vikki kassioras contemporary jewellery

"Goldfish Salvation" Riusuke Fukahori

2012-01-16T16:12:00.001+11:00

Happy New Year

2012-01-08T16:48:00.000+11:00

With my 1st post of the year I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! I have enjoyed a slow couple of weeks but at e.g.etal they have launched into the new year adding an interview with me onto their blog. Thank you to Richard who took some great photos and conducted the interview not long after I had moved into my new studio.

You can read the full interview HERE.

me at my jewellery bench, photo by Richard - e.g.etal

interview excerpt

"Basically I think humans have thought about all these things for a long time and have gathered all these stories…these stories would have come from raw feelings: being a human and being in this world, not understanding your place in it and trying to find some kind of meaning…stories help to make things easier and to make sense of things around you. In our modern world we’re a little bit…well, we’ve somewhat lost touch with those things. I like to make jewellery that can resonate with someone and their own story—giving them space to think about where their story fits in with things. Or they simply have a piece of jewellery that can remind them of something special. I guess that’s what I hope my pieces will do for people."

Bird Charm Bangle

2011-12-20T21:39:00.000+11:00

I delivered this bangle to e.g.etal the other day. It is made from sterling silver and has been fused together. Made from about 50grams of silver it is a nice weighty bangle with one of my favourite bird charms hanging from it. The finish is my usual matte file finish with the surface worked and re worked over to give a soft interesting and uniform look. As this bangle is worn and enjoyed the surface will naturally polish up exposing some of the larger file marks developing a lovely worn in feeling.

Pink Ice.........

2011-12-17T17:02:00.001+11:00

Irregularly facetted Rose Quartz from Madagascar

Sterling silver fused chain and clsap.

available at e.g.etal

Saturday in Fitzroy!

2011-12-16T20:45:00.000+11:00

This saturday (yes tomorrow) my friend Regina will be opening her studio for a Jewellery Sale extravaganza............
10 am - 4pm
23 Kerr Street
Fitzroy
(enter via Spring Street)

I love it when a plan comes together!

2011-12-09T08:00:00.020+11:00

The signet ring below is an example of when a plan comes together. I had been meaning to make a simple signet ring like this for some time. The top is slightly curved matching the curve in the 3mm diameter ring shank. This ring is on the smaller side of ring sizes but would be perfect for a little pinky ring. The image of the running deer throwing its head backwards is in relief.

This ring will be available at tonight's

Tailor-Made event.

level 4, studio 13

The Nicholas Building

4pm-9pm

sterling silver signet ring

End of Year Drinks Exhibition & Sale

2011-12-06T19:00:00.002+11:00

This Friday 9th December
4pm-9pm

you are invited to TAILOR-MADE,

featuring jewellery by me of course,

prints and leather satchels by Peter O'Connor

and

objects by FLATLAND OK

The Nicholas Building

37 Swanston Street

FLOOR 7, STUDIO 13

Melbourne 3000

Pegasus on Turquoise beads

2011-12-04T22:00:00.001+11:00

What else could I put Pegasus the winged horse on but turquoise blue beads. These beads where another special vintage find that I have re strung on plaited cord.

vintage turquoise beads, sterling silver, plaited cord

available at e.g.etal

Vintage Porcelain Beads

2011-12-03T20:14:00.001+11:00

These beads where bought back from Canton China in 1969 by one of my stone merchants. They have the most beautifully hand painted cobalt blue flowers on them and I was able to buy just enough for two neckpieces. The first one was sent off to e.g.etal strung on a thick black plaited cord with a large silver clasp that can be worn at the back of the neck or on the side. These are some of the most special beads I have found in a long time they look like beautifully crafted mini works of art.

Marche Rouge 2011

2011-11-28T21:20:00.003+11:00

Marche Rouge is once again taking shape within the Nicholas Building and like last year I will be moving my jewellery cabinet down to l'uccello from thursday to saturday to take part in this years event.

thursday 1st December 10am - 8pm
friday 2nd December 10am - 8pm
saturday 3rd December 10 - 6pm

Nicholas Building
37 Swanston Street

click on image to enlarge

Snakes

2011-10-24T22:28:00.000+11:00

Aeon, the deity representing eternity

The tortoise carrying the world

Snake rings

9ct yellow gold with sapphire eyes

9ct yellow gold with diamond eyes

photo by Terence Bogue

Wedding Bands

2011-10-20T21:20:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to S & J who where married in Jakarta last week. Below are the wedding bands they commissioned from me. The rings are based on my precious range of rings that reference journeys and voyages.

