‘There’s this perception in the West that if a diamond is fluorescent it is less pure,’ jeweller Cora Sheibani explains of the opinion that fluorescent elements in a colourless stone can cloud its purity and lessen its value. ‘I think it’s a shame. Fluorescence should be celebrated rather than looked down upon.’ She has been searching for truly fluorescent gems for the past year. It’s not an easy endeavour. Many minerals phosphoresce, but few are actually fluorescent (their colour change can be admired under UV light only).
Sheibani’s latest show, at the Louisa Guinness Gallery in London Mayfair, is exhibited in darkness and caters to the unique nature of fluorescent gems, allowing the vividness of the glowing jewellery and fluorescent and phosphorescent elements of the designs on display, to shine through.
‘Glow’ also doubles up as a 15 year retrospective of Sheibani’s works, with some new pieces in the mix. ‘Unlike most jewellery shows which appear to women and jewellery lovers, this show will appeal not just to jewellery lovers, but to children, and anyone with a sense of curiosity.’
Sheibani’s playful instinct is evident: ‘I’ve always made jewellery that is inspired by everyday things, such as food or clouds or plants. Sometimes it’s abstract but there’s always a happy and playful element to it. Serious fine jewellery doesn’t always have to be ‘serious’.
The pieces on show make up an eclectic whole: a cloud shape brooch with glowing blue diamonds evoking windows and rain, sits alongside cupcake rings and flowering cacti bracelets. Sheibani is also adamant that the jewellery needs to be aesthetically impressive in its own right. ‘It has to look fantastic even without fluorescence. The glowing colour is an added bonus.’
Two Stacking Rings, 18-ct gold with fluorescent diamonds
Large Pink Cupcake Ring, 18-ct gold with pink opal and spinels
Reversable Lentil Hightlighter Bracelet, 18-ct gold with fluorescent diamonds
INFORMATION
‘Glow’ is on view from 5 March – 30 April. For more information, visit the Cora Sheibani website (opens in new tab) and the Louisa Guinnesss Gallery website (opens in new tab)
ADDRESS
Louisa Guinness Gallery
45 Conduit Street
W1S 2YN
VIEW GOOGLE MAPS (opens in new tab)
-
Feast your eyes: Nadine Ghosn brings cutlery-inspired jewellery to the tableNadine Ghosn’s Youtensils jewellery collection brings a playfulness to the functional forms of the humble fork, spoon and disposable straw
-
Former builders’ yard transformed into a home and studio by Studio MacLean
This new project, a former builders’ yard in the Cotswolds, by Studio MacLean, showcases the design and build skills of Jason and Jenny Rose MacLean
-
Herman Miller presents Alexander Girard posters from his panels designs
You can now buy Alexander Girard posters, inspired by his decorative panels, thanks to a new Herman Miller collection
-
Through the lens of photographer Tino Chiwariro
‘Through the lens’ is our monthly series that throws the spotlight on photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors. Here we explore London-based Tino Chiwariro's vision further
-
Catherine Opie and Cindy Sherman make a cameo appearance in Venice
-
There’s hidden meanings pinned to Lin Cheung’s carved brooches
-
Steel pulse: a Paris exhibition homes in on the alchemic genius of Daniel Brush
-
Light touch: photographer Karen Collins captures Chaumet’s carefree mood
-
Milan's Fragile gallery hosts a new exhibition of jewellery, designed by bold-faced artists
-
Van Cleef & Arpels: 'L'Art de la Haute Joaillerie' exhibition, Paris
