Designer Interview

Canberra based jewellery designer & creator of

JESSICA NICOLE JEWELLERY

When did you know you wanted to be a jewellery designer?

As a 16 year old, I spent hours at a time in complete silence playing

with stones and practicing different techniques. I was a very familiar

face at my local bead shop! When every pay cheque I received went

straight back into purchasing goodies to expand my knowledge and

creativity, I knew I was going to be a jewellery designer!

How would you describe your jewellery design style?

My jewellery design consists of quality materials, including semi-precious

gemstones and sterling silver. I am completely in love with all gemstones!

I love their shapes, facets and colour. I am a self confessed addict to

Mother Nature's creations which is why my design style

is consistently expanding.

Who are the designers, artists or creative people that inspire you?

My friend Claire Wensveen is one person that inspires me. She is a

ceramic artist and creates beautiful pottery. She has recently expanded

into jewellery design and has such unique and beautiful pieces.

Another friend of mine, Jane Abma, is the talented graphic designer

behind my website and logo design. Jane had an extensive portfolio that

includes the brand logo for Miranda Kerr's skin care line, Kora.

She is amazingly talented!

How does a typical day of work for you go?

My household is very busy! With a full time job as an insurance clerk

and at home with my 16 month old son and another baby due in 3

weeks, I try to squeeze in any time I can to play and create new pieces.

It's a good day when I can enjoy a cup of tea while my son has his

afternoon sleep and I get to have a play!

What is your creative process when designing a new piece?

I tend to purchase gemstones before I know what to do with them!

I'll see a shape or colour that I think is brilliant, take it home,  then

have a play with other stones and materials. Like a diamond,

I also work better under pressure!

How would you like people to feel when they wear your designs?

I want people to feel confident and feminine when they wear my pieces.

I want them to know that they are supporting a local designer who

is very passionate about every single design. I take care and put love

into each piece I create. I hope my customers enjoy my

product as much as I enjoy creating it!

What makes your designs unique?

My materials are sourced internationally and are individually chosen,

firstly to ensure quality, but this also ensures that my materials remain

on the edge of fashion. I also offer customers the chance to create

their own pieces or adapt their existing jewellery into my designs.

What is your advice to aspiring designers?

If you love what you do, keep doing it! Whatever your art is,

designing and creating keeps us sane and expands our minds. 

Why stop doing something that is good for the soul?!

What will you be selling at the June Handmade Market?

I have recently acquired some new beautiful Green Amethyst drops,

faceted Rubies and sterling silver components. They are in my new

jewellery line that will be showcased at the June market. My new

line consists of warmer hues, perfect for the coming season!

Find the ever evolving Jessica Nicole Jewellery at the

Handmade Market Saturday the 9th & Sunday the 10th of June

National Convention Centre, from 10am - 4pm