Duncan Stevens is a proliferate artist, having produced numerous pieces of high-end and counter-culture jewellery, installations, graphic designs and art for private clients, including a collection of jewellery, handbags and scarves for All Saints Retail Ltd ‘s 2005 collections and a 4 ½ metre high crystal installation for their flagship store in London and a t-shirt design for Big Blue in South Africa. He has been part of group exhibitions at the Truman Brewery in London and Palais de Tokyo in Paris for his digital artwork and photography and has begun a series of inked sketches of work; studies on the contour of organic objects collectively called BrainCandy (http://www.braincandy.webeden.co.uk). His body of poetry entitled Journey in a Black Cab was published in the USA in 2006, a sardonic view on things he had seen and experienced whilst living in London. He currently lives and works as a magazine layout artist in Johannesburg, South Africa.

kontraPLAN is happy to show you Duncan’s new series of capsule collections which are each a glimpse into the creative workings of this avante garde jeweller.

The release of the first from the series of these creative tangents, “Talisman”, an ever-so-slightly tribal piece and forms part of the universal ring range, pieces are easily turned from pendant to ring.

Duncan’s thought process includes research into the heritage of all of his materials; every element selected having deep meaning. In Talisman, the use of gold carries the symbolism of prosperity, the essence of old gods and the Yang charge. The colour purple of Iolite carries within it the power of healing, wisdom and awareness and the green of the Peridot denotes prosperity, luck, beauty, youth and healing.

“Talisman” (pictured 14k yellow gold with Iolite and Peridot), is an open-ended ring with two bullet shaped cabochons facing each other but it’s also coming in an 18k carat gold version with a pair of diamonds, a black and white diamond, along with variations with Emerald s, Sapphires and Rubies, all set with their points facing out.

The way, in which the piece has been designed, creates tension in the negative space, which draws the eye into the void between the gemstones.

The lucky few whom have managed to pre-order versions of this piece never want to take it off their finger, even though it is available with heavy thread, that gives the owner the option to slip it onto it’s silk cradle to be worn as an elegant pendant.

The ring version precedes the earrings and bracelet from this style, and the “Talisman” ring is a taster from the forthcoming capsule collections to be released throughout 2011 by Duncan Stevens.

Not to give the game away, but the upcoming creations from Tooth et al are all slightly unsettling, as they have a savageness and menacing beauty to them.

These capsule ranges are a return to Duncan’s former tendency for paired-down or layered and gritty offbeat pieces that certainly are more fringe than mainstream.

Apart from this new work, kontraPLAN is also giving you a glimpse at some of the Duncan’s pieces from his previouse collections. Check it out bellow.

These Platinum earrings are a versatile set, with two pairs of interchangeable Trilliant-cut gem studs, the settings in the shape of Proteas. The large oval brilliant white (Colour D) diamonds are connected to the studs via a fine Platinum chain as jackets that slide onto the ear post. These earrings can be worn with only the studs as well as with the diamonds.

Photography: CADMUS (Hennie)

Parfumare

This is a stylised version of the Greek & Roman gourds used to carry wine, oil & even perfume. A collaboration between Duncan Stevens Jewellery & Daniel Vaudd Perfume gave birth to this pendant, which Duncan created to be the physical housing for Vaudd essences.

Photography: CADMUS (Hennie)

L’Envol Ear Cuff, Photographer: Nolan Lister, Model : Pippa Tshabalala

L’Envol Ear Cuff, Photographer: Nolan Lister, Model : Pippa Tshabalala

Opulence Collection: The Tower Ring
A truly dramatic and substantial statement piece which is handcrafted in 18 carat yellow & white gold. Centre stage in the ring is a 18 carat checkerboard-cut blue Topaz surrounded by 38 diamonds
Photography: CADMUS (Hennie)

Opulence Collection: The Auge Ring
The substantial ring, name in German meaning eye, is hand-crafted in 18K yellow gold with a large marquise cut smokey Quartz.
Photography: CADMUS (Hennie)

Citrine Amethyst & Swarovski Necklace

Crater Ring 18k red gold and 30 black Sapphires set in recessed crater atop the cocktail ring

Kalabash Cradle Ring (Satin finished Sterling silver, Emeralds, White enamel)

Kalabash Cradle Ring (Satin finished Sterling silver, Emeralds, White enamel)
Photography: CADMUS (Hennie)

Check out www.duncanstevens.com to see more of these stunning pieces.