Todd Turner drew his inspiration from early twentieth century French jewellers for his latest piece.

When Todd was 12 years old he was so fascinated by his friend's father, who was a studio jeweller, that he began a jewellery catalogue collection.

"I was always interested in the arts and as soon as I saw my friend's dad in his studio I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life," Turner says.

Turner began his apprenticeship as soon as he could and took additional jewellery courses during those four years to maximise his knowledge of the industry.

However, after emerging from his apprenticeship he found an industry he could not identify with.

"When I finished my apprenticeship, I felt like leaving the field in dismay. I travelled around the world and made a decision to hire a studio and make jewellery that I was passionate about," he says.

Turner then found new inspiration. He began designing pieces for exhibition five days a week whilst working for a retailer two days a week to make ends meet.

"Within the first year, I was doing exactly what I wanted to do," Turner says.

During this time he also spent long periods going to exhibitions and collecting books about the history of art and architecture and now his work draws heavily on architectural design.

For the past six years, Turner has been able to focus on his own work, which is now recognised in many countries around the world and his work is generally sold through private commission.

His most recent bout of national exposure was surrounding a bracelet entitled 'The Templier Bracelet'.

The piece, which took over 300 hours to complete, was inspired by early twentieth century French jewellers Raymond Templier and some of his colleagues. The artists did some of their most acclaimed work from 1910-1925 and were influenced by Paris, modernity, industry and the art deco and cubic movements.

"Parisian jewellers such as Raymond Templier, Jean Despres, George and Jean Fouquet were artists which I was researching. The work of these artists during 1910-1925 became the focus and inspiration in creating the bracelet," Turner says.

The group of artists became infamous after showcasing their work in an exhibition entitled 'L'Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes' and it was the exhibition in particular that Turner used as his main source of inspiration for his bracelet.

Turner's bracelet is made up of six handcrafted silver and white-gold links, each with an Eiffel Tower motif, and two other linear and sinuous designs.

The metal and stones chosen for the work are a direct reflection of the modern and industrial era that the piece took its motivation from.

In fact, Turner will say that for him making jewellery is not just about technical skill. "Designing is both fascinating and intriguing," he says. "It reinforces an idea. Reconciling an idea to a space as small as the space that jewellery occupies can impose a tremendous challenge."

The Templier Bracelet was commissioned and sold privately.
Edouard Brunet-Templier, a relation of Raymond Templier and dealer of his work, expressed admiration after viewing the work and praised its accuracy in design and execution.

Yet through his art does not depend on the praise.
"Judging a piece of work is a personal thing," he says. "I have to look at my work with honesty and believe it is good."

Indeed for Turner it is a passion that will continue unfettered well into the future. "I want to make great work whether I'm living at the Ritz or in a slum."