Back at Tate Britain and very proud to be standing next to my little display of vintage treasures.
Over 400 vintage sterling silver treasures, sourced, polished and curated to sit alongside The 90s: Art and Fashion.
I’m so excited to share that Sorrell Jewels has returned to Tate Britain! It’s been two years since I was last stocked there alongside the Sargent and Fashion exhibition, and this time I’m back with a collection of vintage sterling silver jewellery, available in the shop at the end of the iconic exhibition The 90s: Art and Fashion, which is now open.
The Creative Process
I started working on this way back in February when the team first reached out. One of the first things they told me was that the exhibition was being curated by Edward Enninful, so of course I was very excited. I studied fashion communication and worked on lots of projects around the 90s (and yes, they always seemed to end up focusing on jewellery).
The 90s Mood Board
The very first mood boards, aka me falling down a 90s rabbit hole of skulls, butterflies, dolphins and a LOT of hearts.
I’ve always been in love with the DIY, anti-fashion attitude of the decade, from Vivienne Westwood’s classic orbs and layered crosses to Alexander McQueen’s work with Shaun Leane. Their pieces were so dark and romantic, with thorns, tusks and that iconic coiled corset, and honestly they still give me chills. Putting together the initial mood boards was so much fun, pulling in all the motifs I associate with the 90s: the grungy, punk skulls and crosses, the chunky silver, hearts, the classic dolphin, and the butterflies and celestial pieces that came in towards the end of the decade. I was also obsessed with the more sculptural, abstract shapes, and you can’t think of those without Elsa Peretti’s designs for Tiffany, like her open heart and bone cuff, which were everywhere in the 90s.
A tray of little 90s treasures, including dolphins, butterflies, a crown and lots of silver rings.
Sourcing Over 400 Treasures
Sourcing over 400 pieces is honestly very daunting, but I gave myself the time to find pieces that felt right. I found them literally everywhere, from antiques centres and wholesale silver dealers to vintage markets and even a couple of Vinted finds. And finding them is only half the job, because then every single piece needs cleaning, polishing and labelling before it’s ready to go. There are charms and chains, charm bracelets and some absolutely INSANE rings, with so many iconic little 90s treasures in there. Projects like this let me find pieces I wouldn’t usually sell on my own website, and I’ve loved every second of immersing myself in the hunt for jewellery that complements such an amazing exhibition.
One of a Kind Charm Bracelets
One of my favourite parts is the charm bracelets I curated and made myself. I pulled together references from across the 90s to create the ultimate DIY style bracelet, and each one is completely one of a kind. Some are themed, like the ones covered in little bags and shoes, some have more punk details, and others are filled with classic enamel charms.
My little corner of the Tate Britain shop, complete with charm bracelets, a few chunky silver rings and my favourite red stone statement ring.
Seeing It All in Person
Walking into Tate Britain and seeing all of those pieces sitting there was quite surreal. I started Sorrell Jewels selling vintage rings from my bedroom, so it’s a really special moment for me.
Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support Sorrell Jewels and makes it possible for me to do things I genuinely never imagined when I started this little business. And a special thank you to those of you who have already visited and messaged me to say you’ve seen the collection, it honestly makes my day every time. It means more than you know.
If you’re a fashion history lover, make sure you go and see it. The 90s: Art and Fashion is on at Tate Britain until 14 February 2027 ✨
With love,
Emily xxx