Ana de Costa
The daughter of a Latin businessman and an English aristocrat, Ana de Costa was fortunate to be surrounded by unusual, beautiful and luxurious objects during her childhood. This led to her fascination with jewellery.
Ana always knew that she would study jewellery design. Before starting her degree at Central St Martins in London, she had already started to build her portfolio of experience, working with some of the most pioneering creatives in the industry. In the summer of 2001, Ana joined Erickson Beamon, the infamous couture costume designers, giving her the opportunity to work closely with the Creative Director on exclusive catwalk pieces for Ungaro, Cavali, and Elspeth Gibson. It was during this period she made contact with Shaun Leane and Alexander McQueen, both would later play an integral role within Ana’s career.
Since graduating in 2005, Ana has clearly demonstrated that she is a rising talent, and a name to watch closely within jewellery design. Her designs are influenced by her travels, in particular the Orient and her Latin heritage, and the rich decadence of the Art Noveau period. As a dedicated Colourist, she designs for the beautiful, vibrant stones she selects. It is this use of colour, and the way that she chooses to encase the stone with luxurious gold that clearly demonstrates her natural talent and bohemian sense of style.
The last few years have been an exciting time for Ana. Her graduation collection ‘Cusp’ caught the eye of Carol Woolton, the Jewellery Editor for British Vogue, who included Ana in ‘The Vogue List’ at the end of 2005, as the jeweller to watch. In September 2006 she won a prestigious place at IJL (International Jewellery London) on the coveted ‘Bright Young Gems’ stand.
Ana’s latest designs have been influenced by a mystical set of Tarot cards, introduced to her by a spiritual lady and an important inspiration in Ana’s life. This special set of cards called The Faerie Oracle, symbolise an expression of an artistic freeness of mind, and inner sense of calm, a story that is explored through Ana’s designs. Two of the main characters from this story are the muses for the collection – two faery guides who devote their time to helping humans develop their special talents and gifts.
The collection clearly echoes the story of the faeries, the intricate design of their wings runs throughout the pieces. Carefully sculpted white gold forms the setting for the intoxicating tanzanite stones. Tanzanite, a gemstone that is unique for its extraordinary multi-dimensional colours, a kaleidoscope of blue, violet, indigo, lilac and periwinkle has captured discerning jewellery buyers since its discovery in 1967. Far more rare, and more valuable than a diamond, it is this uniqueness that lends itself perfectly to the design led nature of Ana’s work. Each piece is delicately hand crafted, and feels luxurious, decadent, offering the wearer an impactful statement piece, which has gothic tones running through the magical messages.
Ana de Costa can be contacted on 07881698952 or ana_dcst@yahoo.co.uk
