Of Gods and Kings: Hemmerle journeys into Ancient Egypt

When Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922, it led to Egypt mania in the world of fine jewellery design, where ancient Egyptian symbols were fused into the prevailing Art Deco style. Using an eclectic mix of materials, including aluminium, blackened silver and brown diamonds, Hemmerle has revisited the subject, boldly integrating artefacts into it’s new ‘Revived Treasures’ collection. Using an eclectic mix of materials, it makes sense of them with its preferred jewellery techniques. ‘The profound significance that jewellery carried during this period, not only as adornment but as a symbol of protection, left a lasting legacy across the region,’ says Cairo-born Yasmin Hemmerle, who runs the Munich house alongside her husband Christian. Here, she talks Wallpaper* through the collection:

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'Sons of Horus' earrings in bronze, silver and white gold with amulets and brown diamonds by Hemmerle

(Image credit: courtesy of Hemmerle)

‘Conservation ethics was a major consideration for us when designing, and we followed established museum practice. Provenance was also of the upmost important, so we worked with specialist dealers and galleries around the world to locate our artefacts.’ – Yasmin Hemmerle.

‘Sons of Horus' earrings in bronze, silver and white gold with amulets and brown diamonds

'Lotus' earrings in blackened silver and white gold with diamonds by Hemmerle

(Image credit: press)

‘I have always admired lotus flowers in bloom for their enduring beauty...we have drawn inspiration from them on several occasions. From an aesthetic point of view, I admire their clear lines and crisp edges.'  – YH

‘Lotus' earrings in blackened silver and white gold with diamonds

Hemmerle Egyptian collection

(Image credit: press)

We were drawn to these pieces, which are made from ceramic Faience, as the colouring was so unique and the natural decay in them really showed the test of time. We wanted to let them speak for themselves so we gave them a lot of space within their aluminium frames.’ – YH.

‘Horus, Isis and Nephthys’ earrings in aluminium and white gold with ancient Egyptian amulets

Hemmerle Egyptian collection

(Image credit: press)

‘We study, research and sample a material for as long as necessary to achieve a desired texture or colour.' – YH.

‘Lotus flower’ earrings in blackened silver and white gold with turquoise

'Fly amulet' earrings in bronze and white gold with fly amulets and yellow diamonds by Hemmerle

(Image credit: press)

Hemmerle is renowned for its experimental approach and unusual materials. ‘They are the starting point of our ideas. The materials and colours we chose to pair with each jewelled “artefact" were carefully selected to complement the objects.’ – YH.


‘Fly amulet' earrings in bronze and white gold with fly amulets and yellow diamonds

Laura Hawkins
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