A growing list of the best independent jewellery makers in Australia
IMAGE VIA @SHIFTINGWORLDS/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
The local jewellery labels you need to know.
Jewellery is generally a bit of an investment. And whether you’re shelling out some serious coin on a bejewelled signet ring or commissioning a custom locket, you want to be sure that the piece you end up with is of the best possible quality.
This is because jewellery, perhaps more so than clothing, is imbued with particularly distinct memories and meaning. Maybe one day your child will own the gold chain you wear around your neck, or you’ll be reminded of a past lover each time you put on the hoops they gave you on your first anniversary.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
Whatever jewellery means to you, we’re privileged to have an abundance of talented independent jewellery makers in Australia to choose our precious metals from. Below is an ever-growing list of our favourites.
Anna Rossi
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to romantic textures and high-quality materials, Melbourne-based jewellery designer Anna Rossi is an expert. Her timeless collection is both bold and intimate, each piece with its own personality. Rossi works with a variety of metals, so whether you’re into gold or silver, her designs will feel as though they were made for you.
Miro Miro
View this post on Instagram
Designed by Andrea Goh, Miro Miro jewellery explores elements of Goh’s Chinese heritage through embracing and finding power in rethinking her ‘otherness’. Miro Miro strives to create pieces that are timeless with a contemporary twist, many incorporating 18 karat gold, sterling silver and ethically sourced stones. Green and orange are both recurring colours in Chinese culture and the stones featured in many of the collections are a nod to these shades.
Lott Studio
View this post on Instagram
Lott Studio is based in Abbotsford, Melbourne and sources materials Australia-wide to honour the body as the form that jewellery complements. The brand’s jewellery captures fluid movement with its bespoke minimalist designs and reflects the interplay of masculinity and femininity.
MLD
View this post on Instagram
Working from her Surf Coast studio, Australian jeweller Mel D’Alessandro creates fine jewellery inspired by her Italian upbringing. Mel’s handcrafted designs are reinterpretations of classic chains and sleeper earrings, and playfully toe the line between masculinity and femininity.
Lucy Folk
View this post on Instagram
A goldsmith by trade, Sydney-based jewellery designer Lucy Folk’s aesthetic is inspired by travel, design and craftsmanship. The resulting jewellery is unconventional, artistic and colourful, but highly wearable. The brand’s pieces are timeless and sophisticated while staying true to Folk’s eccentric style.
Sacre Flux
View this post on Instagram
Sacreflux is a Melbourne-based jewellery label founded by designer Georgia Sacre. Through her designs, Georgia pays homage to the people in her life that have inspired her, namely her Nana, who was an antique jewellery collector.
Ada Hodgson
View this post on Instagram
Working out of the iconic Nicholas Building in Melbourne, jeweller Ada Hodgson creates bespoke one-of-a-kind custom jewellery inspired by gardens (of all kinds) and natural beauty. You will find a lot of her designs offer a classical meets contemporary finish and her pieces are made up of ethically and sustainably sourced materials, including recycled metals and Australian mined and cut gemstones.
Kannava Jewels
View this post on Instagram
Made with love in her Brunswick studio, Melbourne-based artist Ruby Kannava operates Kannava Jewels, a label specialising in rings. She characterises her work as ‘wearable art’ and offers both classical, timeless designs alongside more modern, contemporary styles. Each ring aims to magnify the precious stones’ natural beauty and is made with recycled gold and silver.
Eloise Falkiner
View this post on Instagram
After completing a jewellery design course in 2007, Eloise studied the medicinal qualities of botany and botanicals. Falling in love with the structures of plants, she began to draw them, which became the inspiration of her first jewellery collection, Ossicle, in 2019. Designed and created in Melbourne, the beauty of nature continues to underpin her work and her pieces utilise hand-cut stones and local, recycled materials for a minimalist but alluring finish.
895 Studio
View this post on Instagram
Lovingly handmade in Melbourne, 895 Studio makes dainty, colourful designs, including custom-made beaded rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. All its pieces are made intentionally and sold via Depop, and the wide range of styles on offer means that there’s something for every occasion.
