INTRODUCING the orrery collection
The collection takes its name from the Orrery, a mechanical device designed to model the movements of celestial bodies in the solar system, the first of its kind commissioned by the Earl of Orrery in the early 18th century.
Designed originally as both a complex scientific instrument and a work of art it demonstrated the precision and beauty of the universe and a new expression of the craftsmanship of its age.
Inspired by the mechanised celestial movements, the new collection also seeks to pay homage to The Royal Mint’s heritage by highlighting a process called Hexurity, the controlled interplay of light with metal, known for its application as a security feature but admired for its ability to sculpt the movement of light.
"Hexurity is combining surface animation with micro detailing to create the illusion of
movement, which reminded me of the way Fabergé used engine engraving behind enamelling to bring it to life.
I felt there was an opportunity to create a new form of Guilloché enamelling for 886, combined with the cobalt blue – referencing the Orrery I discovered in the Science Museum – it truly comes to light when the piece is in movement.”
Creative Director, Dominic Jones
‘Orrery’ is presented in two connected concepts.
The first, ‘Night Sky’ explores cobalt blue enamel representing the depth of the celestial sky, featuring a layer of Hexurity for added textural detailing under traditional glass enamel.
Night Sky
The second part of the collection, ‘Shooting Star’ focuses on the beauty of the precious metal featuring a sleek brushed metal finish showcasing orbital and star elements representing the celestial sky.
Shooting star
A Moon motif completes the celestial theme.
A hyper detailed 3-d scan of the surface of the moon, struck using traditional coin making techniques is finished with a fine layer of clear enamel to highlight the depth of its surface, capturing the highlands and basins of the Moons landscape.
