From the first moment we saw Canadian designer Anne Sportun's fine jewellery, we knew we had to bring her designs to the UK to feature on AstleyClarke.com. Mesmerisingly beautiful and featuring stunning gemstones, Anne's jewellery collections reflect her unquestionable expertise, both in design and craftsmanship.
We couldn't resist finding out the inspiration behind this enormously talented jewellery designer ...
Five words that best describe you
Sincere, a little shy, driven, obsessive, passionate
What do you love about Canada?
The vast space and how you can drive for hours and days before ever leaving one province. The trees, the air and the maple syrup!
What is your proudest achievement?
Recently walking into a prestigious high end jewellery/department store in NYC before my work had arrived, and introducing myself to a staff member and they immediately knew who I was.
Who do you most admire?
Anyone living their dream.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My husband, Ian.
Your favourite gemstone?
Unusually cut, or naturally coloured diamonds.
Your home is….
An old Victorian house lived in by a lot of good spirits with a fish pond in the backyard
What can't you live without?
Lipstick and regular trips to my cottage in the country
At the moment I am reading…
Yoga for a World out of Balance by Michael Stone
What drives you crazy?
Badly made jewellery.
In 2003 Anne was graced with the honour of having the image of her hands on a Canadian $0.65 postage stamp.
View Fine jewellery by Anne Sportun
What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?
When I was in my last year of high school, a silversmith came and presented to our art class. She showed us slides of the work she had produced: silver vessels, hammered forms and fine jewellery. I was totally inspired and understood then and there that this was possible for me.
I took a year off after high school and planned to undertake a degree in archeology at university the following year. Instead I enrolled in a 3 year Jewellery Arts program to become a goldsmith and never did study archeology as planned.
How has your work developed since you first started designing?
My work has definitely become more refined, a "less is more" design mentality. My jewellery was always organic only much more so now.
What does fine jewellery mean to you?
In essence fine jewellery really is my canvas. Gold and platinum are the mediums in which I express my creativity with a precious permanence. I am honored and thrilled that something I have made can bear so much significance to someone. It is this appreciation that truly makes my life richer.
What design principles are embodied in your fine jewellery collections?
Evidence of being created by hand, superior craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and the ability to be worn and treasured everyday are the design principles of my work.
What makes a piece of jewellery timeless?
To be timeless a piece of jewellery must be simple, without excess embellishment. It's design must also be able to stand the test of time, therefore excellent workmanship is a necessity.
Are your designs influenced by fashion?
I only recently looked to fashion for a part of my line that involved lots of colour. But really, my work is more an internal creative expression. I would have to say that I am as influenced by fashion as I am anything else to which I am exposed such as nature, great architecture and art.
I believe there is a wonderful and mysterious cosmic design pulse that exists and unconsciously reaches you especially if you live in a large urban centre.
You have used numerous rose cut stones in this collection, what prompted this choice?
I love rose cut stones! There is an underlying dichotomy in my work; I find combining rose cut stones, which is a very old style of cut, with a contemporary design creates subtle tension and contrast. I also love setting these gemstones as they are not too deep and have all their weight above the setting. The low profile of these rose cut diamonds and sapphires help to keep my fine jewellery line casual and easy to wear day in and day out.
Would you agree that your fine jewellery has a very romantic or bridal quality?
Yes, I have heard my work described that way! I design each piece as if it were for me. The bridal market has always been a very strong part of my business and in the early days, my regular clientele would request that I make their engagement or wedding rings and it is always an honor to do so. It is such a positive and romantic time in peoples' lives I find the happiness is contagious!
What might people be surprised to know about you?
OK, here it goes. I long to speak Italian fluently and have wanted to speak Italian for a very long time. After a few attempts at night school I am now obsessed with the ROSETTA STONE program and now dream in Italian. It helps that I have recruited my entire family to join in on my lessons with me. My real dream is to spend a year (at least) in Italy with my amazing family.
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