By Nye
View this post on Instagram
Handmade in the heart of Melbourne, By Nye is a sustainable, contemporary Australian jewellery label founded by Nye De Marchi. Nye draws on her visual arts background and love for natural architecture to design timeless and luxurious pieces. Each one-of-a-kind piece is forged through silversmithing and lost wax casting.
Cleopatra’s Bling
View this post on Instagram
Olivia Cummings’ love of travel and time spent in Paris and the heart of Turkey led her to create Cleopatra’s Bling. Inspired by her trips around the globe, she creates ethical jewellery with wax, metals and ethically sourced stones, all while respecting the ancient jewellery-making traditions she has learnt along the way.
Rhiannon Smith
View this post on Instagram
Rhiannon Smith is the Melbourne designer behind the eponymous contemporary jewellery label. Rhiannon’s creations are intended to reflect all aspects of femininity, and she’s committed to manufacturing locally and sustainably in her studio in Melbourne.
Cameron Studio
View this post on Instagram
Homegrown and handmade in Melbourne Australia, Cameron Studio takes a minimal approach to jewellery creating refined and uncomplicated pieces that are both directional and timeless. Cameron Studio offers a range of men’s and unisex jewellery, known best for its signature signet rings.
Bella Clark
View this post on Instagram
With a background in fine arts, Bella Clark uses jewellery as a medium for her artistic expression. Guided by slow, mindful jewellery-making practices, Bella’s unique, heirloom-worthy designs are sustainably made in Melbourne.
Seb Brown
View this post on Instagram
Since being established in 2009, Melbourne jewellery designer Seb Brown has become a mainstay both in the Australian fashion scene and abroad, loved for his classic yet distinctive signet rings and unexpected pops of colour. When crafting his bespoke pieces he ensures his studio generates as little waste as possible, with each piece being made from recycled or reclaimed silver and gold and the highest quality gemstones available.
Holly Ryan
View this post on Instagram
Founded on the Sunshine Coast in 2010, Holly Ryan is all about timeless design, sustainability and high-quality production. When creating her sculptural fine jewellery, Holly draws inspiration from the earth and the ocean, using precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies and citrine to create pieces to cherish forever.
Underground Sundae
View this post on Instagram
Underground Sundae is a jewellery brand made in Melbourne and founded on strong DIY values. The brand creates playful, unique designs that unite pop culture and high-quality materials to give your everyday jewellery a distinctive edge.
Millie Savage
View this post on Instagram
Since its creation seven years ago, Millie Savage has evolved into a brand that values high-level craftsmanship, creating designs that are iconic and stylish. With a studio and store set up in Brunswick, Melbourne, Millie works with a team to custom cut opals and precious gems sourced from Mintabie, South Australia.
Poms
View this post on Instagram
Established over ten years ago by designer Adriana Giuffrida, Poms jewellery is strongly influenced by her Italian heritage and the powerful women in her life. She draws from this inspiration to craft empowering products, each handmade with unique materials aiming to reduce waste, like recycled glass beads.
View this post on Instagram
Made-to-order Sydney label Ve.co draws its influences from art and nature, creating understated, contemporary genderless pieces. The brand doesn’t believe in trends, choosing to craft their pieces using slow making techniques, traditional finishing techniques and timeless design.
Sguscio
View this post on Instagram
Sguscio is a sustainable jewellery brand based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. Influenced by biological processes, cell function, and genetics, each collection is a unique selection of handcrafted ‘biojewels’. Working from his Northcote studio, Sguscio designer Bobby handmakes his pieces using lab synthesised gems and ethically sourced materials.
Going Postel
View this post on Instagram
Going Postel is the creation of fashion and architecture student Charlotte Gregg. After experimenting with jewellery while working as a womenswear designer, Charlotte fell in love with the beauty of how wearable accessories can transform an outfit. Going Postel pieces are made-to-order in her Melbourne studio, using ethical practices, recycled materials and minimal waste.
