Stephen Webster blinging out the stars

With coveted gongs under his belt (British luxury jeweller award, diamond jeweller award and jewellery brand of the year award), it is little wonder Stephen Webster's stellar celebrity client roster continues to grow.

From a modest upbringing in the UK, Webster has attracted some of the entertainment world's most glamorous clients. The quirky Londoner has designed pieces for the likes of Jay-Z, Sharon Stone, Johnny Depp and Pink.

Webster's love for all that glitters lead him to a jewellery and silversmith course at the young age of 16. His unique blend of unconventional, edgy and elegant jewellery has been some 30 years in the making. After completing his training, Webster worked as a craftsman for several established British design houses. Among many highly regarded commissions was the honour, on two occasions, of setting the De Beers Diamond Stakes Trophy.

Today, Webster is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished designers. His bold style and use of exotic and unusual stones continues to attract fashion-savvy clients. Webster told tabloid! in an e-mail interview about his designs, passions and other hidden gems.

What inspires you in the design process?

It has always been my passion to cultivate jewellery collections that push all creative boundaries, are high on innovations and are unreservedly cool.

My love of music has also really influenced my style; it has been my passion from very early days. All of my work is a reflection of my personality. I have pursued inspirations from my life and translated them into our collections.

What projects are you currently working on?

I've just returned from Basel (the annual Swiss jewellery fair) where we launched all of the new collections. The single most exciting launch has been the Astro Ball pendants. Already a runaway success at Harrods in London, they will now be available at retailers across the world.

We are also working on some really exciting ongoing brand collaborations with Grey Goose, Davidoff and two fantastic charities, Malaria No More and SOS Rainforest.

What celebrity special orders have you done recently?

I recently made a Mermaid pendant for Russell Brand to give to Katy Perry. In the past we've made wedding rings for Madonna and Guy Ritchie, Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman, Pink and Carey Hart and Cheryl and Ashley Cole.

How did the aquatic theme come about for the Fine Jewellery and Silver collection?

I was inspired by the French author Jules Verne's novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. However, ever since I was a child I've been fascinated by the sea. My fondest memories are rock pooling with my brother during family holidays at the seaside.

Stephen Webster's new collection features two elements — the fine jewellery and the pure silver line. The fine jewellery pieces were strongly influenced by marine life, with rings, bracelets and pendants depicting creatures from the deep blue, like the spider crab bracelet and fish bone ring.

The stones were more prominent than usual due to special treatment unique to Webster's jewellery. Crystal Haze is his technique of mounting carefully layered semi-precious and precious stones onto gold and silver. The result: an oversized turquoise stone looked like a small piece of the tropical sea. The stones have an endearing water-like effect, while best-selling crab ring has a vintage feel.

It was just two years ago that the younger, diffusion, pure silver line was established. The collection carries the same aquatic life theme. Organic forms from crustacea contrast with the jagged edges of fish scales and shark's teeth. The new season stones include white mother-of-pearl, grey cat's eye and raspberry quartz. The romantic Nightingale and trendy Boyfriend range also feature in the new collection.

Did you know?

Stephen and Christina's Special relationship

"Christina Aguilera is our brand ambassador and I guess you could also say my muse. Christina and I have been close friends for many years and she has been a real source of inspiration for me. She has an incredible enthusiasm for my work and I love the fact that she keeps moving on style-wise. Both she and my jewellery are all about glamour, so it's easy to design collections with her in mind and on the whole we have very similar values in life."