Vivienne Westwood Guide
On a narrow Chelsea street in 1971, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened a boutique at 430 King's Road that would redefine British fashion. What began as a radical punk experiment — dressing the Sex Pistols and defining a generation's aesthetic of rebellion — evolved into one of fashion's most enduring legacies.
At OD's Jewellers, Vivienne Westwood jewellery represents punk aristocracy: the Orb logo that merges royal regalia with Saturn's rings, capturing the brand's philosophy of "taking tradition into the future." This isn't jewellery that whispers — it's jewellery with attitude, worn by everyone from punk pioneers to Gen Z icons, featured in the cult anime Nana, and beloved by Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Harry Styles.
1 | Why Vivienne Westwood Matters
Vivienne Westwood At A Glance
- Founded 1971 at 430 King's Road, Chelsea — birthplace of British punk fashion
- The Orb logo merges the British Sovereign's Orb with Saturn's rings — tradition meets future
- Brass base with premium rhodium, gold, and rose gold plating — Swarovski crystals and pearls
- Two-year warranty from authorised retailers
- Global flagships in London, Paris, and New York
Perfect For
- Those seeking jewellery with cultural weight and rebellious spirit
- Fans of the Orb logo's instantly recognisable iconography
- Gift-givers wanting pieces that bridge punk edge and elegant sophistication
- Collectors building signature Vivienne Westwood stacks (Bas Relief, Pearl, Mini Bas Relief)
What Makes Vivienne Westwood Different
The Orb Symbolism
British Sovereign's Orb meets Saturn's rings — heritage colliding with the future. Instantly recognisable from any distance.
Punk Meets Aristocracy
Subversive attitude wrapped in regal detailing. Every piece balances rebellious spirit with meticulous craft.
Cultural Omnipresence
From Sex Pistols styling to anime iconography (Nana's Hachi character) — spanning generations and subcultures.
Dame Vivienne's Legacy
Environmental and political engagement embedded in brand DNA. "Buy less, choose well, make it last."
2 | The Vivienne Westwood Story: From Punk to Royalty
430 King's Road, 1971
Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's boutique at 430 King's Road, Chelsea, became the birthplace of British punk. The shop evolved through several incarnations — Let It Rock, Too Fast to Live Too Young to Die, SEX, Seditionaries — each phase pushing fashion's boundaries further. By the mid-1970s, Westwood was dressing the Sex Pistols, creating the visual language of punk: ripped fabrics, safety pins, provocative slogans, and deliberate confrontation with establishment taste.
The Orb: Tradition into the Future
By the 1980s, Westwood began exploring historical fashion — corsetry, tartan, royal regalia — subverting these codes with contemporary irreverence. While researching royal insignia in Italy, she conceived the Saturn Orb logo. The Orb made its debut in her Autumn/Winter 1987 "Harris Tweed" collection, brilliantly capturing her design philosophy: the Sovereign's Orb from the British Crown Jewels (establishment, heritage) merged with Saturn's rings (cosmos, future, rebellion).
The Bas Relief Pearl Choker
Featuring rows of luminous Swarovski pearls with the three-dimensional Orb centrepiece, this single design became Vivienne Westwood's most recognisable jewellery piece — transforming how an entire generation viewed pearls, from conservative to radically chic.
3 | Craftsmanship & Innovation
Materials & Construction
Brass Base with Premium Plating
The main collection features brass with superior-quality plating in rhodium (brilliant silver-tone), gold, and rose gold finishes. Allows intricate detailing and substantial weight.
Sterling Silver (Select Pieces)
Heritage and fine jewellery lines feature 925 sterling silver with official UK Assay Office hallmarks.
Swarovski Crystal Excellence
The signature sparkle comes from precisely cut Swarovski crystals — the same crystals trusted by haute couture houses worldwide for unmatched brilliance.
Swarovski Pearls
Glass-based Swarovski pearls selected for flawless appearance, exceptional durability, and sustainability. Featured in the celebrated Pearl Collection.
Design Philosophy
- Punk Disruption Meets Aristocratic Detail: Every piece balances rebellious attitude with meticulous craft — Orb logos rendered in three-dimensional relief, intricate chain work, and unexpected material combinations
- The Three-Dimensional Orb: Unlike flat logo stamping, Vivienne Westwood's Orb features sculptural depth and precise detailing, making it instantly recognisable even from a distance
- Sustainable Values: Dame Vivienne championed ethical production and climate activism for decades. The brand continues prioritising responsible sourcing, reduced waste, and environmental advocacy
4 | Vivienne Westwood in Culture & Celebrity
Sex Pistols & Punk Origins
Vivienne Westwood dressed the Sex Pistols during punk's explosive 1970s emergence, creating the visual vocabulary of British punk: safety pins, bondage trousers, provocative graphics. This foundation gave the brand unshakeable street credibility.
Nana Anime Cultural Phenomenon
The 2006 manga and anime series Nana featured Vivienne Westwood jewellery prominently on the character Nana Osaki (nicknamed Hachi), particularly Bas Relief designs. This exposure:
- Created massive demand in Japanese youth markets
- Introduced the Orb to anime subculture globally
- Established Vivienne Westwood as "the punk jewellery brand" for Gen Z collectors
- Generated a cult following that persists nearly 20 years later
Celebrity Endorsements
Current Generation
Dua Lipa — red carpets and editorial shoots. Bella Hadid — street style staple. Harry Styles — gender-fluid styling. Willow Smith, FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish — alternative icons.
Legacy Icons
Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Pamela Anderson — 1990s supermodels who championed the brand. Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof — British it-girls maintaining the punk-chic tradition.
