Nine Stunning Locally Made Jewellery Pieces You Should Buy for Someone Special (AKA Yourself)
Go on, they (you) deserve something shiny.
Nine Stunning Locally Made Jewellery Pieces You Should Buy for Someone Special (AKA Yourself)
in partnership with
Go on, they (you) deserve something shiny.
There are many reasons why we wear jewellery — be it because you're feeling sentimental, wanting to make a statement or needing to give an outfit a little extra oomph. But, really, it all boils down to one thing: it brings you joy. The added bonus comes from knowing your favourite statement necklace or everyday bracelet was created by a local artisan — someone who lovingly crafts each piece. From goldsmiths and jewel aficionados to lovers of precious metals and old recyclable watch parts, Australian jewellers are as impressive and trendsetting as they are creative.
So, don't think twice about it. In partnership with American Express, we've handpicked a bunch of gorgeous designs from local Australian jewellery makers that you should treat yourself to and wear with pride.
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If you’re looking for some classic chunky hoops that will work with any outfit, the Constellation Earrings from Deer Ruby are a no-fail pick. Moving away from the polished gold sleepers of our childhoods, these beautifully textured earrings are 18-carat gold plated, hammered and covered with sporadically placed cubic zirconias and freshwater pearls. It’s a unique take on hoops that can go from day to night easily, and scream “I have my sh*t together” while also adding an edgy element to any look. You can grab them from Betty and Lola online, or from its boutiques in Willoughby or Mosman.
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Bunda, a beloved Sydney-based studio, has specialised in creating quirky and unique jewellery since 1969 — anything you purchase from this local studio will have people complimenting you non-stop. Giant hoops are a textbook choice for making any outfit pop, but the Marcello Large Oval Hoops from Bunda Fine Jewels are a modernised option. These hoops are large yet delicate and are surprisingly light to wear, so your earlobes won’t suffer. The timeless oval shape is available in gold, silver and rose gold to suit every skin tone.
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If you generally don’t wear rings, northern beaches-based designer Natalie Marie’s Pili Ring is an excellent place to start. Light, slim and sophisticated, the locally designed and made Pili Ring is nine-carat yellow gold with a slim square band. The double chevron design is a contemporary motif that looks elegant alone but also lends itself to being easily stacked with other slim rings, too. You can purchase it from several of Assembly Label’s retail spaces or online.
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This 18-carat gold-plated necklace by Sydney brand Arms of Eve is the perfect addition to your jewellery collection. It’s simple and sophisticated, but the chunky link design also adds an edgy statement to any outfit — dressy, casual or otherwise. Everything Arms of Eve makes is unique and “designed to honour artisanal handwork”. No piece of jewellery is exactly the same, so this timeless necklace will no doubt be your go-to choice for every occasion. You can get the Charli necklace from Museum Clothing. The Bondi Beach boutique stocks plenty of Arms of Eve’s other one-of-a-kind earrings, cuffs, anklets and rings if you want to expand your collection.
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If you think there’s nothing more classic than a stack of stunning resin bangles dangling on your wrist, then Dinosaur Designs has you covered. The beloved company does resin better than anyone, so if you’re wanting some colourful adornments on your arms, then you can’t go past the Classic Resin Wishbone Bangle. The effortless, fun bracelets come in 41 (yes, four-one) different heavenly colours in both matte and polished finishes. Being handmade, every single one is unique. Try to buy just one — we bet you can’t do it.
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Goldsmith Lucy Folk’s self-titled brand presents a breezy, free-willed lifestyle – and her handcrafted, unconventional jewellery designs epitomise that. The Visage is a stunning looped bracelet with hammered circular links that make it a distinctive and quirky adornment for your wrist. Available in both yellow gold and sterling silver, the brand says the Visage Bracelet “acts as a daily reminder to surround yourself with the faces that bring colour and joy”. How can you resist such a beautifully optimistic message? This bracelet is a sunshine-y hug in a piece of jewellery, and you can get it via the Lucy Folk website or the Bondi concept store, Playa.
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While hoops and everyday pieces are swell, everyone needs a few statement pieces in their jewellery collection. Melbourne designer Gold Sister has a range of huggie-style earrings to fit the bill — in particular, the Take Me Home design, which features an opal-centred evil eye with cubic crystal and turquoise stones. The colourful earring will add a little something to every look, and the high-quality craftsmanship is worth every penny. You can grab the Take Me Home Huggie as either a single or pair — plus a bunch of Gold Sister’s other creative, quirky designs — from Tuchuzy’s Bondi store or online.
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Local Sydney jewellery sensation Amber Sceats deals in the abstract above anything else, and the Sophia necklace is the perfect example of this. Taking a little from the traditional and a little from the eclectic, the Sophia Necklace is a one-of-a-kind statement piece. A delicate gold chain with irregularly shaped freshwater pearl accents and 24-carat gold-plated beads, this piece will acquire you many, many compliments. You can nab the Sophia Necklace via Double Bay boutique Girls with Gems.
Image: Arvin Prem Kumar
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Sydney-based, family-run AHW Studio uses bygone watch parts, industrial fragments, raw brass and precious metals to create its old-meets-new pieces. The Kurb 54 bracelet is all about simplicity and unique elegance. The uncomplicated chain link comes in polished or vintage finishes, and can be tailored to your wrist size. The simplicity of this classically styled bracelet means it’s likely to become an everyday piece of jewellery that you never take off. You can buy this piece at AHW Studio’s stores in the Strand Arcade and The Rocks or via the website.
Image: Arvin Prem Kumar
Want more top-notch gifting inspiration? Check out our list of affordable gift ideas.
Now is the time to support the places you love. Shop small online to support the local stores that make Sydney so great. To learn about American Express and the Shop Small initiative, visit here. Then, head this way to find more must-visit spots.
Top image: Arms of Eve
