Famous jewellery designer Gurhan ignored the prevailing belief that pure 24 karat gold was too soft, heavy and expensive for jewelry. He studied the craft of the ancient goldsmiths of the Anatolian and Byzantine empires who had been successful in their endeavors to make pure gold jewelry, then refined their methods to develop his now signature technique.
Today his designs are driven by the dictates of the pure metal; every piece must achieve strength, lightness and affordability, as well as beauty in its design. But the warmth and sensuality that is central to pure gold remains at the soul of his pieces and is the first thing that appeals to his devoted followers.
via GURHAN | The Jewelry.
All of the team at Andrew Geoghegan admire greatly what Gurhan has done and Angelina Joley appears to agree, pictured in a pair of Gurhan earrings. There seems to be a wealth of techniques available to us when we start to delve into ancient methods but also, it seems, in mixing with more recent technology.
2 years ago whilst in India, I was inspired to use pure gold but was naturally concerned with the hardness of the metal. Subsequent research has introduced me to the skill of Gurhan but of also the more recent possibility of micro alloys! This is where pure gold is combined with other metals such as titanium thus creating a harder gold. My research carries on and will take me to a lecture in late Jan 2011 by Martyn Pugh. This goldsmithing genius has created an item of table wear from this micro alloy – an incredible feat.
I have designer engagement rings and cocktail rings floating around in my mind just waiting for me to resolve the possibility of using this magnificent metal. I will bring you news as soon as there are developments!