Metal Bender
View this post on Instagram
Metal Bender designer Laura believes in creating unisex, sustainable pieces with intention – or, as she aptly puts it, ‘wearable alien bling’. Handcrafted on Wurundjeri Country, Laura draws inspiration from nature and the body, always striving to move beyond the gender binary. Her pieces are beautiful, fluid and empowering, made to last a lifetime.
Mountain and Moon
View this post on Instagram
Mountain and Moon create unapologetic jewellery with a more-is-more ethos. Founders Audrey and Ashton share an affinity for high-quality pieces, unique designs and statement jewels that make the wearer feel ‘like a queen’. The best part? With every sale made, Mountain and Moon reinvest into livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment for women in the rural village of Bhikamkor in Rajasthan, India.
Tyra Paydon
View this post on Instagram
Located in Brunswick, the namesake label Tyra Paydon Jewellery pays homage to Tyra’s creative upbringing, experimenting with rainbow stones set into timeless designs. From feminine, pastel gems in fine ear threads to chunky silver signet rings, Paydon captures the different aspects of her personality in her work while celebrating the beauty of raw materials.
Anastasia Mannix
View this post on Instagram
Based in her Collingwood studio, Anastasia Mannix creates beautiful, nostalgic pieces by hand. She uses repurposed heirloom gemstones, opals and precious metals to make her unique designs and signature heart-shaped rings. It’s the beloved costume jewellery from your childhood, all grown up.
Jake Cheeseman
View this post on Instagram
Handmade in Melbourne, Jake Cheeseman is the super-sweet jewellery brand combining smiley faces and playful pendants. Aptly named after Jake himself, the brand is known for its 19-carat gold flower pendants, custom signet rings and – of course – cheesy grins.
Holliegraphic
View this post on Instagram
Holliegraphic is the made-to-order ‘microbrand’ founded by Hollie Boslem in 2016. Specialising in vividly coloured precious gems, Hollie’s contemporary, freeform designs are crafted with just the right amount of whimsy – think tiny smiley faces, butterflies and fluffy clouds. The bespoke pieces are handcrafted by Hollie in Melbourne, using recycled metals and ethically conscious production methods.
Mgn
View this post on Instagram
Mgn is the otherworldly jewellery label centred around the magic glow of gemstones. Created by designer Megan in 2018, the brand is bringing fantasy back to wearable, everyday pieces; a beautiful contrast of glistening colour and ultra-polished molten silver and gold. Each piece is made-to-order in Megan’s Melbourne studio from 100 per cent recycled metal.
Jumbled Jewellery
View this post on Instagram
Naarm-based label Jumbled Jewellery is a candy-coloured, charm-laden dream. Handmade by an all-female team, the brand’s signature beaded necklaces are adorned with tiny toadstools, Hello Kitty and rainbow-coloured dolphins. Its custom orders are open, so you can let really let your inner child run wild.
Madalene Roper
View this post on Instagram
Madalene Roper’s eclectic designs are early 2000s nostalgia, epitomised. The Melbourne-made pieces feature unique clay and resin pendants, available in a variety of ultra-bright colours. Each piece is handcrafted, so no two swirled designs are the same.
Finger Candy
View this post on Instagram
Finger Candy is the ethereal creation of Melbourne-based designer Mason Tilly. Using predominately ethical lab-grown gemstones, Mason’s pieces are refreshingly fluid and reflective of his organic approach to design. Each piece is sustainably made to order using recycled sterling silver and gold.
fingercandyjewellery.bigcartel.com
Sarah & Sebastian
View this post on Instagram
Sarah & Sebastian’s pieces are inspired by both the natural world and European architecture and art. With social and environmental values being the brand’s focus, it offers ethically sourced gold and silver pieces decorated with a selection of birthstones and feminine figures.
Jolie & Deen
View this post on Instagram
Founded in Melbourne, Jolie & Deen creates well-priced, high-quality designer jewellery without compromising on taste. Defined by its clean, modern aesthetic, its pieces are inspired by the two co-founders’ travel diaries.
