A single ring for the index finger (the one you point with!). Designated for the right hand, the broad surface faces outwards and the thumb can enjoy the texture of the gold filings. The shank ends being separate, it can be adjusted to the individual finger. An unusual colour in the pearl matches the rare tourmaline

Published today, the Nelson Magazine carries an interesting article on Christine and Tessa, her apprentice. It laments the lack of hands-on training in so many of the craft disciplines.

The celebrations of Easter and of Mother's Day are looming fast, moments of colour and light in our shortening days are a welcome reminder of summer's joys? Two fabulous opals and a lustrous pearl enjoy the sparkle of diamond and the glow of 18ct yellow gold in Christine's latest signature double ring.

Recently posted on 'Modernist Jewellery' Facebook page, this necklace is titled 'Church Window'. The name came from the Gothic shape of the 1.06ct brown diamond mid-sculpture. The main stone is a layered drusy agate by (the late) Bernd Munsteiner - the kind of stone that made his name in the 70s and 80s. Above is a rock crystal, with two matted surfaces and a polished ridge between them. Taking the shapes of these surfaces and repeating them in positive (18ct gold) or negative (void) fields, the necklace found balance. The bend on the left of the photo demanded a small, simple diamond (rose cut) as fill. Note the variation of matted and polished surface through the piece. Available in studio: PM for details!

Bernd, and later Tom, Munsteiner were known for their cuts of layered agate. Naturally occurring colour changes in the agates, layers cut away to expose the lower level; the upper and lower are polished, on the transition he matted the onyx to a grey colour, accentuating the gradient.

Yellow and silver, black and blue, round and triangular, rough and smooth: lots of contrasts in this ring with blue labradorite and black diamond. Compatible with the working hand, it sits snugly between ring and little finger of the right hand. In studio, just over $3k. 2025/3.

A single ring is 2025/2. A 'Sunstone' cut by Tom Munsteiner is a feldspar (cf moonstone, labradorite) often found in Scandinavia and northern North America. Here in sterling silver with gold trimmings, next to a Cook Island pearl. Christine is always mindful to integrate the elements of her work, creating a 'whole' rather than leaving them detached from their support.
In studio.

2025 Part 1: A double ring with amethysts, three cat's eye moonstones and a light brown diamond. set in silver with 18ct gold details, for the ring and middle fingers of the right hand.
Christine is back in full action, working with Tessa, a young German trainee who is keen to learn the ways and means of the goldsmith's art.
Studio visits are very welcome, by appointment; we are enjoying seeing many more travellers again after the quiet of Covid.
Wishing everyone a safe and entertaining year ahead.
David and Christine.

Christmas, or Season's, greetings from the sunshine of Christine's studio on this last December week of 2024! After the turbulence of months past, we take the peaceful visage of Doug Marsden's magnificent whale-tooth carving that became 'Hawaii Dreaming' of the 1999 Navigator series as our motto for the summer break ahead.
Internal peace, appreciation of one's surroundings, contentment with the joys of life. He reflects on his mother-land and the peace he will find there, eventually.
Ein frohes Fest und alles Gute für 2025.
David und Christine.

The topic of 'age' seems to be more frequent these days, with Christine's career now well over 50 years long. Keeping us in perspective, however, is the fossil record of past lives on earth. These ammonites were around quite a long time ago now (I dare not quote a number, for fear of miscounting my Zeros!) but their mineralised versions are extraordinarily beautiful. The silver pieces are around $2500, the gold pearl necklace has an extra zero. In studio.

Pearls and opals - what a beautiful mix! Three necklaces of Cook Island black pearls. One with Australian boulder opals, a second with Mexican fire opal and the third with Mexican matrix opal. A few diamonds scattered through, just for good luck (spot the black diamonds!) and a mix of yellow and white gold. The shapes are explained with the pieces. 'Pearls are in!'

A silver ring (well, just a touch of gold too) for the right hand ring finger. Mabé pearl - a button grown on the shell of a black-lip oyster - with a kite cut diamond and a mandarin garnet. Lots of shaping to make it fit and sit on the hand, nestling into the space between ring and pinkie and stay put once there. 'Oh, it is SO comfortable' is the common refrain.
To be exhibited in the Nelson Suter Art Society Summer Show, opening on Wednesday 18th. Come and view!

A celebration of colour in brooch, necklace and ring. Bright summer reminders to counter the darker days and celebrate the joys of being alive. Let the Festivities begin?

Three silver works of strong surface texture. The layering of metals, their folding in Shibori technique, the contrast between rough and smooth surfaces and the integration of spectacular stones make these bangles wonderfully imposing. The raising of contrast by applying tarnishing accelerant further highlights the drama.
On view at Open Studio this weekend.

Three gloves giving of themselves to display gold rings. Mandarin garnet with golden pearl; tourmalines in a double ring; three Cook Island pearls with a Spirit sun cut diamond. Open Studio this weekend!

Next weekend! A great opportunity.

Tall Tales. Three multi-element necklaces from a collection inspired by childhood reading of the Winnetou series of adventure stories; their later filming, in the 1970s, secured an intergenerational interest within Germany and surrounding countries.
The author, Karl May, created a fictional world of First Nation Americans being disrupted by European migrants. His having written them from a German prison cell would today cause serious controversy over authenticity, but they captured the collective imagination and were read by millions! $2000-$5000.

Nelson's Great Christmas Market was a fun day of showing, in perfect weather. We feel that many small businesses have emerged from the pandemic and that creativity is seeing a revival? It was nice to see many potters showing their work.
With Abbie Scott, of IO Studio, lending us glass sculptures as props, we had a colourful display to offer and were very well received.
Upcoming, on the weekend of 7 & 8 December, we are holding a joint OPEN STUDIO in Milne Place and look forward to visitors!

Blacks, pinks or blues? Three necklaces, medium length, to brighten a summer outfit, casual or formal. A mother-of-pearl button with black onyx beads; Mexican matrix opal and pink freshwater pearls; K2 jasper - white granite with azurite - with lapis and chunky rock crystal. Under $2000. Treat yourself?!

A double ring with tourmaline and a bangle with citrine, stones by Munsteiner. $12000 each.