Gerda Flöckinger

Gerda Flöckinger is one of the most iconic jewellers living and working in Britain today. Born in Innsbruck, Austria, in 1927, she emigrated to Britain in 1938 to study fine art at St Martin’s School of Art and jewellery and enamels at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. After graduating in 1956, Flöckinger became an independent designer and maker. In 1962 she established a pioneering course in experimental jewellery at Hornsey School of Art. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections worldwide.

The Scottish Gallery has a beautiful example of her work from c.1995-96. The ring pictured has a silver encrusted shank with classic organic textures and six set coloured diamonds. The large stone is an unusual pink tourmaline with natural inclusions, favoured by the Pre-Raphaelites, set in gold. The ring features Gerda Flöckinger’s classic maker’s mark on the reverse and is a size M. The stone itself nestles comfortably into the hand.