There’s no shortage of pressure when creating a new high jewellery collection. However, the creative directors at the helm of heritage brands are presented with unique challenges, like toeing the line between pioneering new designs while meeting the stylistic expectations of the brand’s existing clientele. For House of Garrard’s creative director, Sara Prentice, this challenge is invigorating and, more importantly, embedded into the creative process.
“Our designs often consist of a Garrard motif, which holds inspiration from royal jewels that Garrard has created,” Prentice shared with Grazia, “this means that every piece is a nod to our history.” House of Garrard has a wealth of history for Prentice to siphon from as the world’s longest-serving jeweller, dating back to 1735. The high jewellery house is best known for its longstanding connection to the British Royal Family, acting as its appointed crown jeweller since 1843. From tiaras to trophies at the Royal Ascot, Garrard has cemented itself as a key figure in British culture and high jewellery worldwide.
This history might intimidate some, but Prentice is no novice in the fine jewellery industry. Before joining Garrard in 2012, she cut her teeth for twenty years at iconic labels such as Cartier and Fabergé. For her latest collection, titled “Blaze,” Prentice “wanted to take Garrard’s iconic 1735 cluster motif and turn it on its head.” She executed this plan by centring the cluster in the middle of the jewel and “framing it with a placement of masterfully selected monochromatic gemstones.” Prentice is most excited to show customers this cluster inversion because of its novelty. “It took sheer creativity, unlimited by design rules or tradition,” to create it, she shared.
As a creative director, Prentice is undaunted by the task of reinvigorating Garrard with new designs. Her confidence emits through this high jewellery collection, inspired by “creating the unexpected.” She hoped to infuse the jewellery with zeal and positivity by using punchy colours and unique textures. “The name ‘Blaze’ was perfect in projecting this,” she shared, adding, “it’s about blazing your way and being confident while you do it.”
Prentice noted that the “Blaze” collection “was created by women for women, with ‘forever’ in mind.” She revealed that it’s different from previous Garrard collections “in the way it represents more than beauty,” adding that she and her team “wanted to evoke a feeling of faith in oneself and modern radiance when wearing ‘Blaze.’”
The high jewellery collection is available to shop now at Garrard.com
