The Art of Mixing Metals: NORMA.’s Take on Timeless Jewellery
Having spent the best part of my twenties working in the jewellery industry, I learnt a thing or two about how to buy the best pieces for your money. This wasn’t something I had given much thought before embarking on my career, after all, if a piece looks nice, isn’t that all that matters? My jewellery collection was filled with mass-produced styles that looked pretty but tarnished after a few wears and so went to the jewellery graveyard in the sky.
So, it was an eye-opening experience when I started working in the industry and discovered that there was an alternative to the cheaply made costume items I’d become accustomed to. My place of work was in the heart of London’s jewellery destination Hatton Garden, and my desk was adjoined to a jewellery studio where goldsmiths, stone-cutters and designers went about their daily work. In our studio jewellery began life as a hand-drawn sketch, followed by a computer-aided design, before being crafted predominantly from hand. The hours and love that went into each piece was reflected in the price tag, and quality. This wasn’t throwaway jewellery: Hatton Garden’s workforce were creating heirlooms that could be enjoyed by generations to come.
Whilst the (justifiably) high price tags of pieces produced in Hatton Garden are for considered purchases only, there are some brilliant London-based jewellery designers creating affordably-priced pieces for day to day wear. One such designer is Harriet Williams, founder of contemporary jewellery label NORMA. After graduating in jewellery design from the prestigious Central Saint Martins, Williams spent nearly a decade in the industry. During this time, she built her expertise and gained a deep understanding of what makes a piece truly beautiful and lasting, before founding her eponymous, genderless brand. Having discovered NORMA. on Instagram, I instantly knew I wanted to add some pieces to my jewellery collection. What drew me to the designs was the use of mixed metals, with most pieces cleverly intertwining 18k yellow gold plating with solid silver.
Mixing of metals has been a slow burn trend in the world of jewellery for some time now – gone are the days of wearing matching pieces all in one tone. It’s reflective of a wider trend for embracing personal style: Gen Z and those in the know are thrifting their wardrobes from carboot sales, Vinted and charity shops. And jewellery trends are following a similar pattern – it’s all about mixing and matching metals, combining high and low with old and new and, most importantly – staying true to your personal style.
While personal style is a major factor when choosing jewellery, investing in the best quality your budget allows is just as important. This consideration is factored into all NORMA. designs: with each being crafted in small batches by London artisans. The quality is in the detail too – for example, the yellow gold plating is thickly coated on the sterling silver base layer for longevity (there’s nothing more annoying than a gold plated piece wearing through to the silver in a few wears).
Our favourite pieces in the collection? We were lucky enough to receive a pair of the chunky Ara Hoops to roadtest, which feel like a modern classic. Sizeable enough to make an impact, whilst being light and comfortable for everyday wear, we love that the sterling silver hoops are threaded through a yellow gold chain link that can be removed to offer different looks.
For something a little more dressed up, the dainty Lyra drop earrings are a contemporary spin on the classic pearl earring. Featuring natural freshwater pearls suspended from a choice of either yellow gold plated or sterling silver curb chain, these earrings would pair beautifully with a crisp white shirt or a tailored waistcoat for evening.
There’s also a complementary Lyra necklace with a singular freshwater pearl sitting at the centre of a curb chain, that would look equally as good worn alone, or layered up with other chain styles.
If mixed metals are more your thing, the Hydra ring is one of those easy to wear forever pieces that will tie together all your mixed metals when worn at once. The continuous flowing knot design feels elegant and simple, and will sit beautifully alongside existing engagement rings and wedding bands in your collection.
Describing the inspiration behind NORMA., designer Harriet sweetly said “The idea came from my grandmother’s watch chain – it just worked with everything from casual days to evenings out, and always added a little something special. That memory really stuck with me. It’s what I try to bring into every NORMA. piece I design, style that just fits, no matter what you’re wearing.”
In a world of throwaway style, NORMA. stands out – creating pieces that feel personal, crafted to last, and destined to become heirlooms in your collection.