▶ PARLIAMENT OF TWO**: NEW RANGE

The Gallery has added a selection of new items by Parliament of Two** to the shop. The ring series titled forget me not is according to the jewellers "a modern take on those dearly treasured family heirlooms in the form of antique rings." In addition to the brilliant cut, emerald cut and three stone rings in silver coated bronze as well as brass, we now offer part of the bubble wand series. The bubble wand pendants are also silver coated bronze and come in three different designs (the heart and clover wands are pictured above left). We hope you are able to visit the Gallery jewellery shop soon to view these beautiful additions to our stock.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHTS: RUBY & SAGE, KIMONO REINCARNATE AND WILL COLES

This month has seen the Gallery’s Jewellery selection grow with three new ranges. Ruby & Sage creates gorgeous handmade bangles and rings in resin. Creating different effects using cloudy hand-pressed or clear and smooth finishes, and incorporating feathers and beads into the pieces, makes this unique range varied and visually interesting. As the artists themselves explain, “Everything is done by hand, from creating moulds based on our clay sculptures, through to hand-sanding (and then polishing) each finished piece.”
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Taking inspiration from her six years of living in Japan, Melanie Gray Austin, under the name Kimono Reincarnate, has created cute and quirky pieces that are technically and aesthetically beautiful. Kimono Reincarnate gives a second life to vintage and antique kimono fabrics, setting them between sustainable growth bamboo and beneath resin. The Origami series is visually delicate, defying their solid bamboo medium and are finished with hand-painted flowers.

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Also featured in the Gallery are Will Coles new 'Mermaid' brooches. These small pieces reference his large piece, 'Untitled (Mermaid)', currently hanging on Cockatoo Island for Outpost.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: THAM MUE

New to the Gallery is a range by contemporary Thai jeweller Tham Mue, who infuses traditional techniques into her practice. Working with a group of local women from a regional area outside of Chiang Rai, Mue creates pieces that harmoniously imbue a sense of the old and new. The silver elements to her work are based on the Karen people’s use of predominately pure silver with a tiny bit of copper, to create a satin finish. Mue’s collection of antique semi-precious stones and shells are a dominant feature of this range, adding colour and character.

Frosty antique beads are paired with chunks of silver in unique arrangements. The old amethyst, jade, agate and glass incorporated into part of this range are matte in their finish, complementing the delicate sheen of the silver. As an alternative to the cool colours of these stones, there are also the warm earthy colours of the antique shell and carnelian bead pieces. The handmade quality of each piece is incorporated into the design, with their asymmetrical patterns and some of the silver beads having an organic, hand-pressed finish. Also in the collection are a few finer pieces of silver jewellery, again possessing the mild-lustred finish that is soft and feminine in its effect.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: AL MUNRO

Currently glistening in the Gallery are constructed brooches by Al Munro. The artist herself was proudly sporting one at her Drinks with the Artist, celebrating her exhibition ‘Crystallography’ earlier this year, and it caught the eyes of many.

‘Crystallography' featured a collection of sparkling crystallographic diagrams inspired by the scientific field of the same name. Along one wall were coruscating wall-mounted sculptures, reminiscent of mountain peaks. Some incorporated matt sections, fluorescent colours and metallic patches. Her jewellery collection is an extension of her sculptures, providing wondrous handcrafted glister.

Munro’s ‘Pattern’s that aren’t’ pins are small organic clusters of geometric points of various sizes, colours and luminous effects that are supported by a strong pin. As the medium is cardboard, they are very lightweight, making them practical for thick as well as thin materials. These gorgeous shimmering pieces are a wonderful way to add a bit of sparkle to any wardrobe.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: BARBARA TOLLITT

Barbara Tollitt utilises the technique of repetition to design stunning pieces using water buffalo horn and sterling silver. Her line of simple horn necklaces in various shapes are popular pieces at the Gallery as their refined yet chunky forms are an easy statement piece with minimal weight. The horn has similar colourings to tortoise shell, making it complementary to most skin tones, but unlike tortoise shell is a bi-product of the animal. To accompany the horn necklaces are horn bangles that come in small, medium and large. Sold in sets, they look best piled up in a variation of sizes. As with each necklace, each bangle is unique, meaning there are a multitude of different effects the bangles can achieve depending on the pairing.

