Choosing jewellery is sometimes spontaneous, sometimes considered, and always personal. When you want a new piece for your jewellery collection, you want it to be luxurious, sustainable, and imbued with the power to make you feel fabulous.
You're probably not swayed by trends, but we know that when you're looking for a new piece of jewellery you expect craftsmanship, quality and sustainability as a given. So, it's time to consider talented and innovative Australian jewellery designers who are skilled artisans embracing the philosophy of ethical, sustainable, and locally-made luxury. These women are determined to ensure you'll feel fabulous every day in handmade jewellery that contributes to a more sustainable community.
Australian jewellery fashion brands
Read on to see the different ways that handmade Australian jewellery can enhance your outfits and your mood, whether you're spending your days in the boardroom or your night out on the town. Looking for something bold and brave, soft and subtle, cool and contemporary? You're sure to be impressed by our chosen designers .
Sophisticiaton in Silver
Sarah Munnings is a self taught jewellery artist who specialises in unusual or quirky handmade jewellery pieces from precious metals such as silver, gold (recycled), copper and brass, using repurposed metals where possible. Her studio is in the Dandenongs where she works on special pieces of fine jewellery that are likely to become family heirlooms. Just have a look at the teaset earrings to see what we mean. You'll love the organic shapes and minimalist designs that make up the signature style that earns her a place in this list of best Australian jewellery brands.
Light, airy, and nothing like plastic
Repurposed plastic is generally cast in a mould and still looks like plastic. So hat's off to Jess, who is the creator behind Australian jewellery label, S.U.M.; she's developed a way to paint her colours and make earrings that are as light as air. Her delicate pieces in bright colours and fun designs will have you smiling all day when you choose her handcrafted jewellery that has been beautifully fashioned from throw-away plastic.
Soft and Sensuous
When you imagine a sensuous pair of earrings, is leather the first thing that comes to mind? This lightweight, sustainable material is being used by innovative designers who specialise in brilliant Australian-made earrings. Caroline Carruthers in Noosa is leading the way with contemporary pieces from the Deccoangel label. She uses a combination of processes to minimise waste, and creates unique pieces (with a nod to femininity) that are designed to make the wearer feel special. Imagine how these ones will capture the light as you turn your head.
Sculptural Fashion
It's no surprise to find Frank Ideas on a list of top Australian jewellery brands. Designer Rowan Shaw's fabulous pieces sell in Australian galleries and specialty shops in the USA. The collection comprises unique, sculptural ready-to-wear pieces that are made by hand in Australia from quality new, recycled, upcycled, and non-conventional materials. You'll see style icons wearing these tactile masterpieces, and you'll feel like an icon yourself when you join the club. Make sure you pick up a few statement pieces from this fantastic designer who creates Australian-made earrings and necklaces from surprising and recycled materials.
Wearable Art
Leela Fernandez from Solart offers a range of gorgeous wearable based on her original ink paintings. Her contemporary jewellery is made in Melbourne using sustainably sourced hoop pine. Leela believes Mother Earth needs our love and that we can all help by going local and embracing sustainably sourced materials and recycling. When you're looking for timeless design, this is the label for you.
Cultural connections
Gunditjmara woman Laura Thompson, founder of The Koori Circle and Clothing the Gaps, combines a love of fashion earrings with Aboriginal culture. Her accessory brand, The Koorie Circle, is known and loved by many as one of the best Australian jewellery brands. Her statement earrings, which feature Aboriginal art, cultural items, and native animals, are designed to be worn by everyone. Made in Australia, these pieces are dynamic and fun. Wear them whenever you want to spark a conversation.
Bold and Memorable
There's a good chance you've seen Sophie Cooper's earrings, necklaces, and brooches in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, or Byron Bay because they are bold, memorable, and designed to compliment every wardrobe. Her brand, Scoops Design, crafts all its products in Australia from sustainably-sourced wood. Obviously the lightweight variety. The contemporary patterns and clean lines in this range are loved in the fashion industry and it is not only for women; Scoops has a men's collection as well.
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None of this ethical Australian-made jewellery is produced in a factory. Rather, manufacturing is small-scale and production is often done by hand. The supply chain is contained, with raw materials being sourced from the local community.
Take a look at our collection. Be guided by your imagination – see what you can mix and match, what you'd love wearing, and what will make you feel fabulous.
The benefits of sustainable Australian-made
- Australian-made designer jewellery and handcrafted items are made high quality materials and attention to detail, resulting in products that will last. Years of craftsmanship and skill go into these products from top Australian designers.
- Sustainably made jewellery is often unique and one-of-a-kind, with each bespoke piece having its own story. This is especially true for handmade items, as each is crafted by an individual artisan and is unlikely to be identical to any other.
- Australian-made designer products and handcrafted items draw on local and regional cultural traditions, providing a sense of connection to the history and heritage of the country. This is especially the case with First Nations art and craft, which frequently embodies thousands of years of cultural knowledge.
Once you start to look, it is surprising how many fabulous Australian-made designer products can be found.
Overall, Australia's designers and skilled artisans excel at creating products that are unique, beautiful, and functional, drawing on the country's natural beauty, multicultural heritage, and rich cultural traditions, to create pieces that you will love for a long time. And finally, a commitment seeking out local and ethical products is an important way that each of us can demonstate that we care about the community.
We've made a start for you by putting together this collection. Take a look now at the rest of the range at O Gosh Shop.
