Alicia Hannah Naomi makes jewellery inspired by the poetry of Australian landscapes
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALICIA HANNAH NAOMI
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
“I use a lot of asymmetric forms and intricately carved textures that mimic weather-worn coastal rocks and mountains, contrasted with beautifully faceted gemstones.”
The Australian landscape is incredibly evocative, so it’s no wonder it’s inspired many artists over the years. Melbourne jeweller Alicia Hannah Naomi is one such artist. Specialising in precious, non-traditional wedding and engagement jewellery, her work is inspired by the poetry of the Australian landscape.
Using entirely recycled gold and silver, she predominantly works across made-to-order pieces and offers a bespoke jewellery service so clients can work with her to craft a piece that expresses their most authentic selves. Her work is genderless, ageless and seasonless, and everything she designs is made with longevity in mind.
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Textural surfaces are paired with precious gemstones to create memorable pieces that become, in Alicia’s words, “talismans of identity and monuments to love”. Below, she details the inspiration behind her label and shares what to look for when searching for a timeless piece.
Tell us about your label.
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I make jewellery for people like me; who might have felt like a bit of a misfit growing up, but with a strong desire to set their own tone and follow their own aesthetic path… My label is inspired by those who seek out special and unique things that help them celebrate their authentic selves. I see personal style as a fundamental channel for self-expression, and I really believe that jewellery sits at the core of that.
How do you approach your design process?
My work is driven by texture and form. I usually start with rapid hand sketches to outline a sense of contour and shape. Each design is then intuitively hand-carved, with unique and sculptural results. My collections are often inspired by stoic Australian landscapes shaped by the harshness of our climate. I use a lot of asymmetric forms and intricately carved textures that mimic weather-worn coastal rocks and mountains, contrasted with beautifully faceted gemstones.
What’s the difference between precious and non-traditional jewellery?
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In the jewellery industry, the term ‘precious’ is typically assigned to a material of great value. This usually means rare, fine metals such as 18ct gold and platinum; and rare or highly-desired gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. The term ‘non-traditional’ usually describes the design of the jewellery, rather than referring to the materials. If non-traditional jewellery is made from high-value materials, it would be considered precious. Having said that, I believe that only the beholder of an object can truly determine if that object is precious. While ‘precious’ is an industry term, it’s also a concept: a feeling, a memory, a tactility and an intuition. It’s my goal as an artist and a maker to encapsulate both.
What makes an engagement ring timeless?
I recommend finding an artist who has a clear and distinct voice that resonates with your aesthetics and values. You’ll treasure something a lot longer when it feels like a true reflection of you and your relationship. It’s also important to remember that love is a practice, and it’s constantly evolving. The great thing about a piece of jewellery made from high-quality materials is that it can always be refined, reworked and reimagined. Remodelling wedding and engagement jewellery is becoming a common practice. Humans change and grow within their relationships, and your jewellery can too!
What elements should we be looking out for when searching for well-made pieces?
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It’s important to consider the integrity of the materials used in a piece designed for everyday wear: look for hard, resilient gemstones such as spinel, rubies, sapphires and diamonds, as these stones can withstand a lifetime of daily wear. If you’re looking at gold, check that the piece is solid gold and not just gold-plated. Gold-plated jewellery is often attractive in price, but the plating usually wears off quickly so it’s not suitable for a piece you want to wear forever. Beyond materials, signs of good craftsmanship include beautiful finishes on the inside of the ring band and gemstones that are set securely in their claws, prongs or bezels.
What’s your approach when working with fine materials like Australian sapphires and natural diamonds?
I’m really attracted to gemstones that have unique qualities to them, such as the interesting displays of colour in Australian parti-sapphires, or the unusual arrays of inclusions in salt and pepper diamonds. I love using them in my work because those features are not possible to replicate in the lab; they are a result of earthly processes and a miracle of nature.
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