In 1982 Theo Fennell opened his jewellery shop on the Fulham Road in Chelsea, London. Since then the company has become known for its highly original, often-tongue in cheek designs, all of which are made in firm’s workshops by hand to Theo’s exacting standards.
A blend of quintessentially British wit and eccentricity along with an obsession with craftsmanship, Theo Fennell has become one of London’s favourite jewellers. On Tuesday 26 May at 15:30 UK time, Theo Fennell will be interviewed for the Tea with Maria Instagram Live series.
Oversized, diamond-set keys, chubby hearts with opulently coloured gem-stone pavés and opening rings are some of Theo Fennell’s best-loved designs. Secret compartments or carved gemstone domes open to reveal miniature paintings, sculpted animals or messages to a loved one. Mixing playfulness with a touch of the macabre, a series of rings feature the faces of personalities including Che Guevara, Lenin and Damien Hirst. Heroes or anti-heroes? The choice is yours.
As well as jewellery, Theo Fennell makes silver objects including his famous Marmite jar silver lid cover, a cigar ashtray with Winston Churchill’s bald head at its centre as well as extravagant bespoke creations that have included a Jack the Ripper letter opener.
Theo Fennell designs and oversees the production of each jewel and champions the revival and invigoration of traditional crafts from miniature painting to metal chasing and enamelling. His team of six craftsmen allows the firm to offer a high level of customisation and bespoke work. Attention to detail is paramount and jewels are often engraved on the back or decorated in places that only the owner will ever see, small touches that mark Theo Fennell as one of the most original luxury jewellers with a sense of humour.
Many of Theo Fennell's jewels conceal a surprise such as this Church Door pendant that opens to reveal a miniature painting of a scene of your choice.
The Church Door pendant opens to reveal a painting of a happy couple on their wedding day. Jewels such as this are bespoke and customised to the client's wishes.
A bi-colour yellow tourmaline surrounded by diamonds is at the centre of this men's ring with a scalloped shank in yellow gold.
Theo Fennell Waterfall Suite with just over 3 carats of Merelani mint garnets, diamond and pearls in white gold. This variety of garnet is named for its source in the Merelani Hills in Tanzania and has a unique vivid green hue.
Theo Fennell's Bombe cuff features a spectacular16.35 carat amethyst set in yellow gold.To be added
Theo Fennell's Star pendant is made in yellow gold and set with diamonds for a young, contemporary look.
The smokey quartz dome of the Joshua Tree ring opens to reveal a miniature tree inspired by U2 album of the same name.
A white gold penguin is revealed when the rock crystal dome in the shape of an igloo is opened.
A demantoid garnet is set into this little ring from a series of jewels featuring unusual stones in small sizes ideal for stacking.
Orange sapphires recreate the rich colours of a crab in this brooch by Theo Fennell. The back of the jewel is engraved with an underwater scene.
This turtle brooch set with just under 4 carats of cognac diamonds opens to reveal a miniature painting of your choice. Much of Theo Fennell's work is bespoke and allows for personalisation such as miniature paintings.
Theo Fennell's chunky crosses extravagantly set with gemstones are one of the firm's most popular designs.
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After many years as a freelance journalist and editor specialising in watches and jewellery, together with Christine Pasquier, Maria founded The Jewellery Editor. Maria’s work appears in a wide variety of notable publications, including the Financial Times, Intelligent Life, Telegraph ...
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