Melbourne label SGS Jewellery is creating work that celebrates nature and nostalgia
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENJAMIN BURATTO
WORDS BY AMY FOCIC
“Creative practices involve a hell of a lot of problem-solving and there’s nothing wrong with making a few mistakes along the way.”
In an era where the gig economy has changed how young people work, many of us are balancing several jobs to make ends meet – all while trying to work on the stuff we’re actually passionate about.
Stephanie Symington knows this balancing act all too well. The jewellery designer had to work her day job while she kickstarted her label SGS Jewellery, often going months without a day off. While I’m not about to encourage overworking, I for one am pretty chuffed Stephanie could get her whimsical designs out into the world.
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SGS Jewellery pieces are infused with a nostalgic quality, a nod to Stephanie’s childhood trips to rural Victoria. I spoke to Stephanie about how SGS Jewellery came to fruition, rejecting traditional work structures and learning from her mistakes.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion/jewellery background?
Growing up I had it in my head that I would work in fine art. Jewellery was not something I had really given any thought to – instead, I did my honours in fine art at RMIT focusing on sculpture and spatial practice.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
While RMIT offers an amazing gold and silversmithing course, jewellery was not something I had really given any thought to. In my time studying sculpture and special practice my work revolved around themes of nostalgia, nature, and whimsy.
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In 2019, I finished up my honours and at this time it really hit just how hard it is to ‘make it’ as an artist. I’ve never seen myself working in an office or doing a regular nine to five kind of gig, and I knew I would only be happy in a creative field. I had a few friends who had gone through the gold and silversmithing route and they gave me a lot of help and advice in turning my small sculptures into jewellery objects.
I think my biggest challenge with SGS so far has been juggling my passion and my day job. There have been times in which I’ve gone months without a day off, large lengths of time being too busy in the studio to see friends or family. This challenge has also been a hidden blessing – my hard work seems to be paying off and I am now able to focus all my energy towards SGS.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
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Growing up I spent a lot of time in rural Victoria. This instilled a deep love and admiration for nature, and in turn a strong nostalgic link between nature and childhood. Working with organic forms and flower and butterfly motifs is my way of sharing this love for the natural world, and connecting each of my customers with childhood memories of their own.
How would you describe SGS to someone who’s never seen it before?
SGS is fun, feminine, organic, sustainable, and flirty!
Where did the name come from?
When I converted my Instagram from showcasing my sculptural works to my jewellery practice, I decided continuing to operate under my full name seemed a bit too formal. I wanted my brand to have more of a casual feel. Unable to come up with anything that seemed appropriate, I settled on my initials. Short, simple, me.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
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Honestly, I’m just proud that I’m in a place in my life where I have a label to be discussing. As a female with ADHD, I’ve struggled a lot in workplaces and in everyday life with staying on task, staying motivated and focused, and feeling like I’m reaching my full potential.
The fact that I even have a label to be talking about. That I’ve been able to get my shit together and go from barely holding down a part-time job to single-handedly running a small business is what makes me feel most accomplished.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
If I could go back in time, I would still let myself go in blind. As cheesy as it may sound, every failed piece has helped me develop my techniques. Creative practices involve a hell of a lot of problem-solving and there’s nothing wrong with making a few mistakes along the way.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion/jewellery right now?
Gosh! I think the fashion scene in Melbourne is so interesting at the moment. There are so many young emerging designers out there. A few I’ve found myself following closely are Karla Laidlaw, Suku, Krista and Gesture Eyewear.
What about the Australian fashion/jewellery industry needs to change?
The fashion and jewellery industry in Australia needs to hero small designers. Climate change is very real and I think we all need to make more of a conscious effort to shop slow and small.
Dream Australian collaborators?
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I think some of the motifs and themes I explore with SGS could translate really well to apparel. I could definitely see my style working well with a brand like P.A.M. Think colourful prints, natural dyes and baggy fits. A big dream for sure!
Go-to dinner party playlist?
I’m a real lover of melancholy tunes. It might not be everyone’s jam but hey, it’s my house. On the rare occasion I have enough time and foresight to organise a dinner party you can expect to hear some PJ Harvey, Chelsea Wolfe, Angel Olsen and Cat Power. Got to love some kickass female musos.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
For the most part, my wardrobe consists of a lot of vintage pieces I’ve picked up over the years from secondhand boutiques, Facebook marketplace and op shops. I recently picked up a pair of Karla Laidlaw’s velvet spider pants which very quickly became my go-to everyday pants.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
You can find my made-to-order pieces on my website and with my lovely stockists NVV World, Error404 and Bizarre Bazaar. You may even catch me at the odd market.
For more from SGS Jewellery, head here.
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