Six emerging jewellery brands from Aotearoa New Zealand to add to your radar

Our round-up encompasses a list of emerging designers who use metals, gemstones and unique techniques to create some of the most incredible jewels we’ve seen locally in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Max Walker

Last year I had the pleasure of attending Max Walker’s debut exhibition 'I love my MUM' where rings were suspended in the air, available to be tried on. This was soon followed by another exhibition at Public Record in Tāmaki Makaurau. Although Max is just at the beginning of his career, his intricate and textured style is already recognisable. All the jewellery is hand-crafted in Te Whanganui a Tara.

Available at Public Record

Chills Jewellery

Chyna-Lily Tjauw Rawlinson is the owner and operator of Chills Jewellery. Chyna is a multi-disciplinary artist and a fourth-generation jeweller who works alongside her dad and granddad at their family business Bijoux Gallery which was founded in 1988.

Each Chills Jewellery item is meticulously handcrafted using locally sourced solid 9ct yellow gold or sterling silver, and the finest naturally grown freshwater pearls, precious and semi-precious stones. You can commission a design or browse a range of ready-to-buy items on the website.

Available at chillsjewellery.com

Annabella Schnabel

Annabella is a Tāmaki Makaurau based artist who creates striking rings, pendants and bracelets. Some of her sterling silver designs have distinct ‘bite marks’ while the bracelets are made of intricate chains. Annabella focuses on creating bespoke pieces for those who are after something unique.

Commissions open via DM or email

Orswo

Grace Nosrsworthy is another talented jeweller from Tāmaki Makaurau and the person behind Orswo.

Grace came from a background in industrial design but soon realised that her real passion was to create jewellery. The knuckle shape is a clear motif throughout many of her designs. These shiny delicate shapes are interlinked and adorned with precious stones to create unique but wearable pieces.

Available at Sully’s

Camille Paloma Walton

Camille Paloma Walton is a Kapiti Coast based jeweller creating playful, expressive pieces. Camille is not afraid to use colour and draws inspiration from a wide range of forms, resulting in joyful designs. I can easily imagine any of Camille’s timeless pieces becoming a family heirloom.

Available at camillepalomawalton.com

Klewless

Hannah Marklew is the artist behind Klewless. She makes all the pieces by hand in her home studio in central Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

“I want to create enduring, wearable art that tells a story—for both myself as an artist, and the wearer—for years to come. I love the idea that a piece of jewellery reflects a small moment in time—often jewellery is given as a gift for a special occasion—but is able to be treasured for generations. As an artist, I love that the energy I put into my work gets to be a part of that journey."

Available at Crushes

Round-up by Yana Kulishenko