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“I love New Designers. Every year I find someone or something that reminds me of how creative young people are. Plus I am looking forward to finding 2 new people to join my design team.”

Stephen Webster, Founder and Creative Director of Stephen Webster Ltd and a Creative Director of the world’s oldest jewellery house Garrard since 2008, is one of the leading British jewellery designers and will be officially opening New Designers 2011 Part 1 this June.

Webster’s keen eye for detail, expert craftsmanship and glam-rock attitude has given way to dramatic creations with an eternally chic aesthetic. Having evolved into a powerful global luxury jewellery brand, Stephen Webster now boasts over 200 points of sale worldwide and 7 boutiques internationally in London, Beverly Hills, Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev, Vienna and Marbella. Having received countless coveted jewellery awards, Webster has built a dedicated fan base and is a firm favourite with celebrities across the globe; from Madonna to Christina Aguilera, Kate Moss, Sir Elton John, Mickey Rourke and Kate Beckinsale to name but a few.

ND. Have you always designed jewellery? Has jewellery always been your passion?

It has always been my passion to cultivate jewellery collections that push all creative boundaries; are high on innovatory and are unreservedly cool. My love of music has also really influenced my style; it has been my passion from very early days. All of my work is a reflection of my personality.  I am fortunate that selfishly, I have pursued topics and inspirations from my life’s experiences and translated them into our many collections.  Within all of them there is vibrancy.  I am a cheery fellow.  When I first began my studies at Medway I had only one thing in mind.  That was to make jewellery to the best of my ability.  I guess I have always strived to be the best I could be and sometimes that means being a perfectionist. I am involved in every aspect of the business; from design, to point of sale, shooting the ad campaigns; our events and the stores.

ND. Who do you personally admire as a designer?

I fell in love with Dragonfly woman by Rene Lalique.  Something about the combination of fantasy, myth, use of materials, craftsmanship and sheer brilliance make this piece my favourite piece. I’ve always taken inspiration from so many great jewellery designers and traditions; I try to take traditional themes and create a modern twist to them.

ND. Who has been your best client so far and why?

Everyone wants their best client to be a celebrity. If that was the case it would be Christina Aguilera. We met when she was a genie in a bottle and all of 18. She now has an incredible collection of Stephen Webster jewels and has been a great ambassador for our brand. However my best client lives in Boston, has 4 kids, owns the Boston Celtic’s and buys his wife more jewellery than most people could comprehend. Last count it was 250 pieces of Stephen Webster alone. We never forget to send him a Christmas card.

ND. You have an amazing list of clients already but who/what would be your dream client/ brief?

We’ve been very lucky that we have a fantastic celebrity following but I can’t think of any one person that I especially want to make a piece of jewellery for. With every piece I design I always hope there’s someone out there who will fall in love with it.

ND. If you hadn’t become a world famous designer, what else would you like to have been/done?

I recently did an episode of Project Runway.  If Harvey Weinstein offers me any other TV work I will jump at it!

ND. If you could give just 2/3 pieces of advice for this year’s design graduates and New Designers Exhibitors what would it be?

I am always giving advice to people wanting to be jewellery designers. Mostly, it’s be patient and get some good training from an expert.  This may seem a little traditionalist but this is a slow traditional business with very few overnight stars. However, if you make it, it is also one of the greatest industries. We work with the finest materials, create things that make people happy and if you are lucky, get to see the world too.

ND. If you could give just 2/3 pieces of advice for this year’s New Designers visitors what would it be?

First piece of advice would be to never underestimate the value of advice you may get from people with experience in your field.

Provide an original idea. This doesn’t happen too often but it will be the thing that people can never take away from you and will give you credibility from then on. Compare it to the breakthrough album.

Stick to what you believe in. No matter what others may think of me I tried to change the rules, I have stuck with it and now it’s my normality.

ND. What are you looking forward to most about this year’s New Designers exhibition?

I love New Designers. Every year I find someone or something that reminds me of how creative young people are. Plus I am looking forward to finding 2 new people to join my design team.