Two become one October 30 2014

This wedding and engagement ring set is due for a major overhaul!

The cute pear shaped diamond has been cut off so the band can be melted and the original wedding band has been hammered out to resize it, but also to make it less like a wedding band. More progress shots to come....

UPDATE! The finished product was sent to a very happy client. 9c yellow gold with 5 citrines and a significant pattern

Pumpkin Candles October 19 2014

It's coming up to halloween and for those of you who want a well lit pumpkin but don't want to sit there and carve one up... we have the solution...pumpkin candles!

Jeweller of the Month - Kate Higgins October 15 2014

I thought we would take a closer look at some of the wonderful people who create the jewellery you adore. If you don’t already know, all the work at Arbor is made in Australia, mostly by independent designer/makers. That means one person who does it all – designs, makes, finishes and delivers.

Process photos of a commissioned ring

Process photos of a commissioned engagement ring

Tell us a little about your journey to being a jeweller.

I've been making jewellery for 10 years now! Wow. I will forever be learning! I studied a Bachelor of Design originally, but to be honest I did the real learning on the job. Sitting for hours at a bench repeating the same hand skills over & over. I've been very fortunate to be taught & inspired by some fantastic jewellers.

What is the main process you use to create your work and why?

I have been traditionally trained, so generally handmake all my pieces, unless a cast or CAD version is going to be a better option for things like metal wastage or a clients budget. I genuinely believe a handmade piece is best though, and make my pieces this way wherever possible. Handmade pieces are "work-hardened" which causes the metal to become more dense, and therefore stronger. It will wear better over time.

What is the biggest inspiration for you when creating work?

I am often inspired by the antique pieces I frequently come into contact with. The Art Deco look especially. The skill & patience of jewellers past continually amazes me. In my own work I prefer a simpler aesthetic, but I do love incorporating some antique flourishes where I can.

What's your ultimate love and hate part of the entire process of making a piece?

My absolute favourite part of the process is seeing the reaction of the client when they first see their beautiful ring. That is MY gold! My least favourite part of the process would have to be letting the piece go! Haha.

What jewellery skill would you love to learn more about in the future?

I've dabbled in setting my own stones, and enjoyed that. So I'd love to learn more about that so I could customise my pieces further. You could spend 40 years still learning in this job! I don't think I'll ever get bored...

Kate Higgins' Classic Soft Facet Men's Ring, available online and in store at Arbor

New stock from Ruby Pilven October 15 2014

We've just received a parcel of new rings from Ruby Pilven which is always fun to unpack.
Each one is made locally here in Melbourne, crafted from porcelain clay shaped into individual designs, hand stained, each one unique.
Taught ceramics by her parents, Ruby uses only the purest porcelain clay, decorating her works with bold intricate patterns and gold luster highlights.
We've taken a liking to this black and gold coloured ring, but the picture doesn't really do justice to the captivating delicate swirls, unique colours and character of the designs. You've just got to come in and see these rings for yourself!

Beautiful Melbourne Made Ceramics November 28 2013

I am very excited to welcome the work of Takeawei by Melbourne ceramicist Chela Edmunds into Arbor. I spotted Chela’s creations quite a few months ago and I just love her use of subtle colour and texture. The wall vases are my absolute fave but I also have a keen eye on those plates…I’m thinking lemons and bananas would look amazing on those…

Wall vases, large plates and Horizon vases

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