For that final perfect touch on any outfit, check out Cityscape's picks of the hottest places to pick up some serious signature sparkle.
enhanced geometry
Filigree’s new Shard jewellery collection for spring/summer ‘21 is now online. Inspired by the formation of stones, the gems are honoured in clean minimal lines with diamond set details. Stones are defined by their inherent natural geometry and enhanced in Filigree’s handmade designs.
Engaging decisions
If you’re popping the question this year, you’ve got some serious ring-related choices to make. With the help of Roccabella, you can start from scratch and design a ring that tells your love story, or customise designer rings with the metal or stone of your choice. Roccabella stocks exclusive top-quality Hearts on Fire diamonds, and can also supply Diamond Foundry above-ground diamonds for a more carbon-neutral option. Read more about Roccabella's stunning range here.
1880s to 2020s: Jewellery tech upgrade
When Annie and Robert Kennett opened their High Street family jewellery and watchmaking store in 1880, jewellery design was a very different process. Without computers and advanced printing technology, the process involved a high level of faith in the skilled jewellers delivering the client’s vision.
Today, the face of Kennett Crafted Jewels has been through some changes, and the tech game has upped significantly, but the quality of the craft and customer-focused experience remains the same.
The team of highly experienced jewellers, including designer and fourth-generation family member Anne Kennett, use computer aided design (CAD) techniques and 3D wax models to create an entirely bespoke ring design according to your vision, and you can be thoroughly involved in the design process from start to finish. You can see the ring in 3D and even try the wax model on to get a feel for the shape. The engagement and wedding rings that result from this collaboration are truly special and unique.
Bold designs
Set your look off with these stunning MARA earrings for an unbeatable and unique style. This collection of bold, modern pieces by Dyrberg/Kern can be found in the jewellery house’s beautiful retail space in the heart of Merivale Mall alongside Dyrberg/Kern’s stylish bracelets, necklaces, rings and accessories.
fantastic plastic
Beautiful, unique earrings inspired by nature that also divert plastic waste from ending up in landfill? Sign us up. Remix Plastic from designer Anthea Madill makes sustainable products that incorporate kaitiakitanga and encourage a conversation about reducing single use plastic, and if you ask us, when the jewellery’s this gorgeous, the conversation starts itself.
Far and wide
FOUR CORNERS is a jewellery and accessories wholesaler, with a selection of carefully curated products for the more discerning customer. The products are stocked in selected boutique retailers throughout New Zealand. FOUR CORNERS has a reputation for quality, product diversity and sophistication in sourcing unique pieces from around the world.
Community jewels
Walk through Rowena Watson Jewellers’ shining showroom of original designs, where you can choose the gemstones that speak to you and have Rowena Watson herself design your custom jewellery. Rowena’s jewellery is just a bit different – her distinctive use of coloured stones can really set off a look or an outfit.
Rowena says what makes her pieces unique is her insistence on using local talent to create her jewellery. “Since the earthquakes changed everything, our philosophy is to put money back into the community through our team, their families, and local goldsmiths, and to have a happy lovely business,” she says.
While some elements – such as the gemstones – are sourced from Rowena’s partners overseas, she designs the jewellery herself and has it made by Cantabrians. Rowena traces her gemstones from their origins, and works with cutters she has known for a long time to ensure the stones are sustainable and unique.
keepsake jewels
You can keep love close in your heart and mind with a unique piece of jewellery designed to hold a handwritten note, photograph or other keepsake inside forever. LOVE IN A JEWEL’s signature Keepsake Collection is created and handcrafted in Christchurch by Joachim and Tracy van Oostrum and is all about the love – a perfect gift to really touch someone’s heart and show them how much they mean to you.
Each piece comes with Polaroid images of the precious keepsake contained within it. The Keepsake Collection range includes pendants, cufflinks, rings, and charms for bracelets and anklets. Handcrafted with love, this is a special gift that looks beautiful, and only you need to know what it holds safely inside forever.
Safe hands
Recently relocated to Edgeware village, Via Sollertia Jewellery has a prestigious reputation when it comes to genuinely handmade jewellery. While the term ‘handmade’ can often be thrown around and misused, here the incomparably beautiful pieces are crafted entirely by hand from start to finish.
True handmade jewellery is a product of time, patience and years of dedication to the craft, which is exactly what the experts at Via Sollertia specialise in. Every piece they create and sell is unique, personal and irreplaceable, something precious to be enjoyed for a lifetime and by generations to come.
Slow ride
Debra Fallowfield creates ‘slow’ jewellery – truly handmade works of art that honour the craft and its history. Her pieces are all totally unique, smaller quantities of higher quality, and Debra is dedicated to using sustainable, conflict-free materials. Organic jewellery with a heart and soul.
Smith & lesson
Learn the ancient and beautiful art of silversmithing and craft your own jewellery at the Silversmiths’ Guild of Canterbury workshop. Anyone 16 and over can join in, and the guild supplies all tools and initial materials for your first project.
The guild is taking registrations now for summer school and 2022 classes. If you’re looking for inspiration, head along to the Silversmiths’ Guild of Canterbury Annual Exhibition from Monday 29 November to Sunday 12 December at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora – this year’s theme is ‘With Flying Colours’, so it should include some brilliant and unique pieces.