AMANDA CLARK
Wearable Jewels by Amanda Clark
is designed by Hong Kong-based British interior and product designer Amanda Clark. A marriage of Eastern and Western influences, her collection features pearls, ambers, turquoise, coral and semi-precious stones prominently, set in handcrafted old and new gold. Her collections are available exclusively at Altfield Gallery.
What’s the most treasured jewellery piece that you own?
A beautiful antique sapphire and diamond bracelet, which my husband gave me as a wedding present. I don’t wear it very often, as it’s so precious to me, but it was so thrilling to receive it — and it matches my engagement ring.
What’s your design philosophy?
I like natural materials, and to see the hand of the artisan who creates. I also think we need to be mindful when we buy in any category — it’s better to buy a few good pieces, and have them last — the old adage, buy well, buy once, is more and more important in our current world of excess. After all, we should buy things that will last and become heirlooms of the future!
Where do you go to be close to nature?
Sai Kung Country Park, where we bought a weekend house to spend time recharging from city life. It has everything — untouched mountains and river valleys, coastal walks and beaches. It’s a truly beautiful place.
Tell us a bit about your collection.
I like to work with 18K or 24K gold, and to use semi-precious stones with some diamonds for highlighting. I love the natural beauty of pearls, amber, coral and turquoise, and I’m always amazed by the sheer loveliness of these natural materials. All my gold is hand-crafted and I like the look of hand-hammering, so you can sense the goldsmiths hand at work. I don’t like hard edges and sharp cold jewellery; mine is soft and earthy, and I think it appeals to women who are very comfortable in their own taste and don’t want to wear recognisable brands all the time; it’s very personal. It’s also, importantly, jewellery that can be worn every day, not just for special occasions, hence my tagline — wearable jewels.
What are you currently reading?
A wonderful novel, A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles, and for my spiritual life, Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard.
What do you do to unwind?
My husband and I love to cook. So weekends at the country house are when we entertain, and we love having friends around our table. Cooking together with a good bottle of wine and some music is good for the soul, usually followed by a long hike the next day!