Look on the Brightside: Behind Dinny Hall’s New Colour Drenched Collection
Dinny Hall shares the inspiration behind Brightside, the exclusive new collection defined by bold hues and radiant optimism.
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Look on the Brightside: Behind Dinny Hall’s New Colour Drenched Collection
Dinny Hall shares the inspiration behind Brightside, the exclusive new collection defined by bold hues and radiant optimism.
Few jewellery designers have left as enduring a mark on British style as Dinny Hall. Celebrated for its joyful use of colour, contemporary elegance and impeccable craftsmanship, her namesake brand has become a cornerstone of modern British jewellery. Moving through the world, as she puts it, “with a sense of wonder”, Hall channels curiosity and optimism into collections defined by vibrant gemstones, signature hoops and an unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
Her namesake brand’s creations have dazzled and delighted in the Jewellery Hall since Liberty buyers spotted her graduate collection over 40 years ago. After decades of illuminating our Tudor halls with her signature designs, a collection created exclusively for Liberty and filled with vibrant, glittering stones is a fitting continuation of our shared history.
As the Brightside collection steps into the spotlight, Liberty sat down with the ‘Queen of Hoops’ at her London studio, in a space surrounded by sketches and glittering gemstones to dive into the inspiration, creativity, and stories behind every sparkling design.
Could you tell us a little bit about this collection?
Designed exclusively for Liberty, the Brightside Collection brings together a vibrant selection of bracelets, rings and earrings in vivid, uplifting hues. We started by looking back at some of our previous collections and examining both the coloured gemstones we had used and the ways we had set them. We decided to revisit channel setting [a technique where a row of gemstones is secured inside a grooved metal channel, flanked by two walls] for the rings because it showcases gemstones beautifully. We combined it with precious, coloured gemstones such as hot pink sapphires, lemon-yellow sapphires, green tsavorites, and high-grade aquamarines.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. I look at architecture, people’s features, the way bodies move, and how nature behaves. I travel and become fascinated by details like keyholes and doorknobs. I watch how the wind moves grass. I take photographs, sketch, and draw, and all those observations eventually find their way into jewellery.
What was the initial spark or idea that led to this collection?
A major inspiration has been the mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale, near Palermo in Sicily. The way those mosaics are assembled and how colour interacts across their surfaces directly influenced the collection. I also drew inspiration from Mark Rothko, particularly his use of colour, as well as from the broader tradition of Abstract Expressionism, both of which have informed the collection.
Your designs always feel timeless, yet contemporary. How do you strike a balance between longevity and relevance?
I always try to create jewellery that is a pleasure to wear. It’s important that people enjoy putting it on and want to keep wearing it. Comfort and delight are essential. I also believe in intrinsic value, which is why this collection focuses on naturally occurring coloured gemstones. These stones come from the earth with their own natural colours, and that authenticity contributes to a sense of timelessness.
Is there a particular piece in the new collection that you’re especially attached to?
There’s a colour combination I’ve become particularly fond of - a bright lemon-yellow sapphire paired with a high-quality pink sapphire, featured in quite a few rings in the new collection. At first, I wasn’t sure I would like it, but it became my favourite. The stones sit closely together, almost like a mosaic, creating a play of colour that reminds me of piano keys. The effect is something you really have to see in person.
Sustainability has always been an important pillar of your brand. How do you approach sourcing the gemstones?
It comes down to a chain of trust that begins at the mine and continues through dealers, cutters, and suppliers. Over the years, you build relationships with people you trust. We constantly discuss where stones originate, how land is being restored after mining, and the conditions under which materials are sourced - maintaining that chain of trust is essential.
You’ve been part of the Liberty family since the beginning of your brand. What does that relationship mean to you?
It’s incredibly important. Liberty remains one of the few stores where artistry and craftsmanship are truly valued. Whether it’s jewellery, fragrance, or anything else, Liberty champions makers, designers, and creative ideas. It isn’t easy being a department store today, just as it isn’t easy being an independent designer after 41 years. That long-standing relationship means a great deal to me.
What continues to excite and challenge you about jewellery today?
Nothing will ever stop me being excited about jewellery, but I’m particularly passionate about natural coloured gemstones at the moment. I believe they possess nuance and character that are difficult to replicate. There is also something mysterious and meaningful about them. Many gemstones have stories, traditions, and perceived properties associated with them, and that connection to the earth gives them a unique appeal.