Sotheby's Maison debuts A Vanitas, a Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman jewellery collaboration

British jeweller Hannah Martin and Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman unveil A Vanitas Stoned, a capsule collection blending heritage and rebellion, exclusively at Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong

Hannah Martin met Guy Berryman on a flight from Los Angeles to London. The Coldplay bassist was wearing one of her designs - a sapphire-studded earring. This chance encounter sparked a creative partnership that has culminated in A Vanitas, a jewellery collection now showcased at Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong.

The collaboration is rooted in shared values: meticulous craftsmanship and bold design. Martin, trained at Cartier’s Parisian ateliers, has spent nearly two decades challenging conventions in fine jewellery. Berryman, founder of the fashion label Applied Art Forms, brings a utilitarian aesthetic informed by his background in architecture and engineering. Together, they’ve created pieces that blend historical depth with contemporary edge.

The Collection

The A Vanitas Stoned capsule collection introduces blue sapphires into Martin and Berryman’s signature designs. Inspired by the Dutch vanitas tradition, which reflects on life’s fragility, the collection features razor blade motifs rendered in 18-carat yellow gold. Each piece carries a message: seize the moment.

Paul Redmayne, Sotheby’s senior vice president for Luxury Sales, describes Martin’s work as “boundary-pushing” and imbued with “positivity and love.” These qualities resonate throughout A Vanitas, making it more than jewellery - it’s a conversation starter.

A shared philosophy

Both Martin and Berryman view their collaboration as a celebration of life. “We wanted to create objects that ignite conversations about beauty and living fully,” Martin explains. This ethos is evident in every piece, from the rebellious razor blades to the delicate sapphire details.

Their partnership also reflects their personal journeys. For Martin, jewellery is about emotion - capturing moments of elation or calm. For Berryman, design is functional yet expressive, drawing from his passion for vintage clothing and engineering.

Martin’s showcase at Sotheby’s includes pieces from her core collections like Delirium and White Heat. Each design carries her signature sculptural aesthetic, appealing to clients ranging from rock stars to architects. Her work challenges traditional notions of gender and style, making it universally compelling.

With prices ranging from HK$5,450 to HK$450,220, the collection aims to be accessible to various audiences. The collection is now available at Sotheby’s Maison at Landmark Chater, where the ground floor immerses visitors in museum-quality exhibitions while the upstairs, the Salon, provides an intimate space for exploring curated luxury items. 

Also see: Sotheby's opens doors to art lovers in Hong Kong