CONTEMPORARY FINE JEWELLERY
Jewellery has been a continuous part of Cesar Cueva's practice since 2004, bringing together traditional goldsmithing, architectural drawing and contemporary manufacturing techniques.
Working primarily through individual commissions, each piece is developed in response to its gemstone, the person who will wear it and the possibilities of its construction. Material, structure, colour and proportion are considered together, balancing technical precision with an interest in form and geometry.
At this intimate scale, jewellery becomes an opportunity to investigate how objects are designed, constructed and experienced.
FEATURED DESIGN
SET SQUARE
SET SQUARE takes its name from the geometric drawing instrument, a reference to Cesar Cueva's background in architectural drafting and industrial design. The name also plays on the act of setting a gemstone.
The design explores the relationship between geometry, structure and proportion. Four substantial square claws form an architectural framework around the centre stone, their precise geometry contrasting with the gemstone's curves and facets.
Each claw incorporates a small diamond, transforming a traditionally functional component into a defining feature of the design. The centre gemstone remains exposed, appearing almost suspended within the structure, while the restrained band provides a quiet foundation.
Originally developed through traditional hand fabrication and stone setting, SET SQUARE has evolved through successive commissions into a more precisely engineered construction.
Each ring is designed in response to its centre gemstone and the conversations surrounding the commission. No two are identical. Together, they form an evolving lineage of individual interpretations of the same design idea.
PREVIOUS COMMISSIONS
FOR ZOE
18K Yellow Gold / Sapphire
FOR TINA
18K Rose Gold / Peridot
FOR SARAH
18K White Gold / Sapphire
FOR RENEE
18K White Gold / Sapphire
FOR MEG
18K Rose Gold / Sapphires
FOR MAREE
18K Yellow Gold / Sapphire
FOR LIZ
18K Yellow Gold / Sapphires / Diamonds
FOR KATHY
18K Yellow Gold / Sapphire /Diamonds
FOR KARIN
Platinum / Sapphire
FOR GINA
18K White Gold / Sapphire /Diamonds
FOR CHRIS
18K Yellow Gold / Topaz / Diamonds
FOR CAMILLE
18K Rose Gold / Sapphire
FOR BEK
18K Yellow Gold / Pearl
FOR ANASTASIS
18K White Gold / Topaz
FOR ALICIA
18K Yellow Gold / Sapphire
FOR EMILY
18K White Gold / Sapphire
CUSTOM MADE
Every commission begins with a conversation.
My approach to jewellery and object design is grounded in an interest in material, proportion and construction. Each commission presents a different set of possibilities, shaped by the person it is made for, the materials involved and the particular challenges of the design.
Working between traditional goldsmithing, drawing, digital modelling and contemporary manufacturing, I develop each piece through a process of investigation and refinement. The aim is to arrive at a design where every element has a reason to exist.
Individual jewellery commissions are undertaken through Courtesy of the Artist, the contemporary jewellery house I cofounded with Nina.
