Melbourne jeweller Bella Clark’s latest collection is grounded in nostalgia and romance
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Brigette Clark FOR BELLA CLARK JEWELLERY
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I want my jewellery to be like little love vessels.”
Jewellery is often imbued with a certain sentimentality. Friendship bracelets, mood rings, the pair of earrings your mum only wears on her wedding anniversary – these were our first introductions to jewellery with an emotional meaning. As adults, we gift each other (and ourselves) pieces to mark the significant moments in our lives; to represent a certain memory or promise.
Melbourne-based designer Bella Clark has always been fascinated by jewellery as a means of storytelling. Inspired by the women in her life, Bella’s eponymous label is all about feminine, thoughtful and richly-textured pieces. Now, two years after the release of her 2020 Holiday range, Bella is back with a very special new collection.
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“Vessels is a collection of pieces designed to be infused with anything that you wish; grace, love, a memory or a promise,” Bella’s announcement reads. “This new collection introduces a series of new shapes sprinkled throughout the collection, vessels that represent something significant and meaningful to the wearer.”
Staying true to her principles of mindful production, Bella has elevated this collection through the use of pearls, colourful sapphires, citrines, diamonds, gold and sterling silver. Vessels acts as a reminder to slow down, reflect and “cherish the little things”. Below, Bella speaks on her journey creating this new body of work.
Can you share a little more about the influences behind your new collection, Vessels?
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Vessels was such a fun collection to create! I wanted to introduce new shapes to my body of work that the wearer could relate to, form memories with and grow with. I was expanding on previous designs of my favourite pieces. Love is always a strong theme throughout my jewellery, whether it’s a gift for a lover or some self-love… I want my jewellery to be like little love vessels.
Vessels comes two years after your last collection, Holiday. What was the process like in creating this new body of work?
I was feeling a bit stagnant over the past two years, it was hard to feel inspired for a new collection… I got back to basics and spent hours drawing on butcher’s paper on my studio floor, refining shapes and ideas over and over again until the ideas began to flow.
I like to stick everything up on my studio walls like a giant mind map of sketches of jewellery. Then it’s a series of trial and error [with me] making samples. Seeing everything come to life, from concept to final pieces, is so exciting and rewarding. It’s one of my most treasured parts of my practice.
Do you feel like you’ve changed as an artist in those two years?
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Definitely! Navigating my way through the last two years has been tough, as it has been for everyone. I feel my work is more refined and considered – I’ve been spending most of my time focusing on my bespoke pieces, which is always exciting. I’ve created some of my favourite pieces over the past 12 months and so I’m excited for what’s to come next.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection?
Oh that’s a tricky one but my favourite would have the Gold Cupid’s Heart Pendant. I haven’t taken it off since I made it, it’s got such a beautiful weight to it.
Browse the Vessels collection here.
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