Diamond Lake Ring - 18ct yellow gold, diamond

Mountain Signet Ring - 18ct yellow gold

Wings

2011-10-17T22:08:00.001+11:00

18ct yellow gold

6mm x 4mm

Available at e.g.etal

Earrings

2011-10-12T22:25:00.000+11:00

Coin Earrings

fused sterling silver

Yohahama Signet Ring

2011-10-03T22:40:00.001+11:00

picture by me

Silver, mokume gane, cord tassel

Made for the 'Dear Father' Exhibition at Lord Coconut Melbourne

Robert Baines - Exhibition

2011-09-12T21:39:00.000+10:00

Robert Baines was one of my lectures during my studies at R.M.I.T. He introduced me to the ancient goldsmithing technique of fusing which I often use in making my work. His exhibition opens at Glen Eira City Council Gallery and luckily for me on my side of the yarra.

Opening address by RMIT University Professor of Art and Philosophy and Head of the School of Art, Elizabeth Grierson

Welcome by Her Worship, the Mayor Cr Margaret Esakoff

With words by goldsmith and jeweller Robert Baines

Floor talk by artist Robert Baines

Saturday 24 September, 2.30pm

Free admission. Glen Eira City Council Gallery.
Robert Baines, nationally and internationally renowned jeweller and goldsmith will provide a fascinating overview of his career between 1969 and 2011.

Glen Eira City Council Gallery

Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield

Open Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm–5pm
Public holidays, 1pm–5pm
Phone: 03 9524 3333

'Dear Father' - Exhibition at Lord Coconut

2011-09-05T18:08:00.000+10:00

I have a made a piece that is part of the exhibition 'Dear Father' at Lord Coconut.

My post card was from Yohahama Japan.

Dear Father

August 30 to September 17

Lord Coconut

Carlow House

289 Flinder Lane

Suit 3, Level 4

Melbourne

‘Dear Father’, an in-store exhibition, has been curated by Lord Coconut as part of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2011 Look.Stop.Shop program. The exhibition is a historical exhibition of vintage postcards Lord Coconut sent to his father, whilst travelling on his grand tour between 1898 and 1911. During this time, Lord Coconut visited a number of counties throughout the world and sent back both the postcard and a small trinket which represented his travels in each country.

Each jeweller, as part of the exhibition, was given one of these postcards and asked to re-produce the small gift that Lord Coconut may have sent back to his father which reflects the postcard’s origin.

a blank canvas

2011-09-01T20:37:00.000+10:00

Soon to be my new studio......

pop up open studio photos...

2011-08-29T21:09:00.003+10:00

It has been really great working in the Royal Exhibition Building over the last couple of days. Below is my pop up open studio

and here is my pop up studio neighbour Regina Middleton in the midst of creating another of her wonderful jewellery pieces.

ohh and did I mention our beautiful surounds?

pop up open studio at PREMIER

2011-08-28T19:52:00.000+10:00

Over the next few days I will be taking part in a pop up open studio that is part of the Premier boutique trade event held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton . I have attempted to re create my studio space on a smaller scale and will be working on site until Tuesday.

Premier is a trade only event.

photograph by Daniel Mahon

taken for Frankie's Spaces.

A Special Gift

2011-08-22T21:43:00.001+10:00

The chain below was commissioned by S & R as a memento of the births of their babys. I have added two small charms inscribed with the babys names on one side and their birth dates on the other.

Meteora Chain - sterling silver, oxidised, fused

Daehoon Kang - Exhibition

2011-08-16T12:00:00.001+10:00

This month my friend Daehoon is showing a new body of work

titled: Jang Dok Dae (The Condiments Bay)at e.g.etal.

I can't wait to see it.

click on the image to enlarge

You can read more about Daehoon and Joungmee
on the e.g.etal blog.

Life of Long Days- Earrings

2011-08-14T19:39:00.001+10:00

'your skin will be of gold’

Sterling Silver oxidised, 18ct Yellow Gold

These earrings are now once again available at egetal.
They were part of the Life of Long Days Exhibition.

Sphinx Earrings

2011-08-10T21:31:00.000+10:00

Sterling silver earrings with Sphinx in relief.

Iranian Worry Beads

2011-08-08T21:52:00.004+10:00

Sterling silver clasp with computer engraved arabic geometric pattern, red Copal Amber worry beads from Iran.

Available at e.g.etal from today.

