10 New Zealand Jewellers You Need to Know About

Two hands wearing rings holding a green pear.

These local artisanal creators are keeping the notion of high end wearable art alive, well and accessible—creating beautifully stunning work to suit any taste and budget.

Words by: Zack Holmes

Hero image by: Monarc Jewellery

When you think of jewellery, it’s easy to default to the pricey chain stores located on nearby bustling street corners selling largely unoriginal pieces. Thankfully though, we are spoiled in Aotearoa with many talented designers and artisan makers who take the art of jewellery craft to the next level, showing care and consideration for not only the process but the customer too.

Like all good design, jewellery doesn’t need to be unattainable, and quality isn’t only decided by the retail price but rather by the work and skill of those creating it. Take a moment to browse our top picks for Kiwi jewellery brands with a true understanding of and appreciation for the craft, covering a range of styles and price brackets with inspiration, including everything from teddy bears to Diana Ross.

These local artisanal creators are keeping the notion of high-end wearable art alive, well and accessible—creating beautifully stunning work to suit any taste and budget.

Pigment Studio

Auckland

Beautifully minimal and elegant, Auckland-based Albertine Lello is the talent behind Pigment Studio, creating stunning jewellery from gold, silver and other precious materials. Lello is a multidisciplinary artist and jeweller whose work focuses on timeless pieces inspired by everything from historical artwork to architecture and design. Crafted by hand and with options such as custom monogramming available, each piece is carefully finished to create that perfect statement piece.

HERA SAABI

Auckland

From the website design to the actual product range, HERA SAABI jewellery is the epitome of creative cool. Designed and handmade by Maeve Woodhouse in Auckland, each piece is extraordinarily unique, and the fashion editorial style photography brings it all to life through the online shop.

Expensive but not too pricey, attractive but not too flashy, the combination of gems and precious metals is a surefire way for the wearer to stand out from the crowd. The label itself stands for “feminine strength, considered design and supporting local creative communities” which is something we can all get behind.

Mars

Ponsonby, Auckland

Although not limited to jewellery, Mars founder Holly Marbeck has continually developed a unique signature style since the brand’s launch back in 2016.

With a focus on non-traditional materials and techniques, hours of work goes into every piece and everything is handmade to order by Holly in her Kingsland studio. Pearls, polymer, silicon and resin are all stalwarts of the range, cleverly matched with complementary precious metals and constructed in a way that ensures that no two pieces are the same.

Zoë Porter Jewellery

Wellington

There is something calming about the Zoë Porter range. The functionality, the photography, the less-is-more approach that avoids banality. It’s all just so… calming. Based in Te Aro, the eponymous Zoë is the award-winning jeweller behind the treasures, known for creating contemporary and unique pieces which often feature intricate details. She uses traditional jewellery-making techniques, such as hand-forging and stone-setting, alongside CAD modelling and 3D printing to create pieces that are both beautiful and durable. Also offering bespoke jewellery design services, she works closely with clients to create custom pieces that are tailored to their individual style and preferences.



Camille Paloma Walton

www.camillepalomawalton.com

Born near Wellington to a sculptor and painter, it’s only natural that Wellington-based contemporary jeweller Camille Paloma Walton should explore a creative path herself—in the form of fun unique works of jewellery art that draw on myriad creative disciplines and processes.

With inspiration including everything from natural gemstone formations, Calavera and even a teddy bear, her pieces are mostly one of a kind and finished to reveal the handcraft that made them.

As well as the substantial range stocked online and in selected bricks-and-mortar stores, commissions are available if you’re after a truly bespoke piece of wearable art.

A green sapphire diamond ring by Zoe and Morgan.

Zoe & Morgan

www.zoeandmorgan.com

With the recent opening of their brand new City Works Depot showroom, the talented siblings behind Auckland brand Zoe & Morgan have again upped the ante, proving they are still one of the best when it comes to personal wedding jewellery and showcasing their entire range in absolute style.

Introduced to the art by their goldsmith father and with roots in England and NZ, they believe that jewellery should be “treasured for life and for you to enjoy on your own adventure”. As well as the custom offering, their core range features intricate shapes and textures across a range of formats, influenced by the likes of Moroccan architecture, walkways in Marrakesh and Diana Ross.

Rachel Stichbury

www.rachelstichbury.com

Based in Eastbourne at her sunny home studio, Rachel Stichbury designs and creates handcrafted jewellery with a focus on elegant simplicity and easy-to-wear pieces.

Coming from a textile design background, she soon realised jewellery was her true passion and loves the creativity it affords. From original sketch to wax shaping to casting and final finishing, the result is thoughtful, considered and unique jewellery that won’t break the bank.

The Rolling Mill

www.therollingmill.com

Everything about The Rolling Mill is elegant – from the videography to the brand’s ethos and award-winning team of master jewellers and designers – the work they create in their cosy Cuba Street workshop is a reflection of their care and respect for the craft.

Specialising in bespoke engagement rings, the process puts the customer front and centre to ensure every ring is created to suit the individuality of the client. Founded in 2014 by creative husband and wife team Nick and Vee, their love of Wellington's artisans and crafters extends beyond their own vintage-inspired workshop to their friends and neighbours. Repairs and remakes are also offered, so whether you’re in need of a new original piece or have something that needs a fix or freshen up, the friendly team is there to help.

A view of the Meadowlark store.

Meadowlark

Auckland

Whether you’re looking to make a statement with your accessories or want something a little more minimal and refined, Meadowlark has got something in their collection to suit your needs. An independent jewellery brand based in Aotearoa, their Auckland atelier is responsible for crafting some of the industry’s most eye-catching and original pieces. A little golden ghost hanging from your neck? A silvery snake chain to accentuate the décolletage? A plain band to fill a space? The options are endless, it’s the online cart cull that’s the hard part.

Two hands wearing rings holding a green pear.

Monarc Jewellery

Here’s something you don’t hear every day – a B Corp certified luxury jeweller crafting every piece from 100% recycled precious metals. Believing in a mindful and holistic approach to sustainability, it’s clear that Monarc Jewellery really walks the walk in regard to this ethos. Certified sources, plastic-free packaging and season-less styles are all part and parcel of the overall vision, something that founder Ella Drake has been focused on from the very beginning. The pieces themselves are absolutely stunning, a mesmerising amalgam of timeless, contemporary and sculptural design executed to perfection.