Cityscape Christmas 2019

VIA SOLLERTIA JEWELLERS
How would you describe your
jewellery style? My personal style
is simple and versatile, everyday
pieces you can wear to any
occasion. I’m on a real gold vibe at
the moment; it is so warm and
adaptable. My daily go-tos are a
diamond necklace with a fine gold
chain, diamond stud earrings and a
gold bangle. My jewellery design
style could be described as
modern, contemporary, bespoke
creations. Where do you find your
inspiration? When we purchase
stones I am already thinking about
designs that will show them off in
the best way. I also love the
collaboration with clients, when
they come in with their ideas I use
that to steer my vision towards
something really special.
Commissions or your own
creations – do you have a
preference? Every piece we create
is a collaboration between us and
our clients. I love working this way
as it gives every piece a unique and
special story that will always be
attached to it. Apart from your
own, whose jewellery do you
love? I hold a lot of admiration for
Naveya & Sloane, it is simple and
modern – I also love their branding
and how they market themselves.
While I was in France, I visited
Cartier and De Beers – who both
have amazing collections! What’s
the best thing about your job?
That it doesn’t feel like a job at all! I
am able to have a creative outlet
while meeting amazing people. I’ve
laughed and cried (happy tears)
with clients, I love being able to
bring people joy by designing their
dream piece. Tell us about the first
piece you designed. I had a
beautiful Burmese ruby and trilliant
cut diamond to create a pendant
for a necklace. I designed it around
the stones into a simple, but
amazing piece. Any pieces you are
particularly proud of? It was more
about the couple than the piece.
Together we created the ring of her
dreams, it was really stunning and
we made sure to accommodate all
his requests including budget. It
was a privilege to be a part of it
and I was so glad we could achieve
the perfect ring that had a massive
wow factor and ticked all the
boxes. They also came in as a
couple after he had bought the ring
(but not proposed) so I had to
pretend I had never met him
before! What was the last piece
you made that you couldn’t bear
to part with? Not a piece but a 1.5
carat oval diamond that was so
beautiful and well proportioned. I
had mixed emotions the day it sold.
How does it feel when you are out
and you see someone wearing
your work? It’s more when I see a
client I have created a piece with.
They often spot me out and thank
me again, and then introduce me
to whoever they’re with like we’re
old friends (which we are!). What’s
one thing people should know
about working with a jeweller?
That you don’t necessarily have to
compromise, we can fine tune a
piece to fit all your criteria. I’ll never
say what you should or shouldn’t
have, but work with you to get that
special piece. Also, it’s a lot of fun!
So don’t feel daunted or
intimidated when you walk through
the door. Some tips for
maintaining and storing jewellery.
To make it last a lifetime, take it off
for the gym, housework, gardening,
etc. Also, get it checked regularly; if
you’re worried just bring it in. It’ll
take us a couple of minutes to
check but could save you from
looking down one day and realising
a stone is missing! When you are
not making beautiful jewellery,
what do you love to do? I’ve been
practising yoga for five years and
I’m about to start teaching part
time. I also love spending time with
friends, whether it’s a drink at
Poplar Social Club or one of our
city’s stunning hill walks.
viasollertia.co.nz
69 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Christmas 19