Vicki Ambery-Smith's “Venetian” ring selected as ‘City Jewel’
Each year we invite the Lady Mayoress Designate to choose a piece of jewellery at Goldsmiths’ Fair as their ‘City Jewel’. They wear this during their year of office to promote contemporary British studio jewellery, and The Goldsmiths' Company's commitment to supporting craft skills in the UK.
This week, Lady Mayoress Designate Florence King, visited Goldsmiths’ Fair and chose Vicki Ambery-Smith's “Venetian” ring as her ‘City Jewel’ for 2024/2025. Hand-crafted in sterling silver, with details in 9ct rose gold and 18ct yellow gold, the ring depicts the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli surrounded by Venetian palazzi and bridges.
A church in the Cannaregio district of Venice, Santa Maria dei Miracoli was built between 1481 and 1489 by Pietro Lombardo to house a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Also known as the "marble church", it is one of the best examples of the early Venetian Renaissance including coloured marble, a false colonnade, and a semicircular pediment.
Speaking about her selection, the Lady Mayoress Designate said:
“I immediately fell in love with Vicki’s work. The craftsmanship needed to make something enormous like a church balance in miniature on a finger is remarkable. Venice is a very special place for me, and I feel very honoured to wear a memento of her for the year.”
Vicki Ambery-Smith is exhibiting at Goldsmiths’ Fair until Sunday 29 September 2024.