A new exhibition at Sotheby’s London is showcasing a  fusion of art, design, and symbolism through a capsule jewellery collection by British designer Hannah Martin and Coldplay bassist and fashion designer, Guy Berryman. The collaboration, titled A Vanitas Stoned, reimagines classical themes with a contemporary edge.

Running from July 28, the selling exhibition expands on the original A Vanitas collection, first introduced in November 2023. The latest pieces include chain necklaces and earrings crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, accented with pavé diamonds. These additions build on the initial concept, which blends Martin’s bold, sculptural style with Berryman’s structured, functional design sensibility.

The collection draws heavily from the Vanitas genre—a style of 17th-century Dutch still-life painting that reflected on mortality and the transience of worldly pleasures. In keeping with these themes, the signature motif throughout the collection is a stylized razor blade. This element, simultaneously sharp and ornamental, is intended to evoke both beauty and the fragility of life.

Each piece reflects a careful balance between elegance and edge, with the collaboration offering a fresh interpretation of historical themes through a modern, wearable medium. While the designs are rooted in the past, their execution is distinctly current, emphasizing craftsmanship and emotional resonance.

The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to view—and purchase—these limited-edition works. Prices for the diamond-accented creations range from £1,490 to £50,700 ($2,721 to $92,595 CAD), reflecting both the materials used and the conceptual weight behind the pieces.

With its thoughtful symbolism and sculptural detail, A Vanitas Stoned invites reflection on impermanence while celebrating the enduring power of design.