Glenn Spiro: Conquering Europe
His jewels are so unusual as to create amazing effects. Glenn Spiro explained why he chose the Biennale Paris to conquer Europe.
Together with the Maisons Anna Hu,Nirav Modi, Moussaieff and Boghossian, Londoner Glenn Spiro illuminated last September’s La Biennale Paris, one of those unmissable occasions where every second year, the élite enthusiasts of high jewellery are to be found. Just one year ago, Spiro had inaugurated a new studio in the heart of May fair, having Marco Zanuso fit out the spaceson the first floor of a magnificent Georgian style building. Particularly innovative in the use of metals and stones, albeit inspired by His jewels are so unusual as to create amazing effects.Glenn Spiro explained to VO+ why he chose the Biennale Paris to conquer Europe.the tradition of high jewellery, just why didthe famous British jeweller choose to début this year at the Grand Palais after having collaborated with Harrods in London and with Moda Operandi in New York? «La Biennale Paris is,» says Mr Spiro «the preeminent art show in Europe and has a wonderful mix of contemporary and antique work from all mediums of art so I felt it was a great place for us to exhibit. We had a wonderful experience meeting lots of new clients and press from around the world, so it was extremely successful for us.»
To great critical acclaim, the designer presented ‘G’, a brand that highlights his talent for moulding metals that are also alternatives to gold, such as carbon and titanium, then embellished with gems chosen with great care. Amongst the pieces exhibited is ‘Archers’, a bracelet with 94 emeralds having various cuts and 11 oval diamonds, thestand-out stone being a carved Colombian emerald of over 85 carats. The design is based on the ancient Mughal tradition in which it was a thumb ring. What kind of woman provides the inspiration when you are creating pieces of jewellery that are veritable worksof art? «It’s always easier working with clients who have a good understanding of stones as they appreciate how special the pieces we show are. It is also always fun working with clients with confidence who are looking for something truly different and want to be surprised.» Another fascinating piece of jewellery presented under the light that filtered in from the open sky of the Grand Palais, isthe pair of ‘Fishbone’ earrings, in titanium and white gold, embellished with diamonds and orange sapphires. The innovative designis simultaneously easy-to-wear and majestic, whilst also bearing – especially in this case– an ironic flavour that will certainly not gounnoticed. The inspiration for the Oriental forms expertly blended with European high jewellery renders Glenn Spiro a wide ranging joaillier, whose market of reference is not typically European nor Western in the broadest sense, but extends throughout the Middle East and Asia. «We try not to be led by the tastes of any particular market, focusingin stead on producing amazing one-of-a kind pieces with the knowledge that some will resonate better with the US and Europe and other pieces more with clients in the UAE.We have wonderful clients and friends from the Arabic market so yes, it is an important region for us,» Mr Spiro concludes.