Aletheia & Phos
View this post on Instagram
Embodying travel, energetic connection and storytelling, Melbourne-based jewellery label Aletheia & Phos handcrafts ethical pieces with intent and purpose. Greek for ‘truth and light’, Aletheia & Phos see jewellery as a unique form of storytelling. With a focus on astrology, many pieces feature the gemstones or engravings representative of various zodiac signs.
Love Isabelle
View this post on Instagram
Minimal, feminine jewellery that’s both gentle and fierce is how Love Isabelle likes to describe itself. Drawing inspiration from the art in everyday life, its pieces are sleek and elegant and made for everyday wear.
Romy.Li
Concerned by the damage the fashion industry causes to the environment, the designer behind Romyli was determined to create pieces that align with their quest of living a more sustainable lifestyle. Ethical, lasting, and feminine, this jewellery will stay with you for the long run.
Newend
View this post on Instagram
With headquarters based in both Los Angeles and Melbourne, jewellery label Newend draws inspiration from different cultures and cityscapes. Subtly blurring the notions of masculinity and femininity, Newend uses sterling silver and 14-carat gold to create timeless pieces. Handmade in house, the delicate and sculptural designs are made to be woven into your existing collection.
Brie Leon
View this post on Instagram
Handmade with love in Sydney, Brie Leon’s vintage-inspired accessories are made to be treasured forever. The refined and romantic designs are made from recycled materials and released in small quantities to avoid overproduction.
Cloven Jewellery
View this post on Instagram
For Cloven Jewellery founder Quinika Davis, what began as a way to make pocket money in high school has turned into a translation of her experiences in the world. Using freshwater pearls, found gold and dainty gems, Quinika creates pieces with meaningful intention, each stone an artistic expression of emotion.
Made by Charlie
View this post on Instagram
Made By Charlie is the Melbourne-based jewellery label founded by emerging designer Charlie Poustie. Her designs are anchored in rich detail and texture, a modern interpretation of beloved classics. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind.
House of Matilda
View this post on Instagram
House of Matilda is the online marketplace dedicated to finding amazing handcrafted pieces by Australian jewellery designers. Scroll through a beautifully-curated selection of delicate and unique pieces.
Vale Laltra
View this post on Instagram
Vale Laltra is a sustainable, ethically-made unisex label crafting bold sculptural pieces embedded with precious gemstones. Think textural high-quality, elevated pieces guaranteed to get you compliments. The best part? All materials are ethically sourced and produced largely from recycled waste.
Cong Yu
View this post on Instagram
Jewellery designer Cong Yu’s work draws from her interest in jewellery as a sculptural form; her pieces are heavily inspired by structure and figure. Taking interest in the meditative quality of jewellery, her dreamy collection is made to last.
Jean Riley
View this post on Instagram
Crafted between her Sydney and Brisbane studios, Jean Riley’s thoughtful pieces are inspired by the bubbly outlook of her late mother and muse. Specialising in glass jewellery, you can either customise an existing piece or create your own entirely through the bespoke service. Part of profits also contributes to dementia research, adding more meaning behind every purchase.
Par Moi
View this post on Instagram
Melbourne-based label Par Moi was founded by Ashiya Omundsen in early 2019. Launching as a clothing line, Ashiya designed, drafted, cut and sewed each piece from deadstock fabric to ensure minimal waste. This ethos has carried over into her colourful jewellery designs, with the collection handmade from local materials.
Released from Love
View this post on Instagram
Founded by couple Hannah Roche and Lachlan Malone, Released from Love is an Australian jewellery label inspired by a real-life love story. The duo’s intentionally imperfect designs are made to challenge the conventional aesthetics of fine jewellery, resulting in beautifully organic shapes and forms.
Cushla Whiting
View this post on Instagram
If you are looking for the perfect engagement ring, look to family-owned jewellery label Cushla Whiting. The elegant and exquisite designs are perfected with years of strong gemstone and diamond expertise, with everything locally produced in Melbourne.
