ARTIST'S SPOTLIGHT - jessica pass

Jessica and I started talking about four years ago… about knots! I had been following her account (her rings completely knocked my socks off), and one day, she shared an image in her Stories of tangled chains. I absolutely love undoing knots—yes, I know, a bit weird!

That moment sparked our connection. :)

Since then, I’ve shared many of her stunning rings, and we’ve stayed in touch, exchanging thoughts on jewelry, life, and the challenges of navigating an often unfair world. I deeply admire Jessica’s work—her extensive studies, her relentless pursuit of beauty, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. But beyond that, it’s her powerful and determined attitude that truly sets her apart.

To me, that’s what defines a successful and noteworthy artist. It’s not easy, but it is completely possible—and Jessica is living proof of that!

JESSICA PASS

Since launching my business in 2018, I have become known for my bold statement pieces inspired by the natural world.

My work draws on the Victorian era and its many fascinations. The Victorians had a penchant for intricate trinkets and jewelry with hidden meaning. They collected insect specimens and other natural treasures, displaying them in Curios Cabinets—ornate showcases of the rare and unusual. This avocation extended to jewelry, particularly after Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt in 1798, which sparked the Egyptian Revival. The trend saw an influx of scarab-set jewels, intricate Egyptian motifs, and the use of richly colored yellow gold. A renewed fascination followed the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 1920s.

Echoes of these influences can be seen throughout my collections - articulated pieces, scarab rings, and the striking contrast of rich gold against deep blue sapphires. The concept of Curios Cabinets remains central to my work, most recently reflected in my ‘Creatures of the Deep’ collection, which draws on the fascination with rare shells and coral specimens seen in early Curios Cabinets. Even the way I photograph my pieces is inspired by these historical displays.

Over the years, I have refined my techniques and expanded my collections. My journey into jewelry making was driven by a deep love for hands-on craftsmanship rather than commercial ambitions. As a result, I have focused on private commissions and limited-edition designs rather than mass production. I currently work from my quiet studio in Fulham, accompanied by my dog Otto, where I can fully immerse myself in the creative process.

Looking ahead, I aim to release a new collection each year while continuing to take on bespoke commissions. Commissioned work gives me the privilege of working with exquisite, high-end materials, which I deeply appreciate. In working with solid gold, I know I’m creating heirlooms that can be passed down for generations, often re working a client’s inherited stones so the sentimentality can live on.

My recent trip to Jordan, and the breathtaking rock formations of Wadi Rum, left a lasting impression on me - I suspect these landscapes will influence my upcoming designs.

What excites me most is large-scale, sculptural jewelry with a strong narrative. I love designing with a character in mind, bringing stories to life through form and texture. One of my future aspirations is to collaborate with the film industry in costume design. Cinematic projects allow for unrestrained creativity and dramatic, boundary-pushing designs.

@erykahbadu wearing jessica pass jewelry photo by @sophographylondon for @i_d

link to full article: HERE ON ID MAGAZINE