19/04/2017
Australian designers with Australian gems

Australia has always provided a strong base for people in the creative industry and the country is fortunate enough to have more than its fair share of talented jewellery designers. Here are some who started with very little and used their skills to successfully build recognised brands.
Simone Walsh
Based in Adelaide and dedicated to sustainability, Simone Walsh specialises in contemporary sterling silver and gold jewellery with gemstones. A piece of statement jewellery initially sparked her interest and inspired her first piece. Since then jewellery has grown from a hobby to a thriving business that sells worldwide via its website and store.
Stand out pieces: Forget-me-nots on silk and her Christmas pudding coins.
Further information: http://simonewalsh.com/
Bill Hicks
Having worked for jewellers around Australia, in 1998 Bill Hicks set up a bespoke jewellery business of his own. His expert team specializes in wedding and engagement rings, as well as everyday rings, dress and cocktail rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets.
Stand out pieces: Aussie sapphire Art Deco engagement rings and diamond and freshwater pearl drop earrings.
Further information: http://billhicksjewellery.com.au/
Samantha Willis
Samantha Willis was just 21 when she launched her business, and her line of jewellery was an overnight success. It quickly gained a high profile and has featured in Sex and The City as well as in Vogue, Cleo, Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar. Her range includes rings, earrings, necklaces and bridal wear, and she recently launched her FINE collection, which combines crushed opal, white howlite and African jade.
Stand out pieces: black agate bohemian Bardot ring and orchid silk earrings.
Further information: http://www.samanthawills.com/crushed-opal
Danielle Maugeri
Based in Melbourne, Danielle Maugeri believes in jewellery that is both fashionable and affordable. She launched her business in the early 2000s, and the Dani M range is going from strength to strength with necklaces, rings, cuffs, earrings and bracelets. Her recently launched collection, The Longest Time, is in gold and silver, sometimes finished with howlite and resin.
Stand out pieces: diamond two-part earring set and the cross out mini pendant.
The above are just some of the Australian jewellery designers making their names in Australia and beyond. They each have their own unique style, which demonstrates the high demand for bespoke jewellery. For a unique item of jewellery of your own that you can treasure forever, contact Diamonds by Design today.