants can be removed and worn, singly or as a cluster.

Zoe graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2003. She initially planned to study sculpture but found she loved working in fine detail so decided to do jewellery instead. You can really see the sculptural element in her pieces, and she describes her work as “Art to be worn by the artist, writer, intellectual or collector of dreams.”

Known for their individuality and wit, her works are made with a varied use of materials and techniques, a love of fine craftsmanship and traditional hand skills, combined with storytelling and poetic imagery. This work is equally captivating from the back…

Zoe has won awards for her complex and delicate pieces, and uses a range of precious and found materials including, silver, gold, antique microscope lenses, photographs, ribbons and precious stones. So diverse and unusual is her work that she often creates sculptures in which her pieces are displayed, as well as fully working automata.

“ I find solace and peace in retreating to the detail, the beauty of small things, the overlooked and disregarded. In doing this I hope to share with others, and draw the viewer into this fragile world. There is a power in quiet observation; detail can encompass the monumental and a moment represent eternity.”

The piece above is an investment at £4000 but her shop is filled with much more affordable treasures. Zoe is also available to work on commissions. In fact them some of them featured on her website had me crying they were so tender and powerful…

It will come as no surprise that her little chair necklace and the bee are my favourites.

Queen Marie

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