Christchurch is home to a thriving community of jewellers producing stunning pieces for every occasion, from engagement and wedding rings to precious gifts for very precious people. The artisan jewellers at three of the city’s leading practices – Via Sollertia, The Filing Kabinett and Sophie Divett Jewellery – tell Cityscape where they find inspiration, how they got started and how hard it can be sometimes to let a piece go.

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