Fashion Week & Editorial Presence
- London Fashion Week styling
- Vogue, i-D, and Dazed editorial shoots
- Museum exhibitions (V&A, Met Costume Institute)
- Streetwear and high-fashion crossover collaborations
5 | Shop Vivienne Westwood at OD's Jewellers
We stock over 60 Vivienne Westwood jewellery pieces across necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles, and pendants. Here's a selection from our current range — all in stock and ready to wear.
Iconic Orb & Pearl Pieces
Earrings & Bracelets
Gifts & Everyday Orb
60+ Vivienne Westwood Pieces In Stock
Browse our full Vivienne Westwood jewellery collection online, or visit us at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens to try on the Orb in person.
6 | Vivienne Westwood Size Guides
For comprehensive jewellery sizing guidance, see our Master Jewellery & Watch Size Guide.
Necklace Lengths
Most necklaces feature 3–5 cm extender chains for flexibility. The iconic Bas Relief Choker sits at 36–40 cm for dramatic neck impact.
Bracelet Sizing
Many styles include adjustable clasps or extender chains. Medium (17 cm) is the safest gift choice.
Ring Sizing
Vivienne Westwood rings follow standard UK sizing (typically H–Q range). Visit OD's Jewellers for free professional sizing.
Design Codes (W1, W2, M1, M2)
These refer to design categories (Women's main line, Men's secondary line), NOT sizing differences. Ignore these codes when selecting size.
7 | Care & Warranty
Vivienne Westwood-Specific Care
Brass Base Vulnerability
Unlike sterling silver, brass-based pieces require extra protection. The plating layer is the primary defence against tarnish — once compromised, brass oxidises rapidly.
Perfume = Plating Enemy
Apply perfumes, hairspray, and lotions BEFORE putting on jewellery. Chemical contact is the #1 cause of premature plating wear on brass-based pieces.
Water Exposure
Remove jewellery before showering, swimming (chlorine attacks plating aggressively), exercising (sweat accelerates tarnish), and washing dishes.
Storage
Keep pieces in original Vivienne Westwood pouches. Bathrooms are enemies of plated jewellery — humidity accelerates tarnish. Store in cool, dry locations.
For universal jewellery care principles, see our Jewellery Care Guide.
Two-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Covers: Manufacturing defects (faulty clasps, loose Orb settings), material defects (plating defects, crystal flaws)
- Does not cover: Accidental damage or loss, normal wear and tear (plating wear is expected over time), damage from improper care (chemical exposure, water damage), unauthorised repairs
- At OD's: We handle warranty assessments, coordinate with Vivienne Westwood, and provide honest guidance on care-related vs. manufacturing issues
8 | Why Choose Vivienne Westwood at OD's Jewellers
100% Authentic Guarantee
OD's Jewellers is an authorised Vivienne Westwood retailer. Every piece is genuine, covered by full two-year warranty, and never counterfeit or grey-market goods.
Authenticity Verification
Our team knows how to spot counterfeits: proper packaging, correct Orb symmetry, quality weight, hallmarks, and extender chain details.
Expert Guidance
Collection knowledge (Bas Relief vs. Pearl vs. Mini Bas Relief), sizing expertise, care advice specific to brass-based plating, and styling consultation.
30+ Years of Trust
Family-run jeweller serving St Helens and the North West for over 30 years. You're part of the OD's family, not a transaction number.
Gift Services & Aftercare
Luxury gift wrapping in store, flexible Klarna finance options (subject to approval), warranty claim management, and ongoing care guidance. Vivienne Westwood makes an unforgettable gift.
Top Picks at OD's — In Stock Now
Three best-sellers our customers are choosing this month — all in stock, ready to ship from St Helens, available to try in our St Helens store before you buy.
All available in-store at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY — try before you buy.
Browse the full jewellery range at OD's.
9 | Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vivienne Westwood pearls real?
The pearls in the main fashion jewellery line (Bas Relief Pearl Choker, Pearl Collection) are high-quality Swarovski crystal pearls — glass-based cores with lustrous pearl coating. They offer flawless appearance, exceptional durability, and sustainability compared to natural pearls. Select fine jewellery pieces may feature genuine cultured pearls — check product specifications.
Does Vivienne Westwood jewellery tarnish?
Yes. Brass-based pieces with plating will tarnish if exposed to moisture, perfumes, or body chemistry. Unlike sterling silver (which tarnishes slowly), brass oxidises rapidly once plating is compromised. Prevention: apply perfumes before wearing, remove before water exposure, store in original pouches, wipe with a soft cloth after each wear.
What does the Orb logo mean?
The Saturn Orb symbolises Vivienne Westwood's design philosophy: "taking tradition into the future." It merges the British Sovereign's Orb (royal heritage, establishment) with Saturn's rings (cosmos, future, rebellion) — perfectly capturing punk aristocracy.
Can I shower with Vivienne Westwood jewellery?
No. Always remove before showering, swimming, or exercising. Water exposure — especially chlorine and sweat — accelerates plating wear on brass-based pieces and can damage Swarovski crystal coatings.
Is Vivienne Westwood jewellery hypoallergenic?
Sterling silver pieces are generally hypoallergenic. Most earrings feature plated brass posts, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have known metal allergies, visit OD's Jewellers to discuss specific products and metal compositions.
Why is Vivienne Westwood jewellery so popular in anime and Japanese culture?
The 2006 manga and anime Nana featured Vivienne Westwood jewellery prominently on the character Nana Osaki (Hachi), particularly Bas Relief designs. This created massive cultural impact in Japan and global anime fandom, establishing the Orb as an icon of punk-chic rebellion for Gen Z collectors.