OPEN STUDIO Showroom Images

2011-08-07T22:02:00.002+10:00

Below are some photos of my showroom taken during this years

OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building.

Thank you to all my visitors over the two nights!

More jewellery goodness for open studio

2011-07-26T21:40:00.001+10:00

Available at my showroom during open studio.

earrings,

sterling silver, oxidised,

computer engraved arabic geometric pattern

rings,

sterling silver, oxidised,

computer engraved arabic geometric pattern

The eyes have it......

2011-07-25T22:44:00.002+10:00

Just making some special little showroom earrings for the open studio like I do every year.

This year the eyes have it.........

I have only made a few of these sterling silver earrings

so if you like what you see get to the OPEN STUDIOS early.

Silver Ex Votive offering from my collection.

An exvoto or votive offering is an expression of thanks, dedicated to a cured part of the body. They are made of silver, wax, or painted on a panel. They are brought out of gratitude, displayed at the church. Prior to the advent of the eye-care professional they were the only recourse for those suffering from eye problems; basically praying was all that was available in early times. Poorer folk centuries ago likely offered ex votives on perishable material, not being able to afford better.

OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building 2011

2011-07-24T20:56:00.000+10:00

Hope you can make it to this years OPEN STUDIO Nicholas Building. I am furiously making some new little sterling silver earrings as well as 'Meteora' chains and some special beaded neckpieces. My work from The Black exhibition will also be on display, so come and visit it will be another wonderful event.

Brooches on Buildings

2011-07-13T21:57:00.001+10:00

Macauley Rd, Kensington

White Gold

2011-07-06T22:23:00.000+10:00

I really love the industrial grey of white gold.

This rings surface is left matte on the outside

but polished on the inside.

Golden Mountain with 8 diamond trail

18ct white gold,

Australian Champagne Diamonds

engagement |enˈgājmənt|

ORIGIN early 17th cent.(in the general sense [a legal or moral obligation] ):

French, from engager ‘to pledge’ (see engage ).

New Business Cards

2011-06-30T20:42:00.002+10:00

Couldn't make up my mind which picture to

use so I got both kinds!

Thanks Nikki.

'Tell me what you do with the food you eat, and I'll tell you who you are.'

2011-06-19T21:26:00.000+10:00

quote from

Zorba the Greek

Nikos Kazantzakis

A couple of Exhibitions

2011-06-15T21:57:00.000+10:00

This month my friend Joungmee

is showing a new body of work

titled 'Longevity'

at e.g.etal.

It is captivating, original and

beautifully crafted.

Congratulations Joungmee!

Also showing in June is

Japanese Jeweller

Liisa Hashimoto.

She came all the way from

Osaka to attend the opening

and it was lovely meeting her and

seeing her work.

2011-06-01T21:44:00.001+10:00

Chrysoprase Beads

2011-05-31T22:47:00.003+10:00

Today I put the finishing touches to this neckpiece. These irregularly shaped nuggets of beautiful Chrysoprase where mined in Australia. This piece will be available at e.g.etal from tomorrow.

9ct yellow gold clasp, Australian chrysoprase, braided cord

chrysoprase |ˈkrisəˌprāz|
noun
an apple-green variety of chalcedony containing nickel, used as a gemstone.
• (in the New Testament) a golden-green precious stone, perhaps a variety of beryl.

ORIGIN Middle English (in the New Testament sense): from
Old French crisopace, via Latin from Greek khrusoprasos,
from khrusos ‘gold’ + prason ‘leek.’

Three golden path rings

2011-05-23T21:12:00.003+10:00

Golden Path Rings
top to bottom

18ct yellow gold, 18ct pink gold & 18ct white gold

These rings are 2.5mm high and could be worn all together

or against one of the other rings in this series.

On the way to the studio........

2011-05-22T18:06:00.001+10:00

Most mornings on the way to the studio I grab a coffee at C.O.T and walk through the underpass and up onto Degraves St. I love this underpass with its curved pink tiled walls and I am loving this art work by Michelle Sakaris that is displayed in some of the windows at Platfrom Art Space.

Over the course of the instillation little plants have grown through the dirt making them look like proper little ruins.

Michelle Sakaris

Architectures

Ortakoy Mosque, Istanbul

Create the Example

Platfrom Art Space,

Curated by Joanna Gould and Brooke Tia Silcox as part of the
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival

Exhibiton runs until the 27th of May.

