Fall Fashion : Classic Simple

Lately I have been welcoming the cooler weather with simple skirts, tights, coloured scarves and flats. I must say, striped shirts are my go to. I love them and I have several in my closet. (I'm actually wearing one right now!) While the 'Jane Eyre' topaz ring makes the perfect accessory for a stylish Autumn outfit for day or night. 

Add a picnic basket or a library bag and you are ready for a lovely day out!

Easter Gifts?

Not all girls want chocolate...

in the shop now.

Custom Made Opal Pendant

This beautiful Opal cabochon has been waiting at least thirty years to be worn. It was brought back from Coober Pedy by my client's Grandfather as a gift for her Grandmother. It remained tucked away for safe keeping, in a little case, long after both grandparents had passed away. 

Working with my client, we decided to set this little treasure in a simple, classic four claw pendant. The design saw pierced on the back of the setting is a stylised Sage flower. Sage flowers symbolise 'wisdom', which has same meaning as her Grandmother's name. A lovely link to the history of the Opal.

I'm so pleased to have had a part in this Opal's journey. I know it will be worn and loved and have many more stories to tell.

Custom Order - Triple Sapphire Stacker

As a maker I am passionate about designing and crafting unique handmade jewellery, future heirlooms to be cherished and limited edition collections. My practice involves traditional gold and silver smithing techniques, combined with contemporary art and craft, while concentrating on customer focused service.

When an Artist and Jeweller Collaborate

This is the result -

As you may know, I love art and studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts / Visual Arts before becoming a Jeweller. I love collecting art, both originals and prints. I remember I brought my first Belinda Marshall print in 2011. It's hanging in my studio alongside two more of her prints. I am also the proud owner of one of Belinda's original paintings and her latest calender. (Fan girl much?!)

I love Belinda's style and her eye for colour. Her palette is full of richness and subtlety, and her sense of balance and use of texture are rather divine. So you can imagine my excitement when Belinda suggested we collaborate on a limited edition of special pieces. We've been working on this collaboration behind the scenes, with the occasional sneak peek, and now I am super excited to show you the finished pieces!

These five laser cut Beryl necklaces were designed by myself and hand painted by Belinda in her wonderful abstract style and finished with varnish, making them wearable pieces of art. Each is unique and beautiful, and will add colour and style to any outfit.

This collection will be available for sale through my Instagram account tomorrow night at 7pm, Queensland time. I will be listing each piece individually, and the first person to leave their Paypal address on a listing is the winning buyer. (The piece will go to the next on the list, should the first buyer not pay the invoice within 24 hours.)

Each piece is $80 and includes free world wide shipping.

So set an alarm on your phone, double check your Paypal email address (the one which you use to log in) and join me on Instagram @christinalowrydesigns on Saturday night at 7pm (8pm daylight savings time.) If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and encouragement! And thank you Belinda for this wonderful collaboration!

Just Listed!

Scallops encircle the entire band of the charming 'Edith' ring, like a little crown of sweetness for your finger. Feminine and lace like, this doily inspired ring features a unique drilled and punched design. The perfect piece for everyday wear, either alone, or either side of an 'Elsa' ring, to create an eye-catching double lace edged look.

Each design in this collection has been handmade from copper, then professionally moulded and cast, to create identical likenesses, so that the quality of each piece is of the same high standard. These castings are then lovingly hand finished in my workshop.

Now in the shop!

Custom Order - Handwritten Pendant

1. The handwritten note, 2. Cutting the design from a sheet of silver

3. Filing and finishing the design, 4. Chain soldered on and ready to be polished

5. The finished piece.

There's two things I really love about custom orders - the challenge and the client's reaction when they see their idea become a 'thing'. Using my skills to bring their ideas to life is so satisfying, and knowing that I have created a piece that means something to them is an even greater reward. When that piece is a lovingly thoughtful gift that's well received, it's even sweeter.

This piece I made recently was very special. My client commissioned a handmade pendant for her sister's 30th birthday, providing a handwritten note from their father, who had passed away when they were quite young. I was so touched to be involved. We worked on turning the biro marks in to a thicker design, I carefully drew, saw pieced and polished the pendant, and showed my client for her approval before I sent it. 

I got little goose bumps when I got a message from her sister to say she cried when she opened her gift and hasn't taken it off since.

Eight Steps to a Heart

1. Working on designs with the customer - their sketche and mine.

2. The finished sketch, gemstones and 3 mm thick silver plate.

3. Cutting the scribed design from the plate.

4. Once the outside was right, it's time to cut out the inner heart by slipping a jewellers saw blade through the hole drilled in the top of the heart.

5. The completed saw piercing.

6. The finished design with holes drilled and filed to accommodate the chain.

7. The pendant after the setter beautifully grain set twenty round brilliant cut Cubic Zirconias.

8. The finished piece, after polishing and hard gold plating.

When ever I hand make a custom piece, I take step by step photos of the process to share with the client. It's exciting seeing a design come to life, for me and for them. This elegant piece is a birthday gift from a loving husband to his lovely wife, and I am quite sure it will be cherished.

New in the Shop - Amor Semper

Designed as a memento for the one you love, this beautiful pendant will remind your beloved of your affection each time she feels the warmth of the pearl against her skin.

