Jewellery with heart

UK jewellery designer Alex Angel-Benscher draws inspiration for his jewellery collections, Vurchoo Jewellery, from artwork by children living in under-privileged parts of the world. Working with schools and charities from across the globe, Alex requests drawings from children, and through the eyes and creativity of these children, he creates his collections that are inspired by their artwork and their community.

“I travelled the world solo for 14 months, and visited so many places where people were bursting with creativity and the world knew nothing about them. They make do with what little they had. I was looking for a way to express my admiration for these people, and also a way to share their stories, and to give back to them,” said Alex.

Between 15 to 25 per cent of the sale of each piece of jewellery designed by Alex goes directly back to the community where the children come from.

The Hun Pitou range, named after a young girl living in Cambodia who submitted a drawing of her village to Alex, was inspired by rice, and its importance to the people of Cambodia.

“The Hun Pitou asymmetrical rice drop earrings are perfect for a fashion and ethnically-conscious bride,” said Alex. “The purposely simplistic yet elegant design does not draw away from the stunning bridal dress, but perfectly complements it. The asymmetry keeps that up-to-date look and hint of style needed on that special day.”

Alex, a self-taught jeweller, and the ethos behind his collections, has been embraced by jewellery aficionados both in the UK and internationally, and was nominated for the prestigious UK Jewellery Awards for Ethical Business of the Year in 2016.

“I love to work with materials that last the test of time, and take great pride in seeing people’s faces when they try on a piece of Vurchoo jewellery for the first time,” said Alex. “The wearer of my pieces get to be taken on a journey with us, and knows that her jewellery not only comes from a place of unique inspiration, but that it has also helped out a community in need”.

Vurchoo Jewellery delivers internationally. For more information, visit www.vurchoo.co.uk