Jewels
Half maths lesson, these linear gems will add a dash of precious repetition to your repertoire
November 16, 2018 By Rachael Taylor
If you are a lover of all things linear and like your jewels to be a mid point between adornment and a geometry lesson, then Monique Daniels is a name you need to know.
Daniels takes shapes that should, by the rules of old, be circular, and transforms them with sharp corners to add just the right amount of edge. Bangles become octagons; projecting half-hoop earrings become angular structures that edge even more complex shapes within.
“I draw my inspiration from industrial architecture, mathematical polyhedron drawings and astrological constellation mapping,” says the London-based jewellery designer, whose sharp black bob further belies her love of a clean edge. “My designs feature repetition of shapes and interlocking radial lines throughout each collection.”
Before starting her own brand in 2013, Daniels honed her craft at the University for the Creative Arts, where she studied goldsmithing, silversmithing and jewellery, and specialised in 3D design. At the same time, she picked up experience with a jeweller in London’s famous gem hub Hatton Garden and spent time assisting a fashion photographer.
One of the founding principles of the Monique Daniels brand is futurism, and Daniels embraces this not just as a design aesthetic but also as a pillar of her craftsmanship. “I like to combine traditional fine jewellery techniques with precision cutting technology to create futuristic and fashionable statement pieces,” she says.
The Monique Daniels Astro collection, which will be on sale at the Christmas Pop Up Jewellery Shop at Mare Street Market, is perhaps the brand’s bestseller, with its triangular repeating patterns working well in simple, wearable designs set with tiny diamonds. The range also has larger statement pieces, as does the Polyhedra collection, which offers bold designs for both men and women – Daniels’ boyfriend Michael Silmon, the DJ and producer who goes by the name Kodah, often wears a large silver Polyhera ring on his middle finger.
While clean metal with the occasional diamond sparkle has been Daniels’ calling card to date, the jeweller, who also creates bespoke commissions for clients, is planning to introduce designs in the future that feature more gemstones. What else can she tell us? “Wait and see,” she teases.
You can see the work of Monique Daniels at The Goldsmiths’ Company and The Jewellery Cut’s Christmas Pop Up Jewellery Shop at Mare Street Market. The pop-up shop will run from November 29th to December 17th.
Jewellery designer Monique Daniels
Monique Daniels rose gold and diamond Astro Lori ring
Monique Daniels yellow gold and gemstone Polyhedra ring
Monique Daniels yellow gold and diamond Astro earrings
"I draw my inspiration from industrial architecture, mathematical polyhedron drawings and astrological constellation mapping"
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