The National Gallery Company, in collaboration with PureJewels, has launched its first jewellery collection inspired by the new Artemisia exhibition on show at the National Gallery in London.
In 17th-century Europe, at a time when women artists were not easily accepted, Artemisia Gentileschi was exceptional. She challenged conventions and defied expectations to become a successful Italian Baroque artist and one of the greatest storytellers of her time.
Artemisia painted subjects that were traditionally the preserve of male artists and for the male gaze; transforming meek maidservants into courageous conspirators and victims into survivors. Artemisia’s personal struggles defined her art as she tackled historical and biblical subjects with a distinct style.
The Artemisia collection, designed, manufactured, and distributed by London jeweller PureJewels, features a wide assortment of precious pieces designed to be antiques of the future.
We are delighted to be working with PureJewels, our first fine jewellery licensee, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none and we are very excited about this collaboration,” said the Buying and Brand Licencing Director at the National Gallery Company, Judith Mather.
The range includes intricately worked dark rhodium plated silver contrasted with fiery 22-ct yellow gold vermeil, elegant pearls and richly hued garnets, artistically crafted into a bracelet, lariat, ring, T-bar necklace, pendant, hoop earrings and drop earrings.
A lot of research went into the collection to ensure that every element of the detailed pieces embodies the boundless energy depicted in the art of Artemisia,” said PureJewels CEO Jayant Raniga.
The jewellery collection has combined design elements inspired by the painting Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria in the exhibition. Each piece depicts intertwining leaves reflecting the drama, energy and realism of Baroque art.
The Artemisia exhibition at the National Gallery in London runs until 24 January 2021. The jewellery collection is also available in the Gallery shops.
Frequently asked questions
What is the inspiration behind the new Artemisia jewellery collection?
The new jewellery collection is inspired by the exceptional Italian Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi and her exhibition at the National Gallery in London. Artemisia was a pioneering 17th-century painter who challenged the social conventions of her time, defying expectations to become one of the greatest storytellers of her era. At a time when women artists were rarely accepted, she painted powerful subjects traditionally reserved for men, transforming victims into survivors and meek maidservants into courageous conspirators.
To reflect her remarkable spirit, the jewellery design incorporates artistic elements directly inspired by her painting, “Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria”. Each piece in the collection features detailed, intertwining leaves that mirror the intense drama, movement, energy and realism characteristic of Baroque art. A significant amount of research was conducted to ensure every item embodies the boundless energy found throughout Artemisia’s celebrated paintings.
Which materials have been used to craft the Artemisia jewellery range?
This collection has been crafted using a selection of precious materials designed to create contrasting tones and textures. The intricately worked pieces feature dark rhodium-plated sterling silver, which provides a dramatic, contemporary backdrop. This dark plating is paired with the fiery warmth of 22-carat yellow gold vermeil, establishing a rich visual contrast that echoes the dramatic light and shadow play found in Italian Baroque art.
In addition to the contrasting metals, the designs are embellished with elegant pearls and richly hued garnets to add depth and classical beauty. This combination of materials was carefully chosen by the designers to ensure that each piece feels like an antique of the future. The high level of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail ensure that these precious materials come together to form a collection that is both beautiful and highly durable.
Who designed and manufactured this National Gallery jewellery collection?
The collection was designed, manufactured, and distributed by PureJewels, a well-known London-based jeweller. PureJewels is the very first fine jewellery licensee to collaborate with the National Gallery Company. This unique partnership was formed due to the jeweller’s exceptional level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which have been described by the National Gallery Company’s representative as being second to none.
By collaborating closely, both organisations have successfully translated the historic, dramatic art of the 17th century into wearable, modern luxury. The CEO of PureJewels, Jayant Raniga, led the extensive research phase to ensure the final products were fully authentic to Artemisia Gentileschi’s artistic style. Through this partnership, the jeweller has created a wide assortment of intricately detailed items that are destined to become cherished future antiques for art lovers and jewellery collectors alike.
What types of jewellery items are available in the Artemisia selection?
The Artemisia range features a diverse and versatile assortment of fine jewellery items, allowing wearers to choose individual statement pieces or coordinate matching sets. For those looking for neckwear, the collection offers an elegant lariat, a classic pendant, and a stylish T-bar necklace. These pieces are complemented by a variety of earring styles, which include both modern hoop earrings and sophisticated drop earrings.
In addition to these items, customers can purchase an intricately detailed bracelet and a matching ring to complete their look. Every single piece in this wide assortment has been carefully styled with intertwining leaves, representing the passion and energy of the Baroque movement. Each item has been designed to stand alone as a beautiful work of art, whilst collectively showcasing the shared themes of the exhibition and the artist’s legendary life.
Where can I buy the Artemisia jewellery and how long is it available?
You can purchase the Artemisia jewellery collection directly from the physical National Gallery shops located in London, where the items are displayed alongside the exhibition. This allows visitors to view the artwork and shop the inspired collection during their visit. The jewellery collection launched alongside the exhibition at the National Gallery, providing a complete cultural and shopping experience for those interested in historical Italian art.
If you are planning to visit the National Gallery to view the exhibition itself, please note that the physical Artemisia exhibition is scheduled to run in London until 24 January 2021. However, the collaborative jewellery range, designed by London jeweller PureJewels to serve as antiques of the future, offers a lasting way to celebrate the artist’s legacy. You can explore the beautifully crafted range of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings in person at the gallery.
