In my exploration of boldness, I continue to be taken with setting large, double pointed crystals and semi-precious stones in simple encasings. I chose this clear quartz because its shape is reminiscent of a heart and its weight felt precious in my hand. When worn, the crystal rests in the middle of the chest, close to the wearer's heart and its weight has a grounding, stabilising effect. The piece's industrial feel could send a message that the wearer may be sensitive and full of boundless love, but they nevertheless possess qualities of strength like a rock, diamond or thunderbolt.
The clasp contains a Buddhist Bodhisattva 'pressing' - this one was taken from a rupa of the Bodhisattva Vajrasattva who is associated with purification and the colour white. Although this pressing was taken from Vajrasatta's earrings, it resembles a flower. To me, the spiritual path is about endless unfolding and beauty - like a bold, mythical flower.
The chain can be worn long or short and has a rectangular charm with my hallmark on it.
Neckpiece
Materials: Sterling silver, fine silver, sterling silver chain, clear quartz double point.
Length/size: Chain is approx. 65cm long (including pendant) and 0.9cm thick.
I like labradorite. Something about the semi-precious stone looks abyss-like; swampy waters with flecks iridescence and hope. I could not resist the challenge of setting this double pointed, vajra-like specimen.
In meditation and practice the image of the abyss keeps coming up for me. An unknown, dark and deep portal that is both scary and alluring. Being all those things at once intrigues me. I recently asked some Buddhist friends if the image or feeling of the abyss comes up for them too (it does) and posed the question "Is the only option to jump in?" They all had very thought provoking responses! One said "Well maybe rather than jumping into it, one can just step into it?".
The chain can be worn long or short and has a rectangular charm with my hallmark on it.
Neckpiece
Materials: Sterling silver, fine silver, sterling silver chain, labradorite double point.
Length/size: Chain is approx. 65cm long (including pendant) and 0.9cm thick. Labradorite point is approx. 9.3cm tall, 3.3cm wide and 2.3cm deep.
A jasper point has weight, substance and power. In a simple silver setting with an open base. Matt, brushed finish.
This solid piece took me about 4 weeks to make. I think it's because I subconsciously wanted to spend more time with it - to dream about it in between time on the bench and to 'be with' it a little longer.
I shared progress photos with some friends throughout the making process. One said it had the energy of a vajra (a ritualistic 'thunderbolt' used in Buddhist practice). One said it felt like it looked like something Thanos would wear.
The chain can be worn long or short and has a circular charm with my hallmark on it.
Neckpiece
Materials: Sterling silver, fine silver, sterling silver chain, jasper.
Length/size: Chain is approx. 72cm long (including pendant) and 0.5cm thick. Jasper quartz point is approx. 7cm tall, 2.6cm wide at base and 2.2cm deep.
Price: $380 plus shipping.
A tourmalinated quartz point in a simple silver setting with an open base. Matt, brushed finish.
I was saying to someone recently, I am attracted to things with a dark streak. Dark streaks capture my attention, but they also add a layer of interest, beauty and challenge (Can something still be beautiful when it has a touch of the dark?). There is a lovely solidity to this piece - I dare the wearer to not feel powerful and bold while wearing this.
Neckpiece
Materials: Sterling silver, fine silver, sterling silver chain, tourmalinated quartz
Length/size: Chain is approx. 60.5cm long (including pendant) and 0.3cm thick. Tourmalinated quartz point is approx. 3.5cm tall, 2.5cm wide at base and 1.8cm deep.
Price: Sold
A simple, thin bracelet with a charm that reminds the wearer of Vajrasattva’s presence. Vajarsattva is a Buddhist Bodhisattva. While his essence is elusive, he represents compassion and wisdom combined as well as purification.
Sterling silver
Amoghasiddi is an archetypal Buddha who, amongst a number of things, symbolises fearlessness. I made this one for myself.
Necklace with removable talismans
Sterling silver
This engagement ring was made for a dear friend of mine. It is sunny, solid and full of energy - just like he is.
Amoghasiddi is an archetypal Buddha who, amongst a number of things, symbolises fearlessness. The sun motif was taken from my friend’s Amoghasiddi rupa/statue - an object of meditation he reflects upon as a Buddhist.
Engagement ring
18ct yellow gold, white sapphire, green peridot
In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, Bodhisattvas embody aspects of the Enlightened Mind and personify Buddhist ideals such as compassion, wisdom and energy. I’ll probably get in trouble for this, but I sometimes think of them as Buddhist superheros…
Part of my spiritual practice involves reflecting on the Bodhisattvas I am drawn to. Sometimes it feels as if their qualities impress themselves upon me.
Vajrasattva is the Bodhisattva of purification and the rainbow is often associated with him. These pieces are the result of spending time with Vajrasattva, his qualities, his beauty and his serenity.
18ct yellow gold, 9ct yellow gold bail and bead, white sapphires, coloured cord.
Vajrasattva. Image is a photo of a print by Andy Webber. Purchase a print from Andy.
Sterling sliver, ruby, white sapphires, sterling silver chain. Approx. 32mm x 20mm.
Sterling sliver, emeralds, white sapphire, sterling sliver chain. Approx. 25mm x 30mm.
Sterling sliver, black spinel, white sapphires, sterling silver chain. Approx. 23mm x 23mm.
Sterling sliver, pink tourmaline, white sapphires, sterling silver chain. Approx. 20mm x 20mm.
Sterling sliver, white sapphire, sterling silver chain. Approx. 24mm x 25mm.
Sterling sliver, garnets. Approx. 15mm x 45mm each earring.
Sterling sliver, lolite. Approx. 15mm x 45mm each earring.
Sterling sliver, citrine. Approx. 15mm x 40mm each earring.
Sterling sliver, peridot. Approx. 15mm x 40mm each earring.
These playful amulets are my version of the spirit locks of the Hmong people of South East Asia.
Designed to be fun to wear, these pieces jingle and jangle as you go about your day.
When I was growing up in Australia in the 90s, it felt as if people like me were just seen as ‘Asian’ by the general populace. In my early 20s, I began visiting more of South East Asia and China and started to get a feel for the complexities and layers of the ethnicities and sub-ethnicities in the regions where my parents were from.
I am not Hmong myself, but this style reminds me of how complex, nuanced and fascinating the region of South East Asia is. Perhaps that complexity resides in me as well.
Neck pieces
Sterling silver, waxed cord
Pendant
A serene face. “You’ve always had the power my dear.”
Sterling silver.
Ring
18ct gold, garnet, diamonds.
Earrings
Irregular. Individual. Idiosyncratic. Wabi sabi. Imperfect/perfect.
Sterling silver, 24ct gold plate.
$150 a pair
Earrings
Inspired by Cambodian chest ornaments used by royalty and court dancers on ceremonial occasions.
24ct gold-plated sterling silver
9ct gold butterflies
$250
Ring
This sailor signet ring is embellished with a grey/blue sapphire held in place with a traditional star setting.
22ct yellow gold
Ring
This Indian-inspired ring is my man bling.
9ct yellow gold
Rings
Sterling silver (oxidised)
$200 a pair