Platform Art Space
Degraves Street Subway, Melbourne
Mon – Fri: 7am – 7pm, Sat: 9am – 5pm

2011-05-17T22:50:00.002+10:00

More about 'Life of Long Days' on the

egetal blog.

the old man becomes young again

oxidised sterling silver, 18ct yellow gold

photograph by Terence Bogue

Life of Long Days - Opening

2011-05-12T22:55:00.000+10:00

Thank you to everyone who braved the

Melbourne weather and

joined me at e.g.etal

for the opening of

Life of Long Days

Exhibition Dates

May 9th - May 28th 2011

e.g.etal

Life of Long Days - Exhibition

2011-04-29T22:13:00.000+10:00

I am really happy to let you all know about my upcoming exhibition. It will be displayed at e.g.etal and is part of their 2011 exhibition series featuring nine jewellers over nine months. This group of new works take the form of earrings. 'Life of long days' has been inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh and from my ongoing research into ancient jewellery and mythology. If you are in Melbourne please come and visit.

click on image to view details

OPENING NIGHT:

TUESDAY 10TH MAY

6PM-8PM

Exhibition to be opened by

Marion Marshall

E.G.ETAL

downstairs 167 Flinders Lane

Melbourne, 3000

Exhibition Dates

Mon 9th May - Sat 28th May

life of long days

18ct

photography by Terence Bogue

Collecting.....

2011-04-25T20:31:00.003+10:00

Here are some of the things that I have collected

over the years that now live in my showroom.

Turkmenistan bead

glass beads & engraved brass pot

imitation flower wreath

head piece

Turkmenistan earrings

Lucky Charm. Make Good Fortune Happen

2011-03-29T21:13:00.000+11:00

Help raise funds for the RED CROSS while bidding

on amazing contemporary jewellery.

It's win win!!

I have donated work so check out how it all works here

http://luckycharmfundraiser.blogspot.com/

or on face book

A big thanks to

Natalia M.P

for coming up with the idea

and organising it all.

Lucky Charm. Making Good Fortune Happen, is an online auction fundraiser coordinated by Melbourne based jeweler, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska, in order to raise much needed funds in support of the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Rescue services.

In light of the recent bout of devastating natural disasters that have taken place around the world, in particular, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it became apparent that humanitarian charities such as the Red Cross have become increasingly stretched for funds and resources which allow them to respond quickly and effectively in critical times.

The Lucky Charm fundraiser will see a cornucopia of amazing contemporary jewellery works auctioned off online as a means to show support and help raise much needed funds for the Red Cross -Australia.

All works have been donated by an incredibly generous and highly respected assembly of local and international contemporary jewellers who have banded together to create what organizer, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska calls, “An unstoppable force of GOOD nature”.

Established and emerging makers alsike have come together, with names such as Lucy Folk, Julia deVille, Nicholas Bastin, Melinda Young, Anna Davern in the mix. It’s a rare opportunity to view and bid on such a vast and varied collection of amazing jewellery works. What is even more amazing is that ALL pieces start at a reserve price of only $30!

Thank you for your support, spread the word far and wide, good luck, happy bidding, and may you yourself become a Maker of Good Fortune!

Bidding is open now, all auctions end on April 21^stat 11pm EST.

http://luckycharmfundraiser.blogspot.com/

Revisting Black

2011-03-15T22:24:00.002+11:00

Black Earth

925, oxidised, vintage glass beads

ancient greek inscription by Sappho

translation by Anne Carlson

photos by Terence Bogue

-some men say an army of horse

and some men say an army on foot

and some men say an army of ships

is the most beautiful thing on the black earth

but I say it is what you love

White Gold...

2011-02-01T21:04:00.000+11:00

Here is a ring that was commissioned

just before Christmas.

I think the combination of the white gold,

green Sapphires and

white diamonds is excellent!

Golden Mountain Ring

18ct White Gold grain set with 6 green Sapphires

and 2 white diamonds

2010-12-31T17:07:00.001+11:00

happy new year!

(found photograph, Barcelona)

wishing you all

health

prosperity

and many happy times

in the year ahead...

2010-12-30T17:14:00.001+11:00

2010-12-24T17:45:00.001+11:00

Merry

Christmas

***

Wood and Forest Nymphs

2010-12-13T22:15:00.001+11:00

These special pieces were delivered to e.g.etal last Saturday.

