Welcome to my SQUARE collection
Understated and classic, my Square collection started its life in 2010 and has continued to grow ever since. The collection now includes delicate studs, a whole array of stacking rings with and without gems, hoops in various different weights & sizes, brooches and other large showstoppers. What each piece in this collection has in common is that every angled square is delicately placed next to the other, each glistening independently and quietly catching the light, particularly when worn. A gentle texture adds depth to the overall effect.
Similarly to my Hex collection, the Square formation came about from the consultation I undertook with Nokia (read all about my Hex collection here). I was exploring surface patterns to see how shapes that might catch the light to create a dappled effect, bringing the surface to life with movement.
Given I was examining surface patterns, it’s perhaps no surprise that the first Square piece I ever made was a large aluminium brooch. It was a real study in textures, akin to weaving with fabric, but using metal. Fabric, and the repeating patterns found in knitwear and weaving are a huge inspiration for me, and something I forget to talk about!
The light reflected across the many delicate edges and angles; the brooch looked different from different perspectives.
My other early Square pieces were all brooches that focussed on texture and structure of the Square surface pattern. After those early brooch pieces, came more the more traditionally wearable, accessible pieces like stacking rings and hoops.
Gems lend themselves to the Square collection very naturally, using square and rectangular shapes stones. Pixel and checkerboard cuts work very well with the Square collection, as do small square stones that nestle amongst the gold squares. Large gems with square faceting also work well with the Square pieces, mirroring the square formation.
The square surface also features in my Stratus collection. Unusual geometric shapes house the square pattern within, as you can see in the picture here. Who needs big gems! Texture is the real hero for my Stratus pieces.
When my friend Charlie was building a stack she knew she wanted a Square band in the mix, she explains;
‘I adore the different shapes and patterns found in Jo’s designs. I’m very into texture and mixing metals rather than gems - Jo’s designs *really* speak to me. I’ve been gradually building a set of Jo stacking rings over the last few years, and love having a Square band among them to accentuate the lovely patterns created between the linear Square and the zigzag of the Parquet, and the undulating surface of the Hex band.’
Read the rest of Charlie’s stacking story here.
The Square continues to be a super versatile and hardworking collection, I’m excited to see how it evolves in the future. I love how my customers have chosen to wear their squares in totally unique ways, mixing metals, textures and gems, there are no rules!
