STATEMENT RINGS HAVE been coming on strong for seasons, and they made a showing on Michaela Coel when she attended the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA.
She wore jewelry from the Lola Fenhirst, an independent fine jewelry company. The designer, Lola Oladunjoye, draws on her West African Yoruba heritage for her collection. She juxtaposes architectural influences with contrasting elements that reflect strength, vulnerability, vitality and stillness, blending current trends and traditional details to striking effect. Sustainability is at the core of her designs, which are crafted from recycled metals and ethically sourced stones by expert goldsmiths who combine old word techniques with modern technology. The collection is based in Paris, where each piece is produced.
Coel also wore jewelry from Thelma West who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and is based in London. She is the founder of several businesses in the fine jewelry trade in addition to her own design house, which uses sustainable and fair mined materials to share her African heritage. West has been recognized as one of our generation’s most talented Black jewelers in Sotheby’s Brilliant & Black exhibitions in New York and London.
Let’s talk about the rings that Coel wore with her dramatic hooded Ferragamo gown. Although all large and round in shape, the three Lola Fenhirst rings were all decidedly different — openwork for one, gray and colorless diamonds for another, and an architectural design for the one that was a collaboration with Motley. The Thelma West ring is in 18K gold and brown ceramic with a 10.01-carat Asscher cut diamond.
Lola Fenhirst Sybil Cocktail Ring in 18 karat recycled gold.
Lola Fenhirst Rose Gold Pit Ring, pavé set with gray and colorless diamonds.
Lola Fenhirst x Motley Ring of rose vermeil.
Thelma West Asscher cut diamond, ceramic and 18K gold ring.