London Jewellery Week 2011 - Illustrated talk - Francesca Cartier Brickell

Last week I went to one of the Jewellery Rich in Heritage talks at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Each talk focused on a celebrated jewellery house from the last century. I went to hear Francesca Cartier Brickell speak about her great Grandfather, Jacques Cartier and his travels to the East. His trips brought him a great deal of inspiration for his designs. While in India, he met the Gaetwar of Baroda, for whom he made the magnificent Baroda pearl necklace. It was made entirely with natural pearls, which were both highly valuable and exquisitely beautiful. 

I was particularly interested to hear that Jacques Cartier had re-set the 234ct diamonds in a necklace he designed and made for the Maharaja of Patiala; I use a lot of re-set stones in my designs. I love combining the old and the new; incorporating a stone with a treasured history into a new design.