1. Brand Overview / Why Vivienne Westwood Matters

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.

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
• Punk meets aristocracy: Subversive attitude wrapped in regal detailing
• Cultural omnipresence: From Sex Pistols styling to anime iconography (Nana's Hachi character)
• Dame Vivienne's activism legacy: Environmental and political engagement embedded in brand DNA

2. The Vivienne Westwood Story (History & Heritage)

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

The **Bas Relief Pearl Choker** cemented the Orb's iconic status. Featuring rows of luminous Swarovski pearls with the three-dimensional Orb centrepiece, it transformed how an entire generation viewed pearls—from conservative to radically chic.

This single design became Vivienne Westwood's most recognisable jewellery piece, worn across decades by punk rebels and fashion editors alike.

Cultural Evolution

1990s–2000s: Westwood's global expansion brought punk sophistication to international markets. The jewellery line grew from subculture statement to accessible luxury.

Nana Anime (2006): The manga and anime series Nana featured Vivienne Westwood jewellery prominently, particularly on the character Nachi (Nana Osaki). The Bas Relief designs became anime iconography, introducing the brand to Japanese youth culture and creating a cult following that persists today.

2010s–Present: Celebrity endorsements (Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, Harry Styles) and continued designer collaborations keep Vivienne Westwood relevant across generations.

Dame Vivienne (1941–2022): Vivienne Westwood passed away in December 2022, but the brand continues under the creative stewardship of her husband Andreas Kronthaler and long-time collaborators, honouring her revolutionary vision.

Today

Global presence with flagship stores in London, Paris, and New York. More than a fashion house, Vivienne Westwood remains an activist brand—championing environmental causes, political engagement, and cultural rebellion. When you wear the Orb, you wear a legacy.

3. Craftsmanship & Innovation

Materials & Construction

Brass Base with Premium Plating: The main jewellery collection features brass with superior-quality plating in rhodium (brilliant silver-tone), gold, and rose gold finishes. This construction allows intricate detailing and substantial weight while keeping pieces accessible.

Sterling Silver (Select Pieces): Heritage and fine jewellery lines feature 925 sterling silver with official UK Assay Office hallmarks, offering traditional precious metal options for collectors.

Swarovski Crystal Excellence: The signature sparkle comes from precisely cut **Swarovski crystals**—the same crystals trusted by haute couture houses worldwide for unmatched brilliance and light refraction.

Swarovski Pearls: The celebrated pearls in the Pearl Collection are lustrous, glass-based Swarovski pearls, selected for flawless appearance, exceptional durability, and sustainability.

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. As she famously said: "Buy less, choose well, make it last."

4. Vivienne Westwood in Culture & Events

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: Frequently wears Vivienne Westwood on red carpets and in editorial shoots
• Bella Hadid: Street style staple, pairing punk pieces with high fashion
• Harry Styles: Gender-fluid styling aligns perfectly with Westwood's boundary-pushing ethos
• Willow Smith, FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish: Alternative icons embracing the Orb

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

Vivienne Westwood jewellery appears regularly in:

• London Fashion Week styling
• Vogue, i-D, and Dazed editorial shoots
• Museum exhibitions (V&A, Met Costume Institute)
• Streetwear and high-fashion crossover collaborations

UK Retail Presence

• Flagship stores: London (Conduit Street, Worlds End)
• Department stores: Selfridges, Harrods
• Authorised stockists: Including OD's Jewellers, bringing punk royalty to St Helens

5. Size Guides

For comprehensive jewellery sizing guidance, see our [Master Jewellery Size Guide].

Vivienne Westwood-Specific Notes:

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.

6. Care & Warranty

Vivienne Westwood-Specific Care

Brass Base Vulnerability: Unlike sterling silver jewellery, 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 Vivienne Westwood pieces.

Water Exposure: Remove jewellery before:

• Showering or bathing
• Swimming (chlorine attacks plating aggressively)
• Exercising (sweat accelerates tarnish)
• Washing dishes or household cleaning

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 Hub].

7. FAQs

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/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.

8. Why Choose Vivienne Westwood at OD's Jewellers

100% Authentic Guarantee

OD's Jewellers is an authorised Vivienne Westwood retailer. Every piece you purchase is genuine, covered by full two-year manufacturer warranty, and never counterfeit or grey-market goods. Fake Vivienne Westwood jewellery is rampant online—purchasing from [OD's Jewellers] eliminates all risk.

Authenticity Verification Support

Our team knows how to spot counterfeits: proper packaging, correct Orb symmetry, quality weight, hallmarks, and extender chain details. We'll show you what to look for.

Expert Guidance

Our St Helens team offers:

• Collection knowledge (Bas Relief vs. Pearl vs. Mini Bas Relief)
• Sizing expertise (necklace lengths, bracelet fit, ring sizing)
• Care advice specific to brass-based plating
• Styling consultation (building Orb stacks)

Local Accountability

Family-run jeweller serving St Helens and the North West for over 30 years. We remember customers and purchase history—you're part of the OD's family.

Gift Services

Luxury gift wrapping in store, and flexible [Klarna finance] options (subject to approval). Vivienne Westwood makes an unforgettable gift.

Professional Aftercare

• Warranty claim management
• Ongoing care guidance