Art and engineering skills synchronise with balletic grace in Andrew Geoghegan’s well-sculpted collections.
A clean aesthetic and restrained design language define the artistry of UK-based designer Andrew Geoghegan. His constant endeavour to seek perfection is what helps him achieve excellence.
The ace designer’s forte lies in making bridal rings that are simply seductive! A master manipulator of metals, Andrew lends a distinctive sculptural touch to each of his creations.
Bestowed with accolades and awards, including the British Jewellery Association’s 2014 Designer of the Year Award, and Editor’s Choice at International Jewellery London 2015, Andrew’s chic but timeless pieces are symbolic of strength and feminine grace.
He engages with us in a free-wheeling interview about his life and art:
We would like to know more about your journey into the field of jewellery making. Your creations imply that you may be an engineer by profession…
No, I am not an engineer, but I believe I lean towards an engineer’s mind when it comes to designing. My journey into jewellery started with a love of art from a young age – I loved drawing, making, destroying, building – using my hands to create something of note. As I passed through my education I delved into painting, sculpture, ceramics and more – but when I discovered metal, that is when my passion became more refined. I love the versatility of the material – I believed I could control it and turn it into whatever I wanted! Combining metal with gemstones was the cream on the cake, so to speak!
Your metalsmithing skills are excellent… Are you a self-taught artist?
In some ways yes, but I learnt the basics at university and college. I developed my skills when I set my business up and had a trial-and-error approach to jewellery – trying to understand best methods and learning about stone setting. To be clear, my forte is now design, and it is my artisan goldsmith and stone setters who create the designs under my direction.
You started off in 1998 – it’s been over two decades. What keeps your passion alive?
The unachievable quest for pure perfection … Ensuring that I have interests away from jewellery also. Pushing the envelope in design and the materials, and trying to do things in a new way!
You have a special fascination for making desirous rings … How did that come about?
Yes, it seems that my focus is rings – not sure there is a reason for this. I do prefer to design rings than other forms of jewellery.
Perhaps it is the basic function that I love, that it must fit on the finger and involve in some way, a circle. The ring is no doubt the archetypal form of jewellery, just as the chair is to furniture design – and perhaps that is just where my fascination is.
As I write this, I do remember my first memory of jewellery as a young boy was sneakily opening up my mother’s carved, wooden jewellery box and being mesmerised by two large cocktail rings!
Your Cannele collection has been immensely popular. Tell us more about how you expanded the collection by adding more categories.
The expansion has been quite natural and thankfully, the Cannele line is a super style for development. I think any designer, on receiving such success from a style would endeavour to develop – but not by force. There is not much more to say about the expansion – it expanded – maybe more developments to come, who knows?
How has the pandemic impacted your brand?
Business has no doubt been affected as we still supply many shops, but it has also been a time to ensure the business is as efficient as it can be. We have been a little less creative than we would do normally; however, we have been putting energy into our digital representation as many have also.
Tell us about your design philosophy.
This very much depends on the commission or project – at times there is a theme which is my inspiration such as a particular shape, the coast or a stone for that matter. For my bespoke commissions, there is more often than not a particular sentiment which must fuel the creative process. I would also add that even though there can be various elements which inspire the process, I can’t truly say where the actual spark of creativity comes from.
Your favourite designers …
I do love the work of Wallace Chan … perhaps more as a material and technique innovator than a designer. Although I have the utmost respect for good design, I would not say that there are specific designers that I favour. Of late, my love and attention is more towards the design of and in nature.
Do you follow any Indian jewellery brand/designer?
Not currently.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my dogs and at the beach … I also love to work in my garden and kickboxing.
If not a jewellery artist, what would you be?
A monk!