A summer retreat to Japan sparked the inspiration for 2018 in many different forms through the beautifully manicured gardens of Kyoto, the colorful patterned kimonos of the Geisha to the futuristic architecture seen scattered around Tokyo.
This is expressed in the Rivera Collection featuring hand carved gemstone leaves and flowers and also inspired by the women portrayed in prints by Erté and George Barbier who were greatly influenced by Japanese style. They are strong yet beautifully feminine and elegant women who would wear Brooke Gregson jewelry if they were around today. An important focus for Brooke is envisaging the type of woman that would be drawn to her designs - women who have a strong sense of femininity yet also have an independent spirit and sense of self.
Brooke’s interest in spiritual art also led to the Talisman Collection with jewelry that can be worn as a type of protection during more uncertain times. Expressed through her own watercolor paintings these symbolic shapes are expressed in many forms whether a shield or an elaborate eye. In order to create her individual form of talismanic protection, Brooke has explored unique gem cuts as well as working with master craftsmen in engraving and enamel work which has added layers to the collection in both design and symbol.
As Brookes moves into her 12th year of designing jewelry the inspiration behind her work becomes as much about the attention to detail and honoring the craft itself, knowing that the best jewelry has layers of meaning beyond just the aesthetic. The fine craftsmen who have worked on these collections also honor the craft as much as Brooke and use techniques that, although incredibly time consuming, are a necessary process to create jewelry that is an aesthetic and soulful extension of the self.
“The longer I am in the field of jewelry the more respect I try to offer the stones I work with and the overall idea of jewelry having so many different symbols and purposes to the wearer. While continuing to be influenced by my textile background and watercolor paintings this collection is an homage to the different symbols jewelry can hold and the strong women who wear it. I feel like my evolution in the jewelry world is also coinciding with the growing independence of women themselves and how they wear their jewelry.”
Brooke’s signature Astrology Necklaces with hammered gold and diamond constellations and hand woven Silk Gemstone Bracelets perfectly complement her one-of-a-kind collections and continue to be perennial favorites, forming the backbone of Brooke’s layering approach.
Brooke continues to work from her studios in both Notting Hill, London and Venice, California creating fine jewelry with the help of master craftsmen. All Brooke Gregson jewelry is made entirely in London and Los Angeles and is stocked in fine boutiques internationally.