I have more to post and will do some catching up soon

wood nymph

neckpiece

matte carnelian beads,
sterling silver oxidised (blackened) clasp

forest nymph

neckpiece

aventurine, onyx, sterling silver

the clasp has a gazelle in relief pressed

into it and a small coin shaped dangle

close up of the aventurine beads
and the onyx bead

nymph |nimf|
noun
1 a mythological spirit of nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting rivers, woods, or other locations.
• chiefly poetic/literary a beautiful young woman.

on line shop

2010-11-10T00:20:00.002+11:00

I have been wanting an online shop for a while and here it is!

www.vikkikassioras.bigcartel.com

I have only added one piece for the moment,

it is one of the works I made for the BLACK

exhibition earlier this year.

Neckpiece

2010-10-15T22:06:00.000+11:00

oxidised sterling silver chain,

jet beads

detail of double strand neckpiece

Earrings

2010-10-14T22:35:00.000+11:00

oxidised sterling silver,

fused links

Neckpiece

2010-10-08T21:56:00.000+11:00

Sterling silver clasp, lapis lazuli &

one yellow Kandahar jade bead.

Thanks

2010-09-14T22:26:00.002+10:00

make one of these here

via

pip

Black exhibition

2010-09-09T23:25:00.000+10:00

Today in the city weekly some photos on page 5 UPDATE!

& some more info on page 8 SEE&DO

I will be sitting our exhibition from 3.30pm-6.00pm tomorrow and this Saturday from 1pm - 3.30pm

BLACK artist statement

2010-09-08T23:14:00.000+10:00

BLACK

will be open this week again from tomorrow

Thursday 9th September

Friday 10th September

Saturday 11th September

1pm - 6pm (all days)

37 swanston street

floor 7, room 10

melbourne 3000

Katherine & I will be taking turns sitting the exhibition so drop by for a closer look at our work and a chat.

below are some detail shots of my work

my artist statement

My approach to the making of my work for the show ‘BLACK’ was an intuitive one. I started with the choosing and collection of my materials, onyx, hematite and obsidian. They are all black but when one is put next to the other differences begin to be observed.

The polished and facetted hematite beads a contrast next to the grey black of the oxidised silver pieces. The matte black onyx has a different quality to the matte black obsidian. These subtle overlapping differences create interesting contrasts that draw the eye to small details.

Next I looked at the way black was used in Sappho’s poetry and drew on her words to add a lyric component to my work while meshing it with classical symbols of strength such as the snake and lion.

Black for me is a colour used to symbolise danger, strength and mystery all powerful and interesting ideas to convey in wearable contemporary jewellery pieces.

read Katherine's artist statement here

BLACK instillation images

2010-09-03T21:47:00.001+10:00

Last night was the opening of BLACK.

Thank you to everyone who made the trip up to the 7th floor to help Katherine and I celebrate. There was lots of hanging out in the corridor, drinking of sparkling and lots of positive feedback about my jewellery and Kath's drawings.

Today I sat the exhibition and had a steady flow of visitors but found the time to do some more letrasetting on the door. Here are a few photos of the space and our work. I was also finally able to have a good look at Katherine's work and discovered quite a few details like glitter that I had missed before because they are so detailed.

Tomorrow Kath will be sitting our show from 1pm-6pm.

Hope you can come and visit!

Saturday 4 September 1pm – 6pm

Thursday 9 September 1pm – 6pm
Friday 10th Saturday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday 11th September 1pm – 6pm

(also open by appointment)

The Nicholas Building

37 Swanston Street

Floor 7, Room 10

Melbourne 3000

(03) 9650 2590

BLACK

2010-08-27T09:48:00.000+10:00

OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building

2010-08-15T21:48:00.000+10:00

Come and visit me!

Here is the reason for my serious lack of recent posts.

Between organising this years event finishing orders and making some new work for the showroom there has not been much time left over. But its all worth it because this years event promises to be the best and biggest ever, with some Open Studio regulars opening up again as well as some new faces.

Check out the online version of open studios here.

Kodama (return to me)

2010-07-20T22:24:00.000+10:00

A small gallery within a gallery has sprung up at e.g.etal.

I love how compact the space is and how perfectly Yuko's work sits within it,

when you visit be ready for bold large pieces that warm this jewellers heart...

You can read more about Yuko's passion on the e.g.etal blog

and see images of the opening night.

And here is some info on the exhibition design by Katherine Bowman.

Kodama (return to me)

new work by Yuko Fujita

14 - 31 July 2010

e.g.etal

Earrings

2010-06-27T21:14:00.000+10:00

I made these quite a few weeks ago

and they are now on display at

egetal.

Sterling silver set with turquoise cabochons

New Neckpieces

2010-05-24T21:42:00.003+10:00

I delivered these two works to e.g.etal today.

