Introducing Annaig from Annaigs Gemstudio. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Sydney, Annaig hand makes all of her amazing creations.
Find out why Annaig started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I like my jewellery to compliment my outfit, bringing an accent colour or an interesting texture to feel when fidgeting. I prefer classic simple lines to let the gems do the talking. Being a gem cutter is a big advantage in that I am not stuck with standard shapes or size, I can cut something to fit my design when needed, not the other way around.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
When I was about 5 years old my grand-mother took me to an exhibition of “Haute Joaillerie” in Cannes (France) and I came home to tell my mum I wanted to make crowns for the kings & queens! The idea stuck. Knowing so young what I wanted to do made it easier to navigate the path towards getting an apprenticeship and then following up with a gemology degree.
I came to Australia for a year or so thinking it would be interesting to be in a country with so many gems and might have a look at mines and that sort of things. I had a gem cutting job in Sydney and fell in love with the city & country. It felt like home and I never looked back.
I started my gem cutting business in 2002 cutting and repairing gemstones for the jewellery trade as well as some private clients. And of course still making jewellery on the side because one has to keep their creative side happy and productive!
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
My biggest inspiration are coloured gemstones. The creative process starts there, what shape will that rough be best for… what jewellery piece can it be used for… Sometimes I have gems sitting in my box for years before I know how it is supposed to be cut and then what piece of jewellery to will be used for.
Being so far away from my family was also a source of inspiration. My mum did the family genealogy and has a vast collection of incredible old documents that inspired my Manu Scriptum collection and my love of calligraphy.
Where did you learn your craft?
I did a 3 year apprenticeship & 2 years Gemology degree in Paris, France. I was extremely fortunate to practice and learn on the best materials for the biggest names in the industry.
There is nothing like the experience of working on masterpieces for the fussiest clients to train your eyes & hands to produce the best work you can.
I love that this is the sort of job you never stop learning. There is always a different shape to cut or unusual material I haven’t worked on yet.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
As an artisan and artist I believe I have a built in appreciation for anything handmade. You don’t need to be proficient at a particular skill or technique to recognise and appreciate a handmade piece. For me it feels different and special. I much prefer getting something made by someone like me that love what they do and it’s even better if they are local.
Annaig is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Ultimate Artisan Gift Destination ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Annaigs Gemstudio already, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
