Sneak Peek - Haiku Pendants

Sneak peek - 'Haiku' pendants. Polished, brushed, textured and oxidised. There are nine individual designs in these sterling silver minimalist pendants, hung on 70 cm chains.

The 'Haiku' pendant is launching soon! Sign up to my newsletter for exclusive access and be the first to know when they're in the shop.

New Gemstone Collection Released!

I am very pleased to be able to introduce you to the 'Literary Wanderers' Collection.

After months of hard work, my latest range is now available in the shop! The 'Literary Wanderers' sees the fulfillment of my wish to offer you a gem set collection in my online store.

The latest additions include natural gem set rings, earrings and pendants in beautiful shades of mint, lavender and sky blue, which embody everyday elegance. Handcrafted using traditional methods, the range has been created in Sterling Silver and White Gold, and features two one of a kind pieces. Bold and beautiful, strong yet feminine, I know that you are going to love this new collection as much as I do.

Click over to the shop to view the whole range.

Squeezing In Creativity

My how the days roll by, dissected by school pick ups and drop offs, divided again by groceries, laundry. dishes, cooking, errands, amongst the priorities of a 9 month old, a three year old and a six year old. What a busy season of life we are in, this beautiful family of mine. 

At times my days feel like they are merely a repetition of chores. I'm not complaining. Just observing. There is just always so much to 'do' to as a Mother, some weeks it seems as if it's all I do. I feel that that's why I squeeze in as much creativity as possible. A moment here with a cup of tea and blog post, a moment there stopping to take a photo, an afternoon here working at the jewellery bench, an evening there drawing in my sketch book. There are no great swathes of uninterrupted time to devote to creativity in the life of a stay at home Mother. No thought or project that isn't interrupted by the demand of a drink, the changing of a nappy, the cry of an offended sibling. 

But there are moments, hours, afternoon and evenings, here and there, now and then, where one must squeeze in as much as possible, to balance out the satisfying monotony of a life well lived.

Custom Order - Sapphire Pendant

My parents found this Parti Sapphire while fossicking on their travels in Northern Queensland some time ago. The rough was cut in a local town, and faceted in to this beautiful stone. A deep green with flashes of yellow. When a client was looking for a special gift to travel overseas recently, this gem came to mind immediately. Set in an elegant 9ct gold four claw setting, this beautiful pendant makes for the perfect gift and a simple and lovely piece that can be worn every day.

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If you are interested in having a piece custom made, please click over to my Work With Me page.

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.

Create and Thrive: New Year Challenge, 1 - 5

I'm a naturally reflective person, looking back over an experience, lesson or time and processing the thoughts and wisdom gleaned from it. The New Year gives me greater reason for such reflection and encourages brain storming and planning activities. I love sitting with a notebook and diary in front of me, creating goals for each coming month, penciling in new collection releases, holidays, promotions. I have been working my way through Lisa Jacobs' excellent 'Your Best Year Yet' work book and creative planner, and have joined the Create and Thrive 30 Day New Year Challenge too. All of which I find extremely helpful as an independent maker, to really envision and set my goals, reconfirm my direction and enable me to keep going when times get tough.

What's your why? 
I believe in the beauty, meaning and skill of handmade objects over mass produced objects. I value working from home as a stay at home Mother, because my children are my first priority, while creativity is a close second. I am grateful for the freedom, flexibility and satisfaction of being an independent jeweller. But in one word, joy. Making with my hands, running a business, creating personal pieces with a story and connecting with my customers brings me joy.

What is your ultimate business goal for your business? 
This question reminds of another I've been pondering lately - if I knew I couldn't fail I would... Ultimately my business and creative goals include financial security, a shop front and International recognition as an exhibiting jewellery artist.

What is holding you back from reaching your ultimate goal?
I have over come many of my fears since committing myself to building a business. Fear of failing, fear of illegitimacy as an artist, fear of letting go. Now the only things standing between me and my ultimate goals are the time and money to do the work to reach my potential. This is an ongoing journey and I'm in no rush. I have learnt so much from allowing my business and ideas to evolve organically and will continue to do the work to realise my dreams.

What is one word that sums up your plans for your business in 2015?
Consolidate. Last year I focused on growth, branding and creating collections. I learnt much, which will be put in to practice this year. I'm back to work today after my twin sister @noniponyhappy flew home again. I feel refreshed by our holiday and ready to start crossing things off my to do list.

What will your business and life look like this time next year? 
In many ways the same as this year, with a focus on my family, their education, our home and keeping things simple. Growth and success in my business, several workshops taught and two new collections in my store. Feeling satisfied, content and joyful.

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Are you a maker and a planner? 

How do you prepare for the New Year? 

What resources are high on your list?

Are you joining in with the challenge?

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 - 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.

New in the shop - Laser cut lovelies

Picnics and Parties Pendant

Champagne and Flowers Drop Earrings


Friday's Flower Brooch

Initial sketches

I'm so pleased to share this collection of laser cut wooden jewellery pieces. Not only are they new additions to my shop, they signify a new direction for my work as I explore the exciting possibilities of realising my designs in wood.

