DESIGNER OF THE DAY

Designer of the Day: Emefa Cole

Inspired by Ghanaian folklore of people finding gold nuggets after heavy rains, Emefa Cole uses traditional wax-casting techniques to create richly detailed body adornments that demand second glances. To create her signature pieces, the London-based jewelry designer layers gold, silver, rhodium, and oxidized bronze with gold leaf to capture the beauty of destruction through a natural peeling process that unveils different layers of precious metals over time. And her star is quickly rising—the Victoria & Albert Museum recently added her Vulcan Series ring to its permanent collection.

Inspired by Ghanaian folklore of people finding gold nuggets after heavy rains, Emefa Cole uses traditional wax-casting techniques to create richly detailed body adornments that demand second glances. To create her signature pieces, the London-based jewelry designer layers gold, silver, rhodium, and oxidized bronze with gold leaf to capture the beauty of destruction through a natural peeling process that unveils different layers of precious metals over time. And her star is quickly rising—the Victoria & Albert Museum recently added her Vulcan Series ring to its permanent collection.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 41

Occupation: Jewelry artist.

Instagram: @emefacolejewellery

Hometown: Accra and London.

Studio location: Hammersmith, London.

Describe what you make: I create sculptural forms inspired by the transformation of our natural habitat.

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: All my pieces are important—choosing would be like a mother having a favorite child. I am particularly proud of the ring acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum for their permanent collection.

Describe the problem your work solves: My pieces work seamlessly with the wearer rather than being overpowering.

Describe the project you are working on now: I have been working on a series inspired by the beautiful continent of Africa. I have so many ideas popping up—a majority have been in my thoughts for years and I can’t wait to bring them to life.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We’re designing a new and improved website which will show a lot more of my work to clients.

What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music, coffee, and great quality hazelnut chocolate.

What you do when you’re not working: I am a mother. In other words, I’m the cook, cleaner, secretary… I love to read or binge on some amazing drama when I can.

Sources of creative envy: Giovanni Corvaga, the best artist in the world.

The distraction you want to eliminate: All forms of social media.

Concrete or marble? Concrete.

High-rise or townhouse? Both. I’d like one of each.

Remember or forget? Remember. That’s how we learn in life.

Aliens or ghosts? Neither.

Dark or light? It depends…

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