Reimagining Six Sided Purple
An Amethyst…hexagon…very large… a vibrant purple… reimagined.
From the direction of a stylist to the vision of a designer, to the knowledge of a gemmologist, to the finesse of a jeweller…
The time has come for this piece from the past… the beginning of something new…different but similar. Shedding the amethyst from its former mount, the jeweller gently removes the beautiful stone from its claws of a now unwearable brooch, destined to become a spectacular pendant to be worn and enjoyed. As pencil touches paper the design flourishes, classic with elegance and always wearable without restrictions. From the skill of our master jeweller, his hands and tools begin working the metal, layer on layer crafting an heirloom piece to last. As he gently pushes the claws over the amethyst and brightens with a final polish… a beautiful pendant emerges.
Let me just pause from this dreamy romantic moment and take you back to the beginning of reimagining purple through the eyes and knowledge of our gemmologist and master jeweller…. Rob.
As I reflect back on my first encounter with the stone I am captivated by its beauty…. studying the manifest I am looking at a very large mid purple six sided shape, a 25mm diameter hexagon. As my hands glide over the surface, I feel a cool sensation, suggesting crystalline material with crisp cut edges as opposed to moulded faceting.
Upon closer examination using a 10 x loupe, “zebra stripes” and colour zoning are clearly visible. A refractive index reading of 1.545 confirms we have a natural amethyst!
With the gemmology diagnostic complete, identifying material properties and value… the gemstone is removed from its current saddle and I feel an uncanny immediate connection with the material and an excitement for the exploration of its latent content.
As design flows through a collaborative approach with our jewellery stylist and client, we embrace a classical design, working with just two symmetrical under rails and multiple claws for texture and stability, fixed to our signature bail.
The bearing rail, immediately below the girdle, shadows each of the six sides so they rest precisely, paramount for the future setting. The smaller lower rail provides space to the design, secured via four claws initially, positioned just below the culet to prevent the piece pivoting during exhibition. Our signature bail is fitted on the same plane as the lower rail, fixed solid to balance the large form for best performance.
Assemblage complete…
The final preparation for the amethyst involves a flurry of shaving, burnishing and polishing the hexagonal skeletal form in much the same way a worker bee attends the hive. An appropriate analogy given this fundamental shape is prevalent in nature due to its efficiency in terms of space and materials. Concurrently equilateral and equiangular, a perfect compromise between circularity and angularity. Symbolism, the ideas and concepts, mood and emotion is a deeper conversation for another time…
Finally, the spectacular stone is set… bracing with a wax mould to enable lateral pressure on the claws during setting. It can be tedious to remove when finished but is necessary for precise control. Each claw is marked and rebated for folding.
It’s another one of those euphoric moments as each of the twelve claws is encouraged onto the girdle and crown facet.
A final polish is the sign off from the artisan, confirming departure from the workshop but signalling the much-anticipated arrival to our creative, adept at styling.
Now embark on a voyage of discovery from classic to creative. Looks that can be worn to the most casual of occasions to the most formal of events. So here are just a few to get you curious…
A new adornment reimagined for individual aesthetic, ready to be styled and most importantly ready to be worn, not just sometimes but often.
As I hold the piece in my hand I begin to connect, admiring the simple yet intricate design, noticing how the twelve yellow gold claws not only hold the stone but add the important details that are needed in design to create a feminine yet timeless piece. Ideas of styling with this pendant to create fabulous looks now simply flow. The stone is a lovely shade of purple though slightly muted, making it neither warm nor cool but simultaneously warm and cool. A creative colour, a colour with many meanings from peace, luxury, ambition to creativity.
Gently dangling from a gold cable gives the pendant an elegant and classic style. A stylist tip…When a pendant is larger be cautious with the length, remember where the pendant finishes is where the eye stops, so if it’s too short it will shorten your neck length and silhouette.
Slip on a minimal top with a wardrobe staple pant or skirt to keep it classic, layer to enhance with a well cut jacket, think colour and make it bright. As the pendant is structured select a jacket made of a fabric that flows such as a silk blend, structured in cut.
By threading the pendant onto a longer chain or even layering it up with a couple of chains, perhaps in multiple hues is where the creativity begins. As well as adding a touch of uniqueness to your look, the longer chains work as an illusion to elongate the silhouette, which is always an advantage.
Think for this look a high-waisted pant or skirt in a block colour or floral with a cosy loose fitting knit, a pair of ankle boots or maybe an oh-so-now sneaker for extra comfort. Don’t forget to layer on a timeless trench coat before you leave the house. Still classically elegant while creative just with a casual feel and a touch of Audrey Hepburn.