A variation on a theme is her combination horn and sterling silver necklace using predominately darker pieces of horn. The large outward links alternate between the silver and horn, once again creating a repetitive pattern, however the hoop-shaped silver links ascend, adding a feminine elegance. Tollitt’s horn hoops with sterling silver embellishments are similar in their interesting and attractive use of a mixture of the horn and silver.

In plain sterling silver, Tollitt has designed thick multi-bangles in the style of a Russian Wedding ring. The interwoven bangles beautifully sit within and around each other, allowing the bangle to roll onto the wrist. They make a shimmering sound as they continue to move up and down the arm. There are also rings following the same principle in this range.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: PUSHMATAAHA

Pushmataaha’s new edgy Andera Range is now available in the Gallery alongside their other big, bold and beautifully handcrafted jewellery. A dominant feature of this unisex collection are the chunky skulls that are either hung from matt onyx beads, are the stone to fiercely impressive rings or are upon crystal beads with fluorescent cord, adding some punchy colour. These ‘Skully Wag’ necklaces and ‘Skull Monarch’ rings are accompanied by the striking motifs on the ‘HiHo’ and ‘Leepar’ beads. The Andera Range is a dynamic accent to their existing collections that contain an abundance of semi-precious stones in gorgeous settings, uniquely elegant earrings and showy beaded neckpieces.

Some highly unique pieces include Pushmataaha’s take on a classic drop, the ‘Masai’ earrings, and the individually hand carved ‘Bellis’ earrings. The ‘Bellis’ earrings are innovative in their design as the studs and cups are interchangeable, meaning they not only complement but also incorporate anyone’s current jewellery collection. A Gallery favourite are the ‘Monarch’ rings that are in Pushmataaha’s Core Collection. These sterling silver and gold plate embellished pieces accentuate their bright and brilliant stones with the lavish frames their two available settings provide.

Recently seen draped on the likes of Jessie J and Ruby Rose, Pushmataaha continue to impress with their fabulous and funky designs. Combining an amazing ability to capture the feel of various ancient traditions from Egypt, Native America, India and elsewhere, and a flare for colour and texture, Pushmataaha are sure to add a touch of exuberance to anyone’s jewellery collection.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: DEBRA TAYLOR

Some things are better left unsaid, and this is where Debra Taylor’s porcelain pendants are perfect to tell it like it is without a word spoken. Often receiving a bit of a giggle, Taylor’s pendants feature captions that range from sentimental and endearing to witty and cheeky, all offering a way to express one’s self or the opinion of another. Taylor is usually seen wearing one of her quirky pendants and remarks “Passers-by will strain to read what you have to say before you disappear into the crowd. I've often wanted to say 'Go on, ask me!'…” The black and white pendants are completed with industrial-looking stainless steel cords.

Accompanying the pendants at the Gallery are Taylor’s porcelain bangles that have a smooth matt finish, contrasted with coloured high-lustre dots. These concave dots flicker across the bangles, giving these chunky pieces personality and texture. 

Taylor has been working as a ceramicist for eighteen years and her jewellery range is only one section of her ceramic repertoire.  At the Gallery we stock her dimpled jugs and cups that also feature her sweet and tongue-in-cheek commentary. The glossy inside can be either coloured or plain, as with the text. The dimple-like grooves mean the pieces nestle comfortably between the thumb and the palm of one’s hand.  The cups, jugs and the pendants can be customised to display personalised text, making them ideal for gifts or marking a special occasion.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: IGGY & LOU LOU

Iggy & Lou Lou’s handcrafted jewellery collections incorporate images that range from delicate and feminine to humorous and bizarre. Both the series’ ‘Ships In The Night’ and ‘Love Bandits’ feature bluebirds that hark back to the traditional bluebird jewellery many people receive as children, but do so with a modern twist via the medium. These nostalgic pieces come in a few different variations on a theme, all equally as charming.

