ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Shaun Leane Launches 12: A New Chapter of Limited Annual Creations

artist · 2026-09-08

Shaun Leane, a renowned British jeweller celebrated for his collaborations with Alexander McQueen, has introduced a new line called 12, producing only 12 pieces annually. After taking a step back from his brand two years ago, he now splits his time between North London and Kerry, Ireland. The inaugural piece he crafted was a headstone for his father, while the third creation was a neckpiece for Daphne Guinness. Leane views his clients as collectors, designing emotionally resonant items such as engagement rings and headstones for families. His team consists of long-time partners and experts from Hatton Garden. He draws inspiration from figures like René Lalique and the Wiener Werkstätte, reflecting on notable past creations like the Coil corset and Contra Mundum glove.

Key facts

  • Shaun Leane has launched a new endeavour called 12, limiting himself to creating 12 pieces a year.
  • He stepped back from his eponymous label two years ago.
  • Leane splits his time between North London and Kerry, Ireland.
  • The first piece under 12 was a headstone for his father's grave.
  • The third piece was a neckpiece for Daphne Guinness.
  • Leane's team includes specialists in Hatton Garden, where he apprenticed at age 15.
  • The Coil corset for Alexander McQueen (1999) took 16 weeks to make.
  • The Contra Mundum glove for Daphne Guinness (2011) took six years and features over 5,000 diamonds.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Boucheron
  • De Beers
  • Forevermark
  • Wiener Werkstätte
  • Cartier
  • V&A
  • Royal Family
  • Asprey
  • Robb Report
  • 12
  • Hatton Garden
  • Savile Row
  • Tate Britain
  • Galerie Magazine

Locations

  • North London
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Kerry
  • Ireland
  • Hatton Garden
  • Paris
  • France
  • Place Vendôme
  • South Africa
  • India
  • Greenwich
  • Mayfair
  • Antwerp
  • Belgium

Sources