An option for this piece as we dare to get more and more creative and one of my favourite looks… A kimono with intricate detail worn belted or loose over a slip dress and heels that wrap around the ankle and continue up the leg. Drop the pendant from a cable because this is where it needs to be, to be the hero of this look. Grab a sparkling sequin clutch, tousle your hair into a messy bun and there you have it….style perfection with creativity, colour and one amazing jewel…hexagon…purple and very large but perfect to complete.
Contact us and experience the extraordinary collaborative process of reimagining your jewels for YOUR individual aesthetic to wear on rotation.
Which Sparkle Are YOU?
Everyday jewellery needs to elevate all looks while working with any style, personality or colourway we choose to wear.
Therefore, a simplistic, elegant design that enhances without dominating is the perfect piece to reach for day in and day out… cue Qualia!
Let us introduce you to our latest addition to the range…
This exquisite pendant is part of a signature collection designed and inspired by a recent trip to Japan…the people, their fashion and “Sakura”.
Simultaneously embracing structure and flow, minimal yet creative. A design transcending all personalities while adding perfection to all occasions.
This latest addition was designed with structure for elegance and wearability while the unique metal contours of the fistula form create movement, adding the essential flow to the design.
As a jeweller I’m captivated by the beauty of sparkle and as a stylist I’m in awe of the power gained by wearing sparkle. From how an individual is elevated in their style to the confidence that is reflected when the wearer adds their best colour, whether this is a neutral, bright or pastel…
Sapphires that dance… there is a colour for all
Our latest pendant and innovative concept allows you to choose your perfect sparkle with a stylist guidance. As we work through a selection of diamonds and sapphires we will share knowledge about gemstones, their colours and how best to select the one that works the best for you.
It’s also about how and where you would like to wear the piece, to the shades that complement your complexion, your hair and your unique eye colour, with all elements coming together ensuring that this design is set with your best sparkle. Having you looking and feeling the best version of yourself every day.
So which is your sparkle of choice…a diamond, from white to champagne, even black or perhaps it’s a sapphire in a soft delicate lavender, bright sunshine yellow or a shade of blue?
Whichever way you choose to go we have you covered…
Book an extraordinary appointment today and together let’s explore and choose your SPARKLE to make our latest design uniquely YOU!
Our fistula pendant awaits a diamond or sapphire that complements YOU!
Jewels To Keep You Up-To-Date This Spring Racing Season…
With spring racing fast approaching, it pays to get a-head of the pack when it comes to your style… and while finding the perfect dress is a must, it’s how you style it… with fine jewellery in particular, that will have you conquering the carnival in winning style.
So no matter which event you are attending this spring racing season… when it comes to fine jewellery we have lots of advice to share to get you racewear ready!
First out of the gate, we have the chicest event of the carnival calendar…. Derby Day… where the dress code calls for ultra-stylish monochromatic threads. To play to this colourway we suggest a pair of sleek onyx drop earrings to attract the eye and pleasantly frame the face, styled with a statement-making amethyst dress ring to infuse your ensemble with a touch of colour…. a sophisticated look with a fresh take on the traditional dress code.
The next event on the agender is the race that stops the nation… Melbourne Cup of course! Cup Day styling is anything but subtle, with an abundance of bold, bright and beautiful hues parading trackside. When it comes to fine jewellery, we follow suit… with vibrant dazzling reddish orange sapphire earrings and pendant that dance in a refined setting to showcase the true beauty within.
And lastly Oaks Days, otherwise known as Ladies Day… and what better way to celebrate ladylike loveliness than with a sprinkling of pearls. To express and ooze elegance, we recommend adorning your lobes with pearl drops, slide on a pearl dress ring and complete the look with a statement pearl necklace enhanced by sweeping curves, embellished with pink tourmaline gemstones…. perfectly complementing Oaks Days feminine palette of delicate pastels and pretty florals.
Completing your racewear style with precious fine jewellery elevates all looks with elegance and confidence.
Now only two things left to do….place your bet and prepare yourself… because all eyes will be on you and your style… you will be the one to watch this spring racing season….
To have an ensemble and fine jewellery designed for you the individual, contact us and let’s discuss how we can create a racewear look that speaks to you and enhances your personal style.
For more on racewear styling for the race that stops the nation, click here and read our stylist’s guide on spring racing 2019.
Something to Cherish…
A Story to Share… Something Special from the Past…Gifted to a Granddaughter with Deep Affection.
