Philippe Pfeiffer: The art of transforming the old into new
The antique and unused jewellery pieces that Philippe Pfeiffer modernises in his bespoke jewellery service can be likened to a Grand Dame actress: although cherished, she may look out of place and go unacknowledged in the wrong context. That is, unless you create a fitting, celebrative new stage for her. In his own words, Philippe Pfeiffer creates a “theatre for the piece to be appreciated to its fullest potential.”
This London-based jeweller possesses an incredibly individual style of creating and experimenting with fine jewellery, and predominantly produces his own original designs alongside his custom work. During the process of redesigning a piece, he is required to understand not only the individual, but also the best way to repurpose and showcase their precious jewellery that is no longer being worn.
Philippe Pfeiffer's workbench at his London atelier
“I understand that all of the jewellery that people bring to me to redesign is sentimental. So, I want to offer them something unexpected and completely unique, rather than a piece created in the same way that any jewellery designer could do. For one piece, I will take a bracelet apart and incorporate all its gemstone components into a new design, but for another, I will set a brooch into carbon fibre to make a statement cocktail ring out of it…”
During my recent visit to Philippe Pfeiffer’s charming atelier at 52 Artillery Lane in Spitalfields, I had a chance to see some of his clients’ treasured jewellery pieces, which the jeweller is in the process of transforming from something old into something new.
Philippe Pfeiffer
After spending time with Philippe, I realise that this jeweller doesn’t simply turn old jewellery into new pieces; he transforms unloved sentimental items into exciting, show-stopping talismans.
WORDS
Katerina Perez With more than 12 years’ experience in the jewellery sector, Katerina Perez’s expert knowledge spans everything from retail sales and management to content creation, including brand building, jewellery writing and styling. Born and raised in St Petersburg, Katerina’s favourite hobby as a child was playing with the treasures in her grandmother's jewellery box, inspiring a lifelong love of jewellery from a very early age. She spent five years in St Petersburg University of Culture and Arts studying not journalism but business studies and languages, and her writing skills have developed as her passion for her favourite subject – jewellery – has grown. This is why her writing comes straight from the heart rather than the pages of a book. Daughter of an entrepreneur mother, Katerina exchanged her retail management job for jewellery writing in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since.
Related Articles
Designer Gifts: The Latest Men’s Jewellery for the Label Lover in Your Life
2024 has been the year that men's jewellery really got into its stride, shedding its traditional image, embracing innovation, and emerging as a bold and brilliant category in its own right.
Latest Stories
Add articles and images to your favourites. Just
Jeweller of the Month:MADLY Gems
Singaporean brand celebrates 10-year anniversary
Jewels Katerina Perez Loves
Continue Reading
Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing
Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…
Brand Focus:Van Cleef & Arpels
Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox