God Of Rocks

He rides a Harley Davidson, goes for road trips in his 1959 Thunderbird and looks like a rock deity. He is not really your run-of-the-mill jeweller. A rule-breaker and rule-maker at the same time, he can almost be credited for re-branding the jeweller as an artist. He is the man who gave crabs, lobsters, skulls and spiders an iconic status in the crowded world of jewellery. Meet Stephen Webster.

In a career that has spanned close to four decades and counting, Webster, undoubtedly, is one of the most prominent designers of his generation. His exquisite craftsmanship and fearless creativity is the reason Stephen Webster, the brand, has evolved into the global luxury jewellery cult that it is. The label, he insists, is built on a foundation of technical excellence founded at the bench in London's renowned Hatton Garden, where he carried out his apprenticeship at the age of sixteen. This strong British heritage of traditional goldsmithery helps him execute his distinct vision. Today, Stephen Webster's inimitable style and love of coloured gemstones have become his signature as he blends the finest materials and innovative design with impeccable attention to detail. That’s why we were thrilled to score a rendezvous with the man behind some of the most sublime creations worn by the likes of Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Madonna.

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Tell us about your early years. Were you always interested in jewellery design?

To be honest, it was slightly by accident. I was going to study fashion design at the Medway College in Kent and, by chance, walked into a jewellery design class rather than the fashion design room. The flames, noise, chemicals and shiny objects were instantly appealing, and much more up my alley than fashion design. I guess it was a good choice as 38 years later I am still at it! You have transformed the image of bling. Was it a conscious call to go off the beaten path and design edgy pieces? It has always been my passion to cultivate jewellery collections that push all creative boundaries, that are high on innovation, and that are unreservedly cool. My love for music has also really influenced my style. All of my work is

You have a long list of celebrity clients... Do you think they play a big role in elevating a brand’s image?

Celebrity association has been key to the communication of our brand. Some key people have been Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Ozzy, Jay Z and Pink. They all have huge followings and have a positive impact on our business. And again, my love of music comes into play. A lot of inspiration for my designs comes from music and the whole world that revolves around it. And I’m lucky that a lot of music stars have embraced my jewellery. Your rockstar-like persona is talked about a lot. How do you unwind?

My life revolves around jewellery... I still get immense pleasure in creating a beautiful piece using amazing gemstones. The rest is travelling the world one way or another through jewellery. Then, to escape, I go to our house in Kent with my family.

a reflection of my personality. I am fortunate that, selfishly, I have pursued topics and inspirations from my life’s experiences and translated them into our many collections.

How would you define your design sensibilities? The single most important thing for me is to make my own design statement as well as executing beautifully crafted pieces of jewellery. I would say that my designs are definitely iconic. Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration generally comes from the objects, sights and people around me… the sea, gems, film noir, tattoos, architecture, broken glass, even fish bones. You are one of the very few jewellery designers who also cater to men. What is your take on the entire concept of ‘jewellery is not for men?

Over the years, we have learned a lot about what is likely to turn men on. Men love manly materials such as flint, bloodstone or Spiderman jasper. We are always looking at introducing new materials. I swear if there was a stone called testosterone, it would be a winner.

Tell us about your latest collection that was showcased at Baselworld 2014.

I was intrigued by the image and back story of Albion Rose, a William Blake illustration, which depicts a mythological giant called Albion. He gave his name to and ruled the island that was to become England, over a thousand years before the Romans. I started to create a collection inspired by alternative interpretations of being British. There were many points of inspiration for us to reference and turn into collections from Blake and his story alone. However, I couldn't resist for this English story to expand to a few more Englishmen, who have had a huge influence on me.