Our inspirations from week four of the New BBC2 show ‘All that glitters’.
In the final episode of the season, working with 18ct gold the remaining contestants had to create a pair of stand-out drop earrings, followed by their own version of a Maang Tikka – a traditional Indian bridal headpiece.
October 1st 2022
Pearls. But not as you know them...
The House of Shaun Leane is proud to relaunch the Blackthorn Collection, fusing figurative form with new materials: precious black spinel and lustrous black freshwater pearls.
Blackthorn Drop Leaf Earrings and Drop Pendant
Discover Blackthorn
Blackthorn reveals the personal passions and themes that have inspired Shaun’s career; woodlands and wildflower hedgerows. For Autumn, Shaun fuses figurative form with new materials: precious black spinel and lustrous black freshwater pearls. Spinel is beguiling in the way it refracts light spectacularly and its dark beauty encapsulates spectacular blossoms in moonlight.
Each piece is modelled in minute detail; thorny sterling silver stems nestle scattered leaves of dewy black spinel and the lustre of dark pearls; to form dynamic hoops of moonlit flora; dramatic Blackthorn cuffs of twisted sterling silver vines, alive with glistening “leaves” of pavé-set spinel, cradling dewy pearls - after the rain; spiky thorn-laden branches enclose a harvest of “purple berries” in freshwater pearls - sculpted into rings, curling into bracelets - for night or day wear.
Blackthorn Pearl Necklace and Pearl Leaf Ring
"Dreaming that sylvan peace Offered the harrowed ease— Nature a soft release From men’s unrest."
THOMAS HARDY, IN A WOOD
“The story of Blackthorn is the story of the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountains of Co Kerry, Ireland, where the mysterious hills menace with the dark beauty of lilac Blackthorn trees. Wondering the mountains last year, alone, but with my Celtic ancestors, my admiration for wild flora was ignited once more. Blackthorn trees produce purple berries that blossom in the spring, and have a subtle scent; for me, this is the aroma of the Macgillycuddy Reeks.
I paid homage with this collection, creating complex, refined and harmonious pieces; sinuous silhouettes alive with shivering pavé. Sculpted into rings, curling into bracelets, or clavicle sweeping necklaces; thorny sterling silver stems, dewy black spinel leaves and the lustre of dark freshwater pearl “berries” - all in my iconic “handwriting”. This is my love letter to nature - and its breathtaking beauty.”