These unakite beads are a mixture of pink feldspar and green epidote.They are about 10mm in diameter and I have strung them on jade coloured silk. The clasp is made from sterling silver and I have added a small lucky charm which can be seen in the second photo. I have named this piece lotus because of the olive green and pink colour of the stone. The clasp can be worn at the back at the back or at the side.

Sea bamboo beads, threaded on white silk cord with a sterling silver clasp. These beads have been dyed and they are a lovely coral pink colour not orange like my photo below....

Snail Mail...

2010-04-25T18:43:00.001+10:00

What a nice surprise the day I arrived home to find this package waiting for me to open.

I had applied to be included in this publication some time last year and had forgotten all about it till I received my free copy. Below are my two pages and the front cover.........

Thanks

2010-04-19T18:17:00.001+10:00

A special

THANKYOU!

Katherine

Tess &

Karen

who were kind enough to mention my

Craft Victoria -

enCounter window exhibition

'Three Muses'

on their Blogs

three muses

2010-04-07T22:49:00.003+10:00

Yesterday morning I installed my half of the enCounter window Exhibition at Craft Victoria. The window is a mix of past exhibition pieces and new sterling silver work, utilising my favourite technique of fusing as well as silver that has been computer engraved with a geometric arabic pattern.

Its a very black white and grey window. Viva Melbourne winter!

You can view the window at any time and it will be up until May the 2nd.

Glitzern Earring Festival 9-20 MARCH 2010

2010-03-12T21:45:00.003+11:00

My contribution to this years
L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival

takes the shape of a pair of earrings
on show at Glitzern's Earring Festival.

Below is a description by the Glitzern ladies of what is in store.......

Dear Friends,

Melbourne loves a festival, and GLITZERN loves earrings.
The GLITZERN earring festival kicks off on MARCH 9TH with more earrings than you could imagine. A participant of the 2010 L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program this mini festival in a mini shop has earrings bigger than your head.
Check out the precious rhinestone and silver skulls by Julia Deville or crazy 80s inspired over the top whoppas from OTT by Lia T, dangle some rocks from your lobes by Ina Barry, or some foodstuffs from Lucy Folk.
All of your favourite Melbourne jewellers including William Griffiths, Marcos Davidson, Vikki Kassiorias, Anna Davern, Cass Chilton, Cass Partington, House of Baulch and many many more….. some new graduates show off some new work, and earrings by fashion designers too – Kara Baker, Nevada Duffy and more, more, more……
New designs from distant shores will also delight. New York stunners Noir, Digby and Iona and Mended Veil and more, more ……
See the BIGGEST earrings in the world by artist Narelle Desmond. Big enough to adorn a Mueck.

xx Moi and Caroline

Turquoise and Gold

2009-12-11T21:29:00.002+11:00

Arizona Turquoise Beads & 9ct yellow gold.

This neckpiece is available at e.g.etal. After finishing this neckpiece I have to admit I did think about keeping it for myself. I have always loved turquoise and as a teenager talked my parents into buying me a watch with a turquoise band that I was sure I would wear for EVER. I havn't worn the watch in ages but I just might use its turquoise for earrings.......

'Ambrosia' Neckpiece

2009-12-02T20:46:00.001+11:00

Sterling Silver, Orange Tibetan Banded Agate

Earrings

2009-11-29T21:21:00.002+11:00

Things are rolling along towards Christmas and my lack of posting is due to some hard work put in at the studio making all sorts of things to top up my e.g.etal stock. I have taken lots of pictures and will post them over the next few days.

Bangle with Bird Charm

2009-11-16T21:19:00.005+11:00

This bangle has been made from sterling silver that has been fused together and then forged and hammered giving it a textured surface. Over time as this bangle is worn by its new owner it will slowly polish up. Since ancient times birds have been seen as a link between the heavens and the earth. For some cultures a bird was the symbol of the souls journey to heaven.

New Work @ e.g.etal

2009-11-15T20:48:00.004+11:00

e.g.etal entrance

The work in the entrance cabinet with an image from Nepal in the background.

Close up pictures of my work in the cabinet.

New Work

2009-11-11T22:27:00.004+11:00

This new body of work references journeys and voyages.

The roughly hewn outer surfaces of these rings hint at larger landscapes, valleys and mountain ranges.

In contrast the inner surfaces are smooth and polished. Captured in miniature the carved surfaces are evocative of pathways and trails sliced into rock and high winding mountain passes.

