Alchemy has chosen this, their 30th year, to make their move into sterling silver. Back in 1977, pewter was the obvious medium for the studio’s designs – not least because it ensured that their jewellery was as affordable as it was attractive for their customers in the punk, goth and biker communities. But, while our dedication to our roots is unfailing, times have changed, and so has Alchemy.

Alchemy’s increasingly sophisticated designs demand a more prestigious medium, as have our increasingly sophisticated customers. In 2007, Japanese Alchemy licensee, Beyond Cool, has risen to this challenge and recast classic Alchemy 1977 designs in silver, under the new Alchemy Argent brand name. Remodelled for the purpose by the English craftsmen to take full advantage of the medium’s strengths, the resultant pieces blur the distinction between high fashion and rock chic. Daring and striking, perhaps, but totally timely as skulls move to the top of the fashion agenda.

In addition to this prestige collection inspired by Alchemy’s core range, the English design studio is unveiling a new line of exotic, exclusive silver jewellery in their new Sanctus 47 collection. Designed by Alchemy’s original founders, many of these pieces are limited editions or one-off designs. The unifying theme here is unleashing the imagination in order to create decorative items that catch the eye by finding beauty in the most unexpected forms. Inspiration has been taken from everywhere from Victorian medical cabinets, to London fetish clubs and even Medieval torture chambers. The results are startling, and not for everyone. But for anybody looking for challenging chic, willing to make a statement with something that sets them apart from the herd, Alchemy’s Sanctus 47 offers a unique opportunity to invest in the best in exclusive English jewellery design.

Depicted here are examples from the range, including the Dragonspine bracelet, an articulated piece that combines barbed elegance with masculine menace. The self-explanatory Gas! ring comes in two pieces, joined by a suitable length of black rubber hosing, suggesting the darkest fringes of sexuality in breathtaking fashion. The Prosthetic Finger is a full-finger ring inspired by Victorian false limb designs, resulting in a piece that’s both bizarre and beautiful. The Thumbscrew is one of Alchemy’s most daring designs to date, and demands an equally daring hand to wear it, but for anybody that can pull it off, it’s a total showstopper.

For more information on the Alchemy Argent range, or Alchemy’s exclusive new Sanctus 47 collection, including running features, product reviews, or anything of a similar nature, drop a line to our press contact, Gavin Baddeley at: gavin.baddeley@blueyonder.co.uk or on 0117 9634302.