Too cool for School...

BT Tower earrings, Jessica McCormack

In honour of the 'back to school' time of year, this month we're featuring a selection of jewellery designers who, er, decided not to.

From computer programmers to graphic designers, we're proving that a) you don't need a degree from St Martins to create beautiful jewels, and b) it's never too late to switch, and ditch, careers. We're big, big fans of those who laugh in the face of traditional career ladders and university degrees, and follow their heart with amazing drive - and success.

First up is newcomer Jessica McCormack. Originally from New Zealand, Jessica worked at Sotheby's in London whilst plotting her business plan to meticulous detail, before launching her label in 2007.

Secret Keeper pendant, heart-shaped diamond set in brass

We viewed a huge selection of her designs up close a few weeks ago at Jessica's stunning salon in Clerkenwell, London, and were enamoured with the almost casual use of huge diamonds - setting a 1 carat diamond in sterling silver - and even diamonds set in brass (Secret Keeper's pendant, above and below) - we loved the use of mixed metals.


A very brave and clever way of reducing the overall use of gold - by setting in silver and adding a solid layer of gold to the back of the piece - ensures the cost (whilst still pretty hefty due to the diamonds) is much less than it would be in solid gold.

New New York ring, diamonds set in oxidised silver and 18k gold

Strong, graphic designs and irreverent sources of inspiration - the Trellick Tower and the BT Tower earrings are our personal favourites - these are solid, heavyweight jewels fit for a girl (or boy) who needs something a bit more substantial in their collection.

Trellick Tower ring

We're seriously impressed at the designer's bold first foray into jewellery design - these unique pieces are weighty one-offs, costing up to tens of thousands of pounds - surely a braver leap into the industry than you would expect from someone without years of practise and shaping at university or experience working for someone else...


These two pairs of earrings featured here (above and top) - based on the BT Tower and the Eiffel Tower respectively, fit perfectly with these season's hard-nosed trends - we particularly like the use of gold with silver, and the fact that the fine detail of the spikes could have someone's eye out...

A booming first collection with idiosyncratic points of reference...we're supporting Jessica all the way in our bid to back independent designers with fresh, new takes on what we want from the jewellery world - and she's proving that you don't need formal training to produce a very impressive collection indeed.

Cunning Mr Fox ring, 181 diamonds and 2 ruby eyes

All pieces featured here are available from Dover St Market, but are one-offs, remember. Certain designs will be remodelled, but never re-made, so get in there quick.

You can also pop in to the stunning Salon for a visit...or even a bespoke commission. Yes please.


Contact enquiries@jessicamccormack.com or call +44 (0)20 7549 6700 for further information.

All images copyright Jessica McCormack 2009