The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024 - Issue 36

bitejewellery Vianne Jewellery From the influential gem city of Thailand to the city of Manchester, Cristina Lloyd explores Vianne Jewellery’s AW24 collection. T hailand is renowned as one of the world’s premier destinations for sourcing high-quality gemstones. Its rich deposits and exceptional craftsmanship have ce- mented it as a gemstone mining, trading, and cutting hub. Chanthaburi, the ‘City of Gems’ in the eastern part, is the gemstone capital. Historically, Thailand was one of the largest producers of rubies and sapphires, notably the famous Siamese rubies, although production has decreased in modern times. The country’s artisans are celebrated for their exceptional gem- stone cutting and polishing skills. Advances in gemstone treat- ment techniques, such as heat treatment, enhance the colour and clarity of stones like sapphires and rubies, making them more desirable. As a child, Thailand-born and raised Vasita Jantabutara was fascinated by beautiful gemstone colours and their natural beauties, sparking an interest in gemstone jewel- lery. During the lockdown in 2020, she established Vianne Jewellery in Manchester to create uniquely stunning pieces at afforda- ble prices. Vasita initially began drawing in her spare time as an outlet to express her creativity before sketching jewellery pieces. “I drew my inspiration from everything around me, in- cluding colours, flowers, shape combinations, and fashion that speaks to me.” The founder loves offering customers high-qual- ity jewellery with premium yet affordable materials like gem- stones. Her business and marketing studies and over ten years of expe- rience in brand management helped her launch the brand. “As a person who adores and wears jewellery, it helps me design with the customers’ perspective in mind, i.e., matching jewel- lery with different outfits or the colours of the seasons. I also consider the practicality of each piece, whether it is great for wearing daily, easy to style, and can be layered with other jew- ellery pieces.” The collections feature ethically sourced precious and semi-precious gemstones, including pink sapphire, blue sap- phire, tourmaline, lavender amethyst, rainbow moonstone, rose quartz, and garnet exquisitely handcrafted by talented ar- tisans. “Inspired by the beauty in simplicity, our timeless and easy-to-wear pieces are perfect for wearing [repeatedly] and on many occasions.” Their ring, necklace, and earring collections are available in luxurious 18-karat gold vermeil and sterling silver. Exquisite pieces embodying Vianne’s signature style of effort- less sophistication include the Blue Topaz Emerald Cut Pen- dant Necklace from the AW24 collection. It’s handcrafted with natural sky blue topaz, premium simulated diamonds and 18-karat gold vermeil on solid 925 sterling silver and an ad- justable 16”-18” chain. The matching Blue Topaz Emerald Cut Ring in 18-karat gold vermeil is available. These pieces are also available in citrine, garnet, green amethyst, lavender amethyst, and emerald. The Rainbow Gemstone Necklace, rhodium-plated on solid sterling silver or 18-karat gold vermeil on solid 925 sterling silver, is handcrafted with multicoloured natural gemstones: green tourmaline, sky blue topaz, Swiss blue topaz, amethyst, pink tourmaline, peach tourmaline, and citrine. The Twisted Chain Necklace, in the same metals, glistens beautifully when it catches the light. It’s great for layering with other necklaces or worn alone for a minimalist look. Crafted in natural pink morganite, the gemstone of love, ro- mance, happiness, and commitment, the Pink Morganite Halo Ring is rhodium-plated on solid 925 sterling silver and adorned with sparkly premium simulated diamonds. The ring is also available in 18-karat gold vermeil and rose gold vermeil. Amethyst and Pink Tourmaline Gemstone Cluster Earrings in 18-karat vermeil or rhodium plated in solid 925 sterling silver present a stunning combination of pink and purple gemstones in two and three shades. Being an independent jewellery designer with a label gives Va- sita pleasure. “It’s the most incredible feeling to wake up every day and work on something that I’m truly passionate about,” she revealed. “The flexibility of having my business means I can manage my time and don’t need to stick to the 9 to 5 routine.” As a mother of two young children, the jewellery designer can do the school runs and spend considerable time with them before they go to bed while allocating time to spend on her business. Vasita’s designs are centred on gemstone pieces. “The gem- stones are so beautiful, and I usually make them the stars of each jewellery piece,” she explained. “While I keep the design simple yet beautiful, I like to play with colour combinations. One of my best-selling collections is ‘Rainbow’, where the gem- stones are hand-selected to create the perfect rainbow colours. Colour Kaleidoscope