English jewellery aluminium

David Watkins (born 1940) is particularly noted for his research into the use of unusual modern materials for jewellery, including steel, aluminium, titanium and acrylic, and into many different technical aspects of metalwork and jewellery design.

In this neckpiece Watkins plays with visual perceptions of space. An undulating pattern of waves is interspersed with one of water droplets, which appear to have been stamped through the wave patterns. The green colour of the aluminium is also shaded in graduated tones. The arrangement of colour and line makes for an effect of depth and three-dimensionality within an entirely flat surface.

As well as raindrops on the surface of water, this design also strongly resembles the pattern of a peacock's tail feathers. To the interplay between the waves and the droplets would be added, when it is worn, the effect of the wearer's skin showing through the spaces, so that the body itself becomes part of the design. The appearance would differ depending on the tones of the skin. The spaces are as important a part of the design as the metal itself.