An investigation in to some of the best known 20th century jewellery makers
with Jessica Fall, BSc (Hons), FGA, DGA and
Sarah Hardy, LL.B. (Hons) PJ.Dip. FGA, DGA
Talk: Modernist Jewellery at Auction
Thursday 8th May
Modernist Jewellery emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a bold departure from traditional ornamentation.
Clean lines, geometric shapes, and innovative materials like stainless steel, acrylic, and even industrial components epitomise modernist jewellery. Designers such as Andrew Grima, Alan Gard, Georg Jensen, Art Smith and Lapponia rejected excessive embellishment in favour of minimalism and abstraction. Modernist jewellery often reflected social change, embracing individuality and artistic expression. Today, its influence persists in contemporary design, with many jewellers continuing to experiment with form, structure, and unconventional materials.
The day also includes an optional behind the scenes tour of Tennants, offering the chance to meet the specialists, find out some of the secrets of the salerooms and hear more about how Tennants brings together over 80 live auctions every year.
Join Tennants’ Jewellery Specialists Jessica Fall and Sarah Hardy to find out more about this fascinating era of jewellery design and making.
About your specialists
Jessica is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association in 2021, and in 2022 completed her DGA, passing with distinction. She was also awarded the Bruton Medal, for best candidate of the year, and the Deeks Diamond Prize.
Sarah joined Tennants in 2007 and was Head of the Jewellery Department until going on maternity leave in 2016. Returning as Consultant for the department, Sarah holds a Professional Jeweller’s Diploma and a Diploma in Gemmology; she is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association and gained her Diamond Diploma in 2013 with distinction.
Timings
10am-11am – Behind The Scenes Tour (optional)
11am-11.30am – Arrival Tea and Coffee
11.30am -12.30pm – Talk
12.45pm – Two-Course Lunch
Tickets
£40 to include:
- the specialists’ talk
- a behind the scenes tour
- two course lunch
£33 to include:
- the specialists’ talk
- two course lunch