Vintage meets modern in these beautiful laser cut pieces, which were inspired by my Grandmother's doilies. I love the contrast between the abstract lace patterns and the wood. Perfect for everyday wear, and especially lovely as a gift. These wooden beauties look just as wonderful with jeans and a cardigan, as they do with a floral frock.

The custom laser cutting and engraving is completed by a Queensland based small business, and all pieces are then lovingly finished and assembled by hand in my studio. Pop over to the shop for a peek at the whole collection.

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For your chance to win a pair of my silver 'Lois' hoops, click over to the lovely blog, My Vintage Childhood, for an interview and giveaway with yours truly. Winner drawn Mother's Day, so quick sticks!

Finished Custom Made Piece

I love the opportunity of working with a client to produce a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewellery. The collaboration of ideas is always interesting and surprising. I recently completed a a piece which is both a pendant and a brooch, using the client's unusual South Sea Pearl - with an interesting family history all of it's own. 

The scope of the design was quite broad. Something more than a simple bail, that works with the organic shape of the pearl, and includes saw piercing. Inspired by the providence of the Thursday Island pearl, I researched the pearling industry in the area and the history of the island, as I sketched design possibilities. I came across a flower native to the region and incorporated it in to a couple of the design. Below is the sketch of the piece the client chose. She requested the textured finish too, which I think really completes the piece so beautifully and helped create the gentle dome that hugs and protects the pearl.

I'm so pleased with how this piece came together, and how striking it is when worn. It's wonderful to be able to bring such a unique pearl out of storage and into the world as a small wearable artwork.

If you are interested in discussing a custom made piece, or in finding out about a quote, please feel free to email me, christina-lowry@hotmail.com

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.)

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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.

Sweet x 2

This little bit of two year old sweetness is my little mountain goat. She is quite at home sitting on the table and can often be found climbing anything and everything. She also likes to sit at my bench, and will climb up on my chair the moment I vacate it and pretend to file or sweet up the lemel (metal filings).

Nature's Play

This bit of uncut octahedral Fluortie sweetness was new in the shop yesterday afternoon and sold last night. It is available for order though, and I should have more in stock as soon as I get a chance to make them.

New in the shop - 'Beryl' Necklace

'Beryl' Necklace $40

I'm pleased to let you know that the next piece in the Sentimental Collection has just been listed in the shop. A sweet, doilie inspired scalloped pendant, in either Sterling Silver or 9ct Rose Gold, on a Sterling Silver chain. 

The 'Beryl' necklace is the perfect every day piece to wear with t-shirts or business shirts, Summer dresses or a Winter cardigan. Also part of the collection, is a matching pair of earrings and stacking rings, which would compliment this piece and complete any outfit. Designed and made by myself and unique to Christina Lowry Designs.

It might just be time to start dropping hints for Valentines Day and Mother's Day...

New in the Shop - 'Fields Of Green' Ametrine Pendant

'Fields of Green'

When I added this beautiful and unusual gemstone to my collection I knew it would one day become a pendant. I sketched several different ideas before I understood that what was called for was a simple, elegant, modern setting which highlighted the wonderful bands of colour and the clarity this gem possesses.

This gorgeous piece is a work of art between nature and craft and deserves to be worn often, whenever the mood strikes. Casually layered with several chains and charms, or strikingly hung above a plunging neckline, this little luxury will add glamour day or night.

This solid sterling silver pendant is one of a kind piece and was handmade by Christina Lowry. It features a 17 x 13 mm Emerald cut Ametrine in a four claw setting, attached to a solid Sterling Silver 45cm chain.

Now in the shop.

Custom Make - Etched Memento Pendant

Transferring the image to the copper plate in preparation for etching.

The result - two tiny, detailed foot prints.

Cutting out the disks, then filing, stamping, drilling, emerying and polishing.

The finished pieces for Mum and Dad. His will be hung on a piece of leather, while hers features an opal bead to symbolise bubba's birth month, and will be worn on a silver chain.

Being a sentimental kind of girl, I think one of the things that initially attracted me to silver-smithing was jewelleries ability to hold meaning. Beyond the monetary value of a piece, much jewellery has a secret life of meaning understood by the owner. The family history behind an heirloom engagement ring. The pearls you wore when you were married. The brooch your Grandmother wore on special occasions. The garnet ring you brought on holiday. Jewellery is imbued with the kind of meaning that not many other items are afforded. And time adds more layers to that meaning.

I was honored to play a part in creating a pair of special and meaningful pendants recently - mementos of an angel baby which feature photo etched footprints taken at his birth. I hope these beautiful reminders become keepsakes full of wonderful memories, as they are worn in the years ahead. 

New for Finders Keepers

'Springdrop' Pink Tourmaline and Pearl Pendant

'Starry Night' Onyx Pendant

'Beautiful Day' Art Clay Brooches

'Finders Keepers' Drop Earrings

These are a few of the pieces I have been working on lately, which will be coming to the market with me on the 16th and 17th of November. For those that can't make it, I have added the new brooches and earrings to the shop. 

I'll be doing another update after the market.