The idea for my Hex collection came about from a consultation project I was working on with Nokia back in 2009 (they’d asked various craftspeople to come up with surface design concepts). The project fizzled out but it did spark some ideas around the hexagon form, and how I could incorporate it into my jewellery.
Those ideas percolated and soon afterwards I created my first Hex piece, the Oval Hex ring (pictured). I was drawn to the idea that the protruding columns on the sides would give it a structural feel, much like geological formations you see in nature, while the dappled pattern on the top softens the overall effect, giving it an organic quality.
This was my era of creating a lot of large brooches and structural rings, so this large Hex ring was a natural evolution for me. I was, however, keen to develop more wearable pieces. Using the Oval Hex ring as a starting point, I played around with many different designs, which led to the creation of my interlocking Hex stacking rings. Each delicate hex slice is angled meticulously to catch the light, particularly when worn. The effect was dazzling and they proved to be very popular. I created them in all sorts of variations, with and without gems, and in all my chosen metals.
From there came more Hex pieces; shimmering pendants, glistening earrings, pared down hoops and bracelets, and a handful more showstoppers. It’s grown into a bumper collection and is still a firm favourite with you lovely lot, all these years later.
The Hex collection is especially popular as commitment jewellery. Beekeepers Nina and Rembrandt chose it when they were redesigning their wedding jewellery.
They explain:
‘We absolutely love Jo’s minimalistic, organic designs that are architectural, textured and unique from every angle. We are both beekeepers and fell in love with the Hex collection. Our rings even incorporate a binary code in the placement of the diamonds, which makes the rings even more unique to us.’ (You can read Nina & Rembrandt’s full story here)
So that’s the story of my Hex collection. Have you got a favourite Hex piece?