Few people would use the phrases, ‘cool’ or ‘rock ‘n roll’ when describing jewellery. Perhaps ‘delicate’ or ‘expensive’, ‘sparkly’. Kent-born goldsmith and jeweller, Stephen Webster may have something to say about that, however.
Born in Gravesend, Webster’s name is now practically a by-line in edgy and creative pieces. With a focus on elevating unique and rarely used gems, Webster’s pieces enfold dynamic movement with distinct subjects.
Webster got his start with the Medway College of Design, now the University for the Creative Arts. After completing his degree, he trained under former Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Tony Shepherd. After establishing himself as a competent and diligent craftsman, Webster worked for several London design houses as he built up his own brand and portfolio.
1982 saw Webster honoured by De Beers, marking his transition into the realm of fine jewellery. This same year also signalled Webster’s relocation to Canada to design for an independent jeweller. It was in Canada where Webster was truly allowed to explore his interest in unique gemstones and encouraged to experiment more with these new materials. Under mentorship here, he was exposed to the Tucson Gem Show, one of the largest gem expositions in the world, where all dealers and designers come together to see and be seen. His star was steadily on the rise as Webster made his way from Canada back to London, and then halfway across the world to sunny California.
California was a new land that understood his brave use of bold colour and penchant for unique gemstones. Webster’s fashion sense drew his West Coast clientele in and by 1989 when he returned to London for good, he was set to establish Stephen Webster Ltd.
Stephen Webster Ltd. marked its explosion onto the fine jewellery circuit with the Crystal Haze collection. Developed in the 1990s, Crystal Haze is a form of elevated doublet which sees a unique gem, such as turquoise or malachite, amplified by a faceted quartz crystal top layer. This collection was a seemingly immediate success, intriguing the likes of Madonna upon its release. Now Crystal Haze pieces are a staple in many celebrities’ jewellery boxes.
At the heart of Stephen Webster Ltd. and indeed Webster himself, is a strong ethos of British craftsmanship and heritage. In recognition of his devotion to training the next generation of jewellers and goldsmiths, Webster was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire. This recognition was well-deserved and well-placed as he maintains a partnership with the British Fashion Council (NEWGEN first established in 2012) to ‘future-proof’ British craftsmanship and goldsmithing. Webster is ensuring that the standards of quality remain high, and that the art produced by the newest jewellers and craftsmen is nothing short of exemplary, nurturing growth in the latest members of this expanding community.
Today, Webster continues to add to his ever-growing portfolio, while never sacrificing quality or sustainability. His pieces still maintain the edge that drew his oldest clients and continue to attract the younger generation. Owning a piece of Stephen Webster jewellery is owning not only a piece of unique jewellery history but also a chance to wear something a bit off-piste, a bit quirky, but excellently crafted and luxuriously handled.
