We discovered Emma Chapman’s creations last summer at Pure Form event at Atzaró. We fell in love with her exotic jewelry, rich in colours, inspired in India and timeless. Today, we interview this amazing jewelry designer, who started her career doing PR in movies and working for celebrities as Uma Thurman, Daniel Day Lewis or Anthony Hopkins. “Jewelry design was my passion on the sidelines, which then turned from a hobby into a business”, says Emma. Chosen as one of the most promising new designers of today, Chapman has exhibited numerous times at both London and Paris Fashion Week.
You started your career working in theatre and films. Could you talk about this beginnings? Did you work in a famous movie/performance? I worked for many years in theatre and films. My career started at Glyndebourne Opera House and I went on to work at the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. This led onto my film career where I promoted movies across the world, including all the big festivals like the Cannes Film Festivals. I worked with many celebrities including Uma Thurman, Daniel Day Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Catherine Deneuve, Isabella Rossellini, Jeremy Irons, Kate Beckinsale, Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Craig, Joseph Fiennes etc. Favourite films include Cinema Paradiso for its magic, Buena Vista Social Club as I got to hang out with all those wonderful Cuban musicians and the film about Che Guevara called Motorcycle Diaries as I worked in Peru with the wonderful Brazilian Director Walter Salles and got to drink cocktails on the amazon with Gael Garcia Bernal.
India is your main source of inspiration. Why did you choose to move to Jaipur? India has been a source of inspiration for me for many years, due to its incredible cultural heritage. I decided to set up workshops in Jaipur as it is one of the biggest gem markets in the world. It has an ancient tradition of being a gem capital, and also there are incredible stonecutters and master craftsemen here, who I work with in Jaipur, who come from ancient lineages of craftsmen. I am passionate about keeping all these ancient skills alive. I have also worked in Nepal in Kathmadu, which has wonderul craftsmen. My inspiration comes from many ancient references and is then given a modern twist.
Love Lakshimin necklace, 174 pounds.
Tsarina collection, necklace. 250 pounds.
Gold braceled, amatiste and onyx. 450 pounds.
Bracelet from Love Lakshmi collection. 154 pounds.
Chandra ring. 149 pounds.
Gardenia ring. 198 pounds.
Vishnu Ruby Earrings. 189 pounds.