This titanium and gold brooch, fitted with sapphires, chrysoprase and citrine, is based on the flowing form of a squid. The transparent citrine mimics the squid’s body while also helping the brooch to blend with the colour of the wearer’s clothing.
Moscow jewellery maker Vladimir Markin welcomes challenges, thrives on experiments and excels in probing new ground. Originally thrilled by car mechanics and woodworking, he eventually found his way into the art of jewellery making. Since the beginning, his work has showcased a stunning diversity of techniques. Perhaps predictably, his fascination with mechanics revealed itself in his art for a while. However, nature is now his main focus, which he embraces in its immense variety, from onions and bluebells to maple seeds and octopuses. A globetrotter, he has travelled the world with exhibitions in cities including Moscow, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Read the full interviewPhoto: © Vladimir Markin
This titanium and gold brooch, fitted with sapphires, chrysoprase and citrine, is based on the flowing form of a squid. The transparent citrine mimics the squid’s body while also helping the brooch to blend with the colour of the wearer’s clothing.
Photo: © Vladimir Markin
This titanium and gold brooch, fitted with sapphires and rubies, was based on the form of a caterpillar. The carefully placed sapphires mimic the body surface of a caterpillar, while three rubies make up its curious face.
Photo: © Vladimir Markin
The titanium shell of this handmade ring protects its precious contents: a large sapphire and spinel, finished with yellow gold.
Photo: © Vladimir Markin
An iridescent fire opal is set within a blackwood ring. The large opal sits on a bed of sapphires and diamonds, while the interior of the ring is yellow gold.
Photo: © Vladimir Markin
This titanium brooch shows a tree stump and roots enveloping a boulder below. The patterns on the boulder, made from a large opal, reflect those made by the titanium roots. A leaf protrudes timidly from the centre of the tree stump.