The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2025 - Issue 37

bitejewellery primary influences come from art his- tory, mythology, fables, architecture, and the natural world.” She is drawn to individuals with a strong person- al style and appreciates jewellery as a statement. “Designing for someone like Helena Bonham Carter or Tilda Swinton, both known for their artistic and unconventional tastes, would be a wonderful creative challenge.” The designer approaches a jewellery shoot or show like a creative collabo- ration. “I consider the overall aesthet- ic, colour palette, and mood and co- ordinate my pieces to complement or enhance that vision. Photography and runway presentations often require me to magnify details or scale up state- ment pieces for maximum visual im- pact.” Sketching and constructing de- signs are equally essential. “Sketching is the beginning, where the idea first takes shape. Construction is where the magic materialises in metal and stone. I love the entire process, from pencil on paper to the final polish, because each step reveals something new about the design.” Vivienne Charles’ handcrafted jewels, such as the Birds, Bees, and Things from the Sea collection, are inspired by the poetry of the natural world. This array of sculptural jewels transports the wearer to enchanted landscapes and timeless encounters with nature’s poetic elements. It celebrates the maj- esty of creatures soaring through the sky and dwelling in the forest, reima- gining nature’s quiet magic in precious metal and gemstones. Several pieces were showcased at the mixed-media exhibition An Ode to Spring: Celebrating Nature’s Renewal at Lapin Contemporary Gallery in Mas- sachusetts in the historic Norad Mill earlier this year. “I wanted to create a collection that feels like a jewelled manifestation of nature’s whispers— each piece a memory of something ephemeral yet eternal,” Elisa explained. “These designs are meant to capture the enchantment of the natural world in wearable form.” The bees symbolise resilience and hidden wonders, capturing the spirit of nature’s most industrious creators. “Bees are symbolic to me—represent- ing hard work and the quiet elegance of nature.” Apis Verdi immortalises a golden-hued bee discovered in a sun- drenched meadow, and its eyes reflect the treasures hidden in wildflower fields. The Queen Bee Necklace exudes the mystery of a golden hive hidden deep in an ancient garden carrying the whispered magical word where bees reign in golden splendour. Frogs are associated with luck and transformation, capturing the essence of adventure in the Prince Charming Necklace. It expresses the timeless al- lure of enchanted lily ponds, where golden frogs poised mid-leap glisten in the moonlight. The Crimson Leap Earrings with carved carnelian leaves glow warmly, while 14-karat gold frogs appear mid-bound, ready to embrace fortune and change. A regal sterling sil- ver and 24-karat gold bullfrog buckle, Mirelume, carries the aura of twilight marshes. Celestial Serenade Pin, a glided crick- et adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and a black star sapphire eye, channels the quiet magic of nature’s nighttime symphony—capturing the harmony of twilight’s melodies. One of the two standout pieces is the Honeyed Hive Hoops in an intricate honeycomb lat- tice, allowing the light to pass through their delicate openwork design. The other is Highland Hoops crafted in 14-karat yellow and green gold, echo- ing the woven ivy of ancient Scottish ruins, whispering history, adventure, and the timeless beauty found in for- gotten fortresses. The Birds, Bees, and Things from the Sea collection is available on the web- site. https://viviennecharles.com Images courtesy of Pietra PR