Melbourne-based jeweller Bella Clark releases her new summer collection ‘Holiday’ amid lockdown
WORDS BY LUCY XU
A homage to summer.
While some of us may be dwelling on the harsh lockdown restrictions, fellow Melburnian and jewellery designer Bella Clark has quietly released her new summer collection Holiday.
This beautiful collection of handmade pieces captures the essence of those summery, golden hour feelings. The range includes a series of gold and silver pieces, comprising of rings, earrings and pendants. The introduction of ornamental designs and champagne diamonds shows a marked progression in Bella’s design aesthetic.
“This collection was inspired by the ’80s summer holiday – maybe in the Mediterranean or an Island holiday – or precious jewellery you might find at a flea market in Paris,” says Bella.
Bella’s professionalism and passion continue to be reflected in her jewellery. Following her previous release of youthful, playful pieces, such as the heart-shaped lockets, this collection showcases considered designs that emphasise the textures and forms of the metal.
Pieces like the Cocktail Ring and the Plaza Earrings feature ridges and grooves to give an unexpected sensory experience to the jewellery. “I wanted the wearers to form a memory touch with their jewellery,” Bella tells me.
Following the success of her debut collection in 2019, the emerging talent has been hard at work during quarantine, and this collection is partly inspired by the dreaded confinement COVID-19 has forced upon us.
“There has been an overwhelming longing for the summer holiday and wanting to escape the wintry Melbourne lockdown. I’ve had the time to slow down with this strange pace of reality,” she says.
When asked how the lockdown has influenced her jewellery making process, she explains it has its pros and cons. “It’s given me more time to reflect and I’m spending a lot more time drawing designs, which also means it takes a little longer to make the jewellery,” she says.
Bella’s commitment to sustainable designs is also refreshing against the backdrop of the fast fashion market. The jeweller continues to work to a ‘handmade to order’ system, and every piece that comes out of her Melbourne studio is designed, made and packed by her.
“This conscientious way of working means materials aren’t wasted and needless inventory is eliminated,” she explains. To browse or purchase the Bella Clark Holiday collection, visit her online store.
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