Diamonds are sprinkled along a would be path like pebbles or used like markers.

With names like Golden Mountain, Eight Diamond Trail and Shangri-la Blue Lilly Pass, each ring becomes a symbol of a possible or imagined “odyssey” or epic voyage.

Diamond Lake Ring

Wedder & Golden Eternity Ring

Wedder I & Eight Diamond Trail Ring

Wedder II & Golden Mountain Ring

Shangri-la Blue Lilly Pass & Wedder I

photography by Terence Bogue

The Stag

2009-10-25T17:57:00.002+11:00

Sterling silver Stag cufflinks.

Thankyou to e.g.etal for this image

Wedding Rings

2009-10-05T21:36:00.011+11:00

I meant to post this yesterday as I have had weddings on my mind.

On Saturday I attended the lovely E & C's wedding and it was a wonderful ceremony (I cried during the vows!). The bride looked lovely the groom got emotional, it was ace.

We then all drank, ate and danced to the couples health.
Check out KB's post who also attended.

signet wedding ring, 9ct white gold, 18ct yellow gold, cognac diamonds, champagne diamonds

18ct yellowgold

18ct white gold, princess cut diamond, princess cut African rubys

9ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, green tourmaline, diamonds

And I couldn't finish a wedding post without letting my good friend from the 5th C BC Sappho have the last word...........

fragment 30

girls

all night long

might sing of the love between you and the bride

with violets in her lap

IF NOT WINTER

fragments of Sappho by Anne Carlson

Smokey Quartz Earrings

2009-09-30T18:00:00.001+10:00

Oxidised Silver earrings with

faceted Smokey Quartz drops.

A few of my favourite things........

2009-09-15T22:10:00.006+10:00

A Few of my favourite things........
Bollywoodesque advertising
Wedding Jewellery
Sitars
Rubies
Gold
India
Saris...

Polished Carnelian Drop Earrings

2009-09-12T21:31:00.004+10:00

I just delivered these to e.g.etal. They are made from silver that has been oxidised and the drops are polished Natural Carnelian. I chose these drops as they have a lovely bands of colour that change from a light amber through to honey and then a darker redish brown colour.

Bronzite Drop Earrings

2009-09-11T21:29:00.007+10:00

Everything has calmed down since the OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building event and I have gotten back into making new stock. These earrings are made from sterling silver that has been oxidised, 9ct yellow gold with natural bronzite drops that are 22mm x 8mm.

I've called them 'Hephaestos' after the God of fire, metals and metallurgy. He also ruled over the volcanoes and was the son of Zeus and Hera.

More OPEN STUDIO pictures

2009-09-01T21:25:00.010+10:00

For those that could not come along here is another peak into my showroom.

OPEN STUDIOS PIctures

2009-08-29T19:26:00.006+10:00

If you couldn't make it to open studios here are some pictures of what was going on in my showroom. Thank you Nikki for taking the photos.

And thank you K.B for all your styling help.

OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building 2009 Event

2009-08-24T22:42:00.005+10:00

It's that time of the year again! The Nicholas Building is once again opening its doors for the 5th installment of Open Studios Nicholas Building........

I've been busy making small improvements to my showroom (I've painted the floor for starters) in anticipation of the crowds. Please come and visit me level 7 room 10,

4pm-9pm this Thursday and Friday 27th and 28th of August.

Silver Rings

2009-08-12T22:57:00.004+10:00

Peace Dove Ring, 925

Pegasus Ring, 925

Lapis Lazuli Neckpiece

2009-07-30T20:12:00.008+10:00

This neckpiece recently came back to me to be rethreaded (beads and pearls need this extra care from time to time). It was like seeing an old friend. This may sound strange but I really enjoy seeing how a piece of jewellery I have made has changed with wear. I believe this is a really important part of a pieces history.

When I first made the clasp I gave it a brushed finish to compliment the matt finish of the tube shaped Lapis beads. Through wear it has polished up and has a lovely patina.

The clasp can be worn at the back of the neck or the side and amongst the beads are also three hand made 9ct yellow gold disk shaped gold beads.

Lapis Lazuli Drop Earrings

2009-07-29T20:35:00.005+10:00

I made these last year and have just rediscovered this picture.

These Earrings are made from Lapis Lazuli, 9ct yellow gold and silver that has been oxidised.

Moss Agate Earrings

2009-07-21T21:56:00.005+10:00

After making the three strand Moss Agate Necklace there were a few beads left over that I have made into matching earrings. They are made from sterling silver that has been oxidised and have a small stylised heart dangle. They are available from e.g.etal.

