Danish jewellery luminary Ole Lynggaard speaks to us about his new Cranes collection and the patience that comes with crafting perfection.
Danish jewellery luminary Ole Lynggaard speaks to us about his new Cranes collection and the patience that comes with crafting perfection.
From top: Fluid lines and delicate elegance characterise the new Cranes designs. Founder and designer of eponymous brand, Ole Lynggaard. White and yellow gold, ruby and diamond Large Cranes ring, $15,700, Ole Lynggaard. Crane drawings by Lynggaard. White and yellow gold, ruby and diamond Cranes brooch, $24,700, Ole Lynggaard
What were the circumstances that led to the new collection?
I enjoy creating animal designs and have always been fascinated with big-winged birds. Over the years, I have considered many different birds; eventually, the elegance of the crane was the natural choice for a fine jewellery collection. The decision was already made instinctively when I started a year-long process of crane experiments. I made countless number of bird sketches, moulded cranes in wax and cut them from paper. I studied crane books and documentaries to get the movements just right.
What do you find fascinating about the bird?
Aesthetically, the crane is a king among birds. It is beautifully long-limbed with mesmerising movements—when it flies and when it walks and dances. It has a somewhat graphic, yet very gracious appearance. I have tried to interpret the natural elegance and the lightness of the crane in precious metals. I have used two colours of 18K gold to illustrate the different textures: White gold for its plumage, diamond-paved yellow gold for its beak and legs and a pigeon-bloodd ruby for the crown on its head.
What challenged you most when creating this collection?
It was certainly challenging to decide upon the expression of the various crane styles. Also, rendering the lightness of the bird while still creating a piece with strong and meticulous craftsmanship also took a lot of time. Some days, I would almost feel depressed because I just couldn’t get it right. As a trained goldsmith, of course I know my craft and how far the materials will allow you to push them. Sometimes this just isn’t enough. The creative process is very emotional because in your mind, you know what you want, but reaching the intended results is a very long journey. I spent two and a half years creating Cranes.
You have been creating jewellery for over 50 years. What are some of the hardest lessons your craft has taught you?
Patience is a hard lesson for any creative person who is passionate about his or her projects. Perfection takes time, and the process is essential to the final result. Your ideas may not be viable once you start developing them. This is no different for a painter working on his canvas or a carpenter working on a piece of furniture.
What do you hope women will get out of owning a piece of the Crane collection?
This is a very special collection to me. The design process was extensive, and the woman wearing a piece of crane jewellery not only can enjoy fine jewellery of the highest quality, but can also treasure it as a small piece of art.
