Artist: Emmanuel Tarpin

David Gill Gallery presents ‘Promenades’, the debut solo exhibition of acclaimed French jeweller Emmanuel Tarpin.

Featuring titanium jellyfish, leaping emerald frogs, and sunflowers with brown diamonds, the exhibition presents around 12 bespoke jewellery pieces, all meticulously crafted, marking a significant milestone in Tarpin's illustrious career.

At just 32 years old, Tarpin has swiftly established himself as a leading figure in the world of fine jewellery. Known for his innovative designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with bold, contemporary materials, he is poised to captivate London audiences with his imaginative creations. Working from his Paris studio, Tarpin creates exquisite pieces for his growing and devoted clientele. "I am making high jewellery and precious objects, especially for this show at David Gill. For me, jewellery is like art, a way to express your mind and your soul, just like a painting. It is wearable sculpture. It is about deep feelings and symbolism," he explains.

For his UK debut, Tarpin combines the delicate beauty of natural forms with the precision of high-jewellery techniques, offering a selection of intricate brooches, earrings, and objets d’art. One of the standout pieces will be a pair of sunflower earrings, showcasing his ability to merge unconventional materials, such as ceramic, with brown diamonds.

Tarpin’s deep fascination with nature is evident throughout the exhibition, with highlights including frogs adorned with emeralds and ants intricately shaped from rubies or sapphires.

His creations are underscored by his commitment to exploring the expressive power of jewellery. Drawing inspiration from legendary jewellers like René Lalique and Jean Schlumberger, Tarpin’s designs are also deeply personal, influenced by his childhood in the French Alps. He fondly recalls encountering natural stones like quartz and amethyst during mountain hikes, an experience that has profoundly shaped his creative philosophy. Each piece is not just an ornament but a miniature masterpiece, rich in emotion, symbolism, and storytelling.

Tarpin’s journey began at the prestigious Haute École d’Art et de Design in Geneva, where he honed his skills before apprenticing at the renowned Van Cleef & Arpels workshops. Continuously pushing the boundaries of jewellery design, Tarpin masterfully blends traditional techniques with experimental materials such as titanium, aluminium, lacquer, and ceramic, achieving striking contrasts in texture and finish, which enhance the tactile and visual richness of his work.

The exhibition will feature not only jewellery but also objets d’art that reflect Tarpin’s deep love for nature and intricate craftsmanship. Bronze lilies, crystal trays, and leaping frogs set with diamonds are just a few of the treasures awaiting discovery, showcasing his passion for exploring new materials and techniques, and his seamless integration of luxury with the beauty of nature.

At the core of Tarpin’s work is a strong dedication to craftsmanship and client collaboration. His creative process often spans several months, allowing him to develop a deep understanding of his clients’ desires. “That long process is every bit as important as the finished piece,” he notes, emphasizing the thoughtful and considered approach that characterizes each of his commissions. Tarpin is equally passionate about sourcing the finest stones for his creations, travelling to destinations like Brazil for Paraiba tourmalines, Colombia for emeralds, and Mexico for opals. “I like to see first-hand how the stones are being extracted,” he says, highlighting the importance of both emotional and physical connections in his creative process.