The beauty of jewellery is that each piece depending on where it falls in its cycle has a story to be told either from the past, the present or in the future … making jewellery one of the most sentimental of keepsakes.
An added pleasure to this is that each keeper of the jewellery, at their time in the journey, develops their own unique deep connection to it, maybe adjustments have been made to suit their own style during their time or they choose to wear it as original… either way when documented over the years, a wonderful array of stories can be collected and shared with every generation… about the past…the present and into the future. Connecting families then and now.
So when Jeanette presented a parcel to us at UMUN Jewellery Studio of pre-loved family jewellery, she shared wonderful stories of who and how these pieces had been worn and even where the metal was found to make them many years ago.
Some were broken and bits had been lost but Jeanette had faith in our ability as designers and jewellers to piece together something from the past and restore it with a modern feel. Something special for her to gift to her granddaughter Sophie on her approaching 18th birthday.
So another story can begin….
A delicate gold earring with a wonderful vintage character was spotted, but it was solo, its partner had been lost in the past…
An intricate design, with two amethyst gemstones and a seed pearl all set within.
Time to reimagine its purpose…
Did you know that before starting a new design here at UMUN Jewellery Studio, we get the input of a stylist first! This is to make sure that we truly understand our client, from their personality to their best colours and to how and when they would like to wear their new piece. A service that is 100% about the client and their individuality. We think this is pretty cool and we are proud to say, that we are the ONLY jewellers that currently offer this service.
So let us share the stylist advice…..
Here are just a few of the questions we asked the stylist… How would an 18-year-old girl wear this best? Would she like it? Is it too old fashioned?
“Well, I think it would be absolutely beautiful as a fine and delicate pendant… also very appropriate with the fashion trends…. and if you turn it upside down it would be even better. This will modernise the vintage look and it will work beautifully to elongate the design which in turn elongates the wearer. Drape it from a very fine chain, one that can be extended to give Sophie options with her looks and yes, I think it’s perfect for her now and it will travel through the years with her, never dating ”
Jeweller’s concept Sketch… Jewellery design.
So it’s backs to the jewellers bench…
Time for our jeweller to carefully restore and remodel this vintage piece. A handcrafted bail was also needed. Simply to drape the drop from the chain. By the way, our clever master jeweller Rob, used the metal to make this element of the design from Sophie’s great grandmothers wedding ring.
How cool is that!!!
A fine and delicate gold pendant, enhanced with amethyst and a seed pearl.
Beauty restored …
A piece that Sophie can wear, elevating her style for many occasions from casual to the most formal.
Gifted to be embraced and connect her to past…
A delicate vintage piece with a modern spin that oozes elegance when worn at any age.
Something from the past, now to be enjoyed in the present and then to be passed into the future.
Sophie and her pendant… A sentimental 18th birthday gift.
Stylist- Forge Chiffon Styling Studio
And now for a few words from the family whom this pendant belongs….
“While going into the city would normally be the practise when you want something special done, having such a top jeweller so close to home is a real bonus and it’s always a good sign when the professional listens to what you have in mind and can interpret your ideas even better than you had hoped.
My granddaughter Sophie was thrilled with her birthday necklace. She really does love it. Couldn’t have been better – and she really appreciated the family association to the components!
Thanks again for your work. Brilliant. “
- Jeanette
“The pendant has turned out absolutely beautiful! When mum first told me of what she had in mind and showed me the earring I must admit I was a bit scared as to how it would turn out and be modern enough for a young girl to enjoy and want to wear. After we met with Rob and I saw his other work I could tell he was totally on the right page and the end result was incredible, absolutely perfect!
The best part was having mum travel over here to give it to her personally on her birthday and for her to be able to see that absolute genuine delight and appreciation on Sophie’s face. It was a very special moment.
It was also lovely how mum presented it to her with an accompanying little background of the various bits of gold and jewellery that went towards making it. It reinforces the history of what was a lone earring and is now a pendant. I am so very pleased for my mum’s initial idea and investment turning out to be something that will be truly treasured.
Thanks to Rob for all his effort and skill, we are all very happy. “
- Annette
“I am loving my pendant! I’m so impressed how UMUN have managed to make something old, look so modern. This pendant is so special to me, as it’s one of the very few necklaces I own with so much history, let alone tailor made for me. The intricate details that have gone into making this necklace really impressed me. Thank you so much for putting this very sentimental necklace together for me, and it is something I look forward to passing on to my children. “
- Sophie