Accompanying the bluebirds in ‘Ships In The Night’ and ‘Love Bandits’ are bold coloured anchors, a cat with a heart-shaped patch and a gun shooting love. Other collections are similar in style, but explore themes of romance, masquerade, adventure, nature and the prehistoric.

As described by Iggy & Lou Lou, their process of creation is “drawing on the history of porcelain (as) each piece is fired up to four separate times.” The porcelain pendants that feature the sweet and quirky motifs are hung on delicate sterling silver chains, some accompanied with sterling silver ornaments.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: LINDA VAN NIEKERK

Simple, sculptural and stunning pieces are Linda van Niekerk’s forte. The 'Silk Dew Drops' display her ability to create beautifully incomplex designs that appeal to and complement many. This particular design was the overall winner of the Tasmanian Design Awards in 2010. van Niekerk explains in the Design Centre newsletter, "As a jewellery designer, my focus has been on the creation of pieces pared back to simple and, I hope, elegant form…” The 'Silk Dew Drops' are the embodiment of her vision.

Each 'Silk Dew Drop' is made using fully recycled sterling silver and 100% silk cord. There are two different sizes available in a wide selection of colours. There is a sterling silver slide that joins the silk cord at the back that can be moved along the cord to adjust the length. This feature makes the pieces very versatile as they can be worn with almost any neckline.

With an exhibition on the horizon and her work featuring in publications such as Country Style and Design Quarterly, be sure to watch this space for more innovative and structurally interesting designs from van Niekerk.

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: PARLIAMENT OF TWO**

Melissa and Vanessa, the masterminds behind Parliament of Two**, may not be on the way to world domination as their name alludes, but the Gallery is delighted to present their jewellery range ‘Open Book.’ This collection is inspired by old book illustrations and uses old typography techniques to create works of curiosity, nostalgia and humour.

Left: Parliament of Two**, 'the man: training wheels' 2011, plastic, 750mm metal chain and findings, $40
Centre: Parliament of Two**, 'the heart: be still my...' 2011, plastic, metal brooch backs, $35
Right: Parliament of Two**, 'the snail: pass the salt' 2011, plastic, metal brooch backs, $35

The three sections of the range include Zoological Science, Technology and Medical Series, which are all black and white images available in brooches and necklaces that feature quirky designs with just as quirky titles. “the snail: pass the salt,” “the man: training wheels” and “the heart: be still my...” are just three imaginative, charming and clever examples that prove why a parliament of two is better than a parliament of one!

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: SUSIE BARNES

Left: Susie Barnes, 'Fettuccini, black with orange' 2011, neoprene, silicon, beads, sterling silver, silver plated magnetic clasp
Center: Susie Barnes, 'Tubular Earrings, blue and black' 2011, glass, beads, sterling silver
Right: Susie Barnes, 'Green planet necklace' 2011, lampworked borosilicate glass, glass and resin beads

Susie Barnes, 'Clear
Porcupine Neckpiece, 2011,
lampworked borosilicate glass,
glass, sterling silver

Susie Barnes is an Australian artist who is known for creating unique statement jewellery. She uses a range of materials including rubber, buttons, beads and borosilicate glass. Barnes’ works are influenced by the world around her, some of her most recent glass pieces drawing inspiration from the rich green and olive hues of the grass fields and dusty browns of the rodeo from her recent trip to the country. 

Barnes has a range of jewellery in stock at the Gallery including her ‘Planet’ pieces that are composed from blown glass orbs individually embellished with designs, one of which typically featuring her signature ‘S’ design. Her playfully titled ‘Fettuccini’ pieces are made from rubber with co-ordinating beads or buttons and are available in a range of colours with magnetic clasps. Also at the Gallery is her elegant ‘Porcupine’ necklace that glitters beneath light. To accompany these neckpieces Barnes has created a range of unique earrings, the ‘Tubular’ design a notable favourite.