Westhill
View this post on Instagram
Is there a jewellery piece you never take off? Maybe it’s really meaningful or a high-quality, comfortable and versatile design. Australian brand Westhill makes jewellery for the latter – thoughtful and timeless designs, crafted in solid gold and sterling silver.
Marne Blingwall
View this post on Instagram
With pieces crafted in the shape of spikes, daggers, bones, skeleton hands and throwing stars, Marne Blingwall jewellery features just the right amount of delicate edge. The Eora-based label’s debut collection, Guilty Pleasures, touts an array of affordable, intricate sterling silver pieces. Custom orders are also available if you’d love a spiky butterfly pendant or a bone-shaped name tag.
Daphne Hughette
View this post on Instagram
Of both Indonesian and Dutch heritage, Daphne Hughette crafts jewellery inspired by the interpretation of ancient traditions, music and tribes. Her designs have a beautifully organic, fluid feel to them, making each piece feel like it was made just for you.
Zoë Alexandria
View this post on Instagram
Zoë Alexandria’s ethically-made fine jewellery is ideal for all your delicate ring-stacking needs. The Sydney-based label sustainably sources all of its precious stones, like this pear-shaped pink morganite and this glossy watermelon tourmaline.
SGS Jewellery
View this post on Instagram
Founded by Melbourne designer Stephanie Symington, SGS Jewelry is inspired by her background in sculpture and design. Handcrafted locally, Stephanie’s nostalgic pieces are made from sterling silver and responsibly lab-grown gemstones. Each organic design is unique and made to order.
Kick in the Eye
View this post on Instagram
Kick in the Eye jewellery is the best kind of sexy. Its distinctive deep red and purple gemstones are framed in sterling silver chains, claws and spikes. Made locally in Melbourne, each piece is crafted with high-quality materials, designed to stand the test of time.
Garage Bands
View this post on Instagram
Using the unique ‘lost-wax’ casting process, Melbourne designer Kurt crafts stunning one-off jewellery designs. Fluid, thoughtful and dynamic, each piece feels as if it was made just for you.
Krista
View this post on Instagram
Interdisciplinary artist Krista Lyle has recently expanded her ever-growing design project into the world of jewellery. Her collection Spiraling is comprised of unique sterling silver and freshwater pearl designs, available in the form of dainty necklaces, beaded earrings and handmade pendants. Spiralling is an ode to Melbourne’s many lockdowns – an experiment that blossomed into something beautiful.
Studio Zali
View this post on Instagram
Handmade by Geelong-based jeweller Zali Bordin, Studio Zali designs celebrate the beauty of imperfections. Zali’s designs are all handmade, crafted from recycled silver, recycled yellow gold and vibrant lab-grown gems.
Pei Yi
View this post on Instagram
Pei Yi is the eponymous label created by Hong-Kong raised, Melbourne-based designer Liz/沛儀 (Pei Yi). Liz’s collection of carefully crafted baroque pearl jewellery has captured the attention of the local fashion set. You can shop Pei Yi at Error 404, Jolie Laide, Shifting Worlds and Sucker; or direct message Liz for custom pieces.
Vermeer Studio
View this post on Instagram
Vermeer Studio offers handcrafted jewellery made from a range of materials; including jade, freshwater pearl, lapis, quartz and tiger’s eye. Striking a careful balance between playful and feminine, Vermeer pieces are made for everyday wear.
Til Foley
View this post on Instagram
Til Foley jewellery is locally made on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula by Matilda Foley. Matilda’s collection is a combination of bespoke and ready to wear pieces, classically designed and made from materials like sterling silver, solid gold, gemstones, glass beads and pearls.
Surfe Placid
View this post on Instagram
A contemporary take on the early 2000s puka shell jewellery, Surfe Placid pieces are delightfully nostalgic, made from recycled materials and freshwater pearls. With each necklace and bracelet handcrafted in Naarm, every piece is totally unique.
Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend. Fashion Journal may sometimes receive a commission or similar from third party links placed.
Want to know more about ethical and sustainable jewellery? This handy guide should do the trick.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
