In the realm of luxury jewellery, where traditional metals like gold, platinum, and silver dominate, a rare and remarkable material is making waves: Osmium. Known as the densest naturally occurring element, osmium is captivating jewellery designers and collectors alike with its bluish-silver hue and unmatched brilliance.
One of the pioneering forces behind osmium’s introduction into fine jewellery in the UK is The Diamond Setter, based in the iconic Pantiles of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Led by Lorraine and Gavin Marsh, The Diamond Setter has pushed the boundaries of creativity by integrating osmium into their designs, crafting pieces that are both innovative and timeless.
The Journey to Osmium
Osmium’s journey into jewellery began with a spark of inspiration and curiosity. Lorraine and Gavin shared their story in a recent interview:
How did you get to know osmium?
Lorraine: We first came to know osmium through Instagram when the Osmium violin was being shown. We were captivated immediately and thought surely osmium could be set into jewellery as well, not knowing there are already a number of jewellers working with osmium around the world.
Can you share with us the inspiration behind incorporating osmium in your jewellery piece?
Lorraine: Being a jewellery designer and maker, we always strive to create something extraordinary. Because of our in-house skills in design and manufacturing, we thought it would be so exciting to be the first UK-based jeweller to create something with osmium. The inception ring was our very first project. Quite fitting, inception means opening, new idea and beginning.
What unique properties of osmium attracted you to use it in your design?
Lorraine: The silver blue finish with an extraordinary shine and of course using something completely different from gemstones.
Can you describe the handcrafts involved in working with osmium compared to other materials you may have used?
Lorraine: The way we describe it, although it is a metal, we use it like a gemstone but due to its flat surface, we have to create a design where it will be used as an inlay. Setting it in precious metals is also not that complicated. We particularly like it as rubover but it can be set as grain, rubbed over any many other types of setting.
What challenges did you face while designing with Osmium, and how did you overcome them?
Lorraine: It really was just the initial thought process as we have not worked with anything like it before so the apprehension of not knowing the material held us back but as soon as the first jewellery was set, we knew it was not going to be difficult given the experience Gavin, our master jeweller and stone setter has.
How does the use of Osmium help the overall aesthetic and value of the jewellery piece?
Lorraine: It is unique, it has a shine like no other and most of all, it is an opportunity to own the rarest metal on the planet.
What kind of reactions or responses have you received from customers or the market regarding the incorporation of Osmium in your jewellery designs?
Lorraine: The customers who commissioned osmium jewellery are those who want to be edgy. They want something new, unique, different and one they can talk about and those around them would be mesmerised as they have not seen anything like it before.
Osmium: The Future of Fine Jewellery
As awareness of osmium grows, thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Osmium Institute and innovative jewellers like The Diamond Setter, this rare metal is poised to transform the jewellery industry. Combining rarity, beauty, and innovation, osmium jewellery is more than an accessory—it’s a bold statement of individuality and luxury.
Would you consider adding osmium to your collection? For those seeking something truly unique and extraordinary, osmium is the perfect choice.
Author: Shohista Turdiyeva
Special thanks to the Osmium Institute for sponsoring this article.
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