Annoushka Ducas is a dynamic driving force in our jewellery world. Unusually combining an unstoppable creative spirit with commercial savvy, she always has her finger on the pulse, and antennae tuned to the latest style shifts and emerging design directions. So I was thrilled when Annoushka took a lively interest in our Vivarium venture – working with talented, individual, independent designer jewellers, artists and goldsmiths around the world, showcasing their work, introducing them to new audiences. Of course, when I and my co-director Diana Cawdell met with Annoushka, a while ago now, we were quizzed and asked all the right, searching questions. Presumably we gave the right answers, as I’m delighted to say that now we’re collaborating on the first of a series of three selling exhibitions at Annoushka’s flagship boutique in Chelsea, to show the work of Estonian gem-hunter-turned-jeweller, Alexander Tenzo. (July 7th to 17th).
I was introduced to Alexander by New York based Peggy Grosz, another dynamic mover and shaker in the jewellery industry, and soon Tenzo was part of the Vivarium designer showcase I curated at GemGenève. As a young man, he had spent time working his way around Asia, where he discovered and fell in love with coloured stones, funding his travels – as so many gem-hunters began their careers. Back home, he began exploring craft techniques, inspired by his Estonian-Russian heritage, in love with the splendour of Russian jewelled arts, including Fabergé of course, and fascinated too by tales, myths and fables surrounding the glorious gems buried deep inside the Ural mountains.
Now, years later, he sets his treasury of gems, all rare, intriguing, charismatic gemstones, in jewels of exquisite refinement – I always think his jewels are like Alexander himself, quiet, elegant, with hidden depths, waiting to be discovered. A rarity in today’s world. Please come and discover them for yourself . . .
