EC One chats with Joanna Cave

Based in Athens, Anglo-Greek jewellery designer Joanna Cave creates fabulous collections of simple, easy-to-wear jewellery. Her pieces are the perfect finishing touch; pretty details, minimal styling – a look which is chic and understated. Using recycled silver and 18ct yellow and rose gold plating, Joanna’s designs play with colourful threads, pearls and pebbles, taking influence from the world which surrounds her… We caught up to find out more about Joanna’s current jewellery collection, favourite designers and plans for 2011…

Your collections combine simple shapes and designs with intricate detailing; where do you draw your influence from when designing your collections?
To be totally honest my influence and inspiration comes from almost anything. From something simple and clean cut in architecture, nature and landscape, to something more bizarre such a conversation or the way a body moves physically… Even a pile of books stacked in a corner.

When you’re designing, is there anyone you invisage or would you love to see wearing your pieces?
Vanessa Redgrave because of the subtlety and softness of her features and expressions

You’ve been designing and making for several years now, with a recent move into using recycled silver. Thinking about your jewellery, what’s been your favourite piece to date?
My favourite tends to change a lot, at the moment it’s a star necklace  I’ve made called ‘Sibilla’ from my Spring summer 2011 collection

What do you like about working with EC One?
The people who work there, the great sense of style of the EC One shops which is so minimal and lets the jewellery stand out as it should, and the fact that it’s so active and lively. There are always new events all the time, people coming together, you make jewellery selling sociable and fun!

And what plans do you have for Joanna Cave jewellery during 2011; any new plans or collections?
I’m doing a collaboration with ethical clothing designer Partimi. I’ll be designing jewellery that compliments a collection of clothing inspired by costumes for the ballets Russes; lots of flowing lines and shapes.

When it comes to jewellery, do you have a favourite designer or a style of jewellery making?
I like different designers for their different styles. Alex Monroe, Zoe and Morgan… I love fellow Greek jewellery designer Mira; very elegant and delicate. Oria is also a favourite, for their use of ethical silver and gold.

Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise us?
My middle name is Crystal!

Quick Fire Questions!

Gold or Silver        Gold plated silver!
Clean lines or quirky details?        Clean lines
Favourite clothing designer?        Phoebe Philo
Childhood hero/idol?        Candy Candy
Most treasured possession?        A portrait of my grandfather painted by my father