Persephone's Spring Neckpiece

2009-07-19T22:09:00.009+10:00

This Four strand Neckpiece is made from Sea Bamboo an alternative to coral which is rare and endangered. It has a sterling silver clasp and a triangular detail of slightly larger beads which are 10mm in diameter. I imagine a bright neckpiece like this could be worn during winter to remind yourself that Spring is on its way.

Persephone spent six months of the year in the underworld during which winter gripped the land. Each spring when she would again return to the world to visit her mother Demeter the first shoots would appear.

Available at e.g.etal.

The Melbourne Design Guide

2009-07-19T22:05:00.003+10:00

Shingyo - Calligraphy Exhibition

2009-07-15T20:25:00.007+10:00

The 'Shingyo' or 'Heart Sutra" is chanted several times daily in every Zen Buddhist monastery.

It is called the Heart Sutra because it is the core of Zen Buddhism. The current Dalai Lama explains it as both an instruction for practice and as a device for measuring one's own level of spiritual attainment.

Ben's piece will be a 10m x 1m long version on a single roll of Japanese paper.

The opening is this Saturday the 18th of July at 4pm, Brunswick Bound, Upstairs Gallery,

361 Sydney Road Brunswick.

'Luluc' Studio Music

2009-07-14T22:33:00.009+10:00

Dear Hamlyn by Luluc

cover art by Fleur Rendell

The Wealthiest Queen - Luluc from 1Dovetale on Vimeo.
Most of the time there is something playing on our CD player (no new skool i pods here). Above is a sample from a Melbourne band Luluc. There album is called Dear Hamlyn and has been on repeat on the old 5 disc cd player. I especially love this song with its Lyrics
"Golden silver and blue
The sky above you
Glistens all day and all night
Jewels of delight........"

It's found a place in my goldsmiths heart.
Thank you Zoe and Steve

Moss Agate Neckpiece

2009-07-13T21:49:00.005+10:00

three strands of moss agate

threaded on cord

the oxidised silver clasp

One of my favourite things things about Winter is all the moss coming back to life in Melbourne laneways and on my studio window ledge!

This three strand Neckpiece is my small way of marking this annual greening.

Concrete Rings

2009-07-09T23:32:00.007+10:00

Terrazzo Rings 2000

Concrete and silver rings 2002

photo by Terence Bogue

It has been a while between posts!

Here is some past exhibition work.

The coloured Terrazzo rings were part of Talente 2001 and exhibited in Munich Germany.

Arabic Geometry

2009-05-06T20:01:00.004+10:00

These sterling silver earrings are computer engraved with an Arabic geometric pattern.

Australian Green Sapphires

2009-04-16T11:46:00.001+10:00

photo by Terence Bogue
Sterling silver fused bangle,
grain set with Australian Green and Parti Sapphires

Bangle

2009-04-08T18:24:00.000+10:00

Siren's Song Neckpiece

2009-04-02T11:47:00.012+11:00

If you didn't get to the Glitzern Exhibition - "Summon the Kracken" here is the piece I exhibited. It is made from Black linen, bone beads and sterling silver.
The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology by Pierre Grimal says this on the subject of the Sirens.......
"The sirens lived on an island on the Mediterranean and attracted passing sailors with their music. The ships would approach too close to the coast and thereby come to grief.

The Sirens would then devour the sailors."

There is more to this story but I'll leave that for another day.

Blue Eyed Buddha Shoot

2009-03-31T11:51:00.004+11:00

Lovely Tava borrowed some of my bangles with charms to use in her shoot.

Her label is called blue eyed buddha.

Worry Beads

2009-03-25T16:32:00.003+11:00

Concrete beads & Silk

photo by Terence Bogue

Shop till You Drop!

2009-03-16T11:26:00.007+11:00

Thanks to the OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building some journalists visited my studio and showroom. In the current issue of Shop Till You Drop I along with some other Nicholas Building residents got a mention.....

News Flash

2009-02-27T11:00:00.003+11:00

Thanks to Francesca from Pablo Fanque in Sydney for passing on this image of one of the SBS newsreaders wearing a pair of my fused chain earrings.

2009-02-21T14:55:00.005+11:00

The 2009 Fashion Festivsal is almost here!

The cultural program is always fun to be a part of and at the moment I am making a sea voyage inspired piece. Get your sea legs on for the Glitzern show opening on the 14th of March.