Influence of the ancients: Azuni jewellery

Designer jewellery label Azuni has launched an online shop and the spring/summer 2012 collection is laden with bold statement pieces and romantic, delicate jewels inspired by the ancient treasure troves of Greek and Egyptian antiquity. From pretty pastel beaded necklaces to tribal chokers and sculptured cuffs, Azuni is a one-stop destination for the most desirable and affordable jewels.

These exceptional pieces are hand-crafted in the UK using 24-carat gold plate, sterling silver and semi-precious stones. Techniques including hand-texturing, beading, engraving and oxidising are used to produce a unique combination of colours and textures.

Luna and Cleopatra are standout parts of the collection where the influence of ancient civilisations is evident. Cleopatra has a bold combination of turquoise, lapis and aged brass while Luna has a weathered quality that brings together 24-carat gold and semi-precious stones. Other parts of the collection have a more modern take: Love Twist combines iconic symbols of swallows, roses and images reminiscent of traditional body art, and Messages captures iconic quotes and spiritual sentiments onto sterling silver and 18-carat gold.

Azuni was founded in 1996 by Ashley Marshall. Having created some of the finest foods as a chef at The Dorchester, Le Caprice and The Ivy, he took some time out to travel South and Central America to persue his passion for Native American cultures. On his return, Marshall studied Jewellery and Silversmithing at the Sir John Cass Faculty of London Metropolitan University to learn his craft. Marshall continues to use travel as a source of inspiration and an opportunity to seek out unusual materials.

Azuni is available from John Lewis and independent retailers. Click here to see the collection for yourself.

Zehre Rushby

Images taken from the Athena collection