Oval Lace Ring, c. 2006

London Based Designer Jo Hayes Ward launched her fine jewellery brand in 2006 on graduating from her Masters in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery at London’s prestigious Royal College of Art. Constructing jewellery from small building block elements, Jo Hayes Ward creates elegant pieces with both an architectural and organic aesthetic. Distinctive characteristics of her award winning designs are pieces, which dramatically catch the light with movement and intricate structures that hint at geometric, mathematical and biological references. Further work examines complex textured and patterned surfaces, reflecting light in multiple directions giving an exquisite tonal quality to the work. Her timeless yet modern collections include gold orbs that on close inspection dissolve into a filigree of shimmering cubes, stacking rings in a spectrum of different coloured precious metals set with diamonds, and a bespoke collection embracing the setting of custom cut stones. Crafting her designs in a digital environment Jo employs rapid prototyping technology alongside traditional jewellery techniques in the production of her work. An important aspect of her designs and research is to harness machine marks and exploit them as an aesthetic. This, alongside a tacit knowledge of materials and long-established jewellery skills has enabled Jo to develop her unique signature as a maker of timeless, modern pieces, which come alive when worn.