Shola Branson draws from the antique and modern for his must-have jewellery pieces

Cartouche gold ring with champagne diamonds, price on request, by Shola Branson

(Image credit: Photography: Neil Godwin. Art direction: Sophie Gladstone)

published 11 May 2025

An interest in journeys is key for jeweller Shola Branson, who has crafted his new collection entirely in fully traceable 18 carat Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold.

Branson has chosen brushed gold from the Sabodala mine in Senegal for the Fragments collection, which draws from both antique and modern inspirations. Stones, including Colombian emeralds, white and brown diamonds, tourmalines, and sapphires, are set on blackened gold and rendered in a distinctive cartouche shape.

To set the stones in as little metal as possible, Branson assembles a precious jigsaw puzzle, flooding the recesses with stones of different sizes and hues.

‘They are somewhat inspired by Georgian diamond jewellery,’ says Branson. ‘They often set diamonds in oxidised silver, creating this rich contrast that enhances the brilliance of diamonds, particularly in candlelight. I think this setting technique paired with the bold brushed forms gives it a very different feel, something more contemporary.’

This article appears in the June 2025 issue of Wallpaper*, available in print on newsstands from 8 May 2025, on the Wallpaper* app on Apple iOS, and to subscribers of Apple News +. Subscribe to Wallpaper* today

Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.