'Amor Semper' was made by Christina Lowry in 9 ct yellow gold, using handmade and cast elements. This pendant exhibits a beautiful white 11.5 mm oval South Sea Pearl from Broome, Western Australia, and a 0.37 ct Round Brilliant Diamond, J, I2, on a complimentary silver plated chain.

One of a kind and in the shop now.

New in the Shop - 'History Class' Signet Ring

This solid sterling silver ring, handmade from recycled sterling silver, is the epitome of simplicity and charm. Following in the tradition of wax seals, signet rings have evolved to be symbols of individualism. These rings are beautiful as they are, or may be personalised with engraving or gemstones.

Signet rings became popular during the Ancient Roman Era. Emperors and the ruling elite wore rings that contained impressed symbols or signatures. 

These rings feature a weighty, brushed finished 15 mm wide, 1.5 mm thick curved disk, on a comfortable polished half round 2 mm wide band. Stamped 925. Currently available in sizes L, O and W. This design is also available for order in custom sizes - please allow up to ten days from placing order. Check your ring size here.

Gift wrapped in a white ring box, wrapped in vintage sewing pattern paper, tied with string.

Check it out in the shop here.

New in the Shop - Wonderland Lace Agate Pendant

Perfect for all your adventures, tea parties and games of croquet!

Tumble down the rabbit hole with this delightful blue Lace Agate Pendant. This unusual cabochon cut gemstone has been set in a handmade sterling silver six claw setting, and features three long stemmed flowers saw pierced by hand in the back plate.

In the store now.

Stills: A Weekly Collection

1. She seems so big since her brother was born, but captured like this I still see my baby girl. 

2 & 3. Oscar, two and a half weeks old and all sorts of adorable.

4. Emerson, looking a little like a character from a story book.
5. Production line of new stock for Finders Keepers and the shop, created with a baby on my lap.
6. A moment to savor, feeding and reading the new Alphabet Family Journal.


Joining in with The Beetle Shack.

New in the Shop

'Boardwalk Empire' Drop Earrings

I couldn't resist sneaking down to the bench to finish these earrings on day three after Oscar's birth, when all three children were asleep. I knew I wouldn't be able to stay away from the workshop for long. Particularly with the arrival of a parcel of beautiful Onyx cabochons and drops. Though I am on light duties, I swear.

These handsome earrings were inspired by the lavish lifestyles depicted in the period drama 'Boardwalk Empire', which is set in an era of wealth, style and corruption, during prohibition days in Atlanta City. Add drama to any outfit with these dangling darlings.

One of a kind and in the shop now.

New in the shop - The Flapper

The Flapper

Elegant yet playful, 'The Flapper' Earrings and Pendants are now in the shop. 
(They would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day - 11th May.)

-

There is a bit of the 1920's 'Flapper' in all the loveliest ladies I know. Not only do they drive automobiles and have their own unique sense of fashion, they aren't afraid to bob their hair, wear makeup, or discuss politics - so scandalous just a century ago!

With a stylish nod to the 'new breed' of young women in the Roaring Twenties, 'The Flapper' is also a delight for any modern woman to wear. Perfect with a little black dress, or teamed with a crispy white shirt, these little darlings will will jazz up any outfit.

Each Pendant and pair of Earrings features two 11 - 12 mm white Freshwater Pearls, and two 5 mm Pink or Grey Freshwater Pearls. The Pendant is approx 15 cm in length and features a black tassel. The Earrings are approx 42 mm from top to bottom.

This limited collection has been designed and handmade by Christina Lowry. 'The Flapper' necklace comes complete with a 45 cm Silver plated cable link chain. While both the earrings and the pendant are beautifully gift wrapped in white drawstring bags, wrapped in vintage sewing pattern paper and tied with string.

$55 each or $95 for the set.

Introducing the 'Beryl' Collection in Wood

The 'Beryl' Collection in Wood

It's been a wonderful rainy week here in Brisbane, and Didi and I have been busy at work in the studio crafting stock for Mother's Day and Finders Keepers, with a cat and a toddler for company. I have also been putting the finishing touches on a new collection of laser cut wooden pendants that I am pleased to announce I have just released in to the shop. 

This is something new and different for me, so there are limited numbers of each piece while I test the waters. I would love to hear what you think of them, and whether it's something you would like to see more of in the future. Starting at $25, it's a lower price point than I am able to offer in my silver collections, and I think they would make great gifts or pieces of fun, everyday-wear jewellery.

Pop over and have a look and leave a comment here to let me know your thoughts.

Thanks as always for your support and feedback.

New in the Shop - Cabinet of Wonders

Cabinet of Wonders

Finished this afternoon and in the shop now, a unique and unusual large Quartz pendant. There's a dorky photo on Instagram of me wearing it, to give you an idea of the scale.

-

One of the things that draws me to stones is the way they gesture to other things in nature. They are so solid, and yet seem so earthy, the inclusions in quartz can mimic organic forms. This stone reminds me of a terrarium, a glass cabinet filled with little plants; a microcosm of life. The setting has been designed to present this cabinet of wonders without detracting from the natural beauty of the quartz.

Wear this gorgeous necklace to work, while you’re visiting your local nursery, or to the botanical gardens. This unusual piece will bring a natural warmth to any outfit.

This one of a kind pendant was handmade from Sterling Silver by Christina Lowry. It features a 28 x 15 mm Emerald cut Quartz with natural green-ish coloured inclusions. The gem is set in a four claw setting with a large bail, which will accommodate a variety of chains.

In the shop now.