Amanda Mansell: An Example of Versatility in the Jewellery World

Some people are born with a vocation, but lack the means, the background or simply the conviction to pursue it; others choose to follow their dream regardless of how it may affect them, their lives and their inter-personal relationships. A third kind not only follows the path they are best suited for and appreciate the most, but make a point of branching out into other, peripheral fields, eventually stretching their influence across a certain spectrum or area of knowledge.

In the contemporary jewellery field, there are few better examples of this than Amanda Mansell. Known primarily for her bespoke pieces, mainly for her appealing and unique engagement rings, this London-based designer has nevertheless made an effort to branch out and put her knowledge and expertise towards other areas relating to the jewellery field.

Variety Counts

In her bespoke pieces and jewellery collections, Amanda Mansell’s main trait is her versatility of materials and shapes, which tie in to her variety of business ventures as well. A proud supporter of British materials, the designer does not balk at any metal or stone, as long as it can be used to translate her visions into actual, physical jewellery pieces. This is why, in her collections, a prospective buyer will find several different materials sitting side by side, and often used within the same piece to achieve a unique effect.

If there is a guide to this designer’s creations, however, it is their modern and stylised appearance. By making good use of ‘white’ metals, Amanda Mansell is able to infuse her pieces with a nearly futuristic vibe which extends to the frequent appearance of austere geometric lines in many of her ranges. Other items, however, are a bit warmer, with the inclusion of gold to give them a more welcoming appearance. All of them, however, perfectly encapsulate the different sides of the jeweller’s personality, which becomes apparent once one looks into Amanda’s other projects.

Branching Out

Not wishing to limit her creativity simply to the design of jewellery pieces, Amanda Mansell has, in recent years, dedicated herself to many other projects, still jewel-themed but not directly involving the making of rings or necklaces. An example of this is her coffee-table book, entitled ‘Adorn’, which showcases some of this designer’s favourite pieces from across the contemporary jewellery spectrum. The London-based jeweller is also responsible for a short film, written and directed by herself, which focuses on the process of making a bespoke jewellery item and the motivations a designer might incorporate into one of these pieces.

Not all of Amanda’s projects, however, come about of her own volition: most recently, the jeweller was randomly street-cast to appear in a commercial spot for a popular British morning talk show. It would seem, therefore, that this designer’s desire to be involved in the London art scene is involuntarily reaping benefits. Whatever the case may be, the fact remains: Amanda is the perfect example of the new, ‘connected to the world’, cosmopolitan creative mind.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. Hosting designers like Amanda Mansell and hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from princess cuts to engraved bands, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.