December 2015 Newsletter

‘A Currawong Takes Flight’ by Michael Wilson

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists

Gallery News Many of you will recall that last year marked 40 years since Michael Wilson had been in business. November 2015 is in fact the 30 year anniversary of the opening of our Eltham gallery located on the corner of Brougham St and Main Road in Eltham, where we still are today. The leafy and welcoming location of the gallery and the unique architecture of this building designed by Rodger Dalling 30 years ago are still a major part of what draws our many loyal clients to us today.

This year has also marked a few momentous occasions for our staff at the gallery. Paula started with us in the middle of the year and has quickly become an integral part of our team. Paula is in the gallery most days and is excited to meet all of our regulars and help them out with any queries or ideas. Nina is currently on maternity leave and gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl, Taylor, in July. Nina will be returning to the gallery in 2016. Andrea was the glowing mother of the groom at her eldest son’s wedding in November, of course the couple are both wearing stunning Michael Wilson rings. Carmel has two more grandchildren in case the others weren’t keeping her busy enough. Michael has completed the sculpture ‘A Currawong Takes Flight’ at the Eltham cemetery, which he had been working on for the best part of the last three years (please see cover and below for details). We have always been proud to support the local community and have contributed jewellery to almost 10 different primary and pre-schools over the past 2 months alone. As the local community has always supported us, we are happy to return the favour and hope that these events were all great successes. There are plenty of new jewellery designs on display and featured in this newsletter. With these fresh pieces and all of our classic jewellery designs, we are bound to have something to help fill your Christmas stockings this year. We look forward to seeing you all during the Christmas rush. As always, if you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us on 03 9439 3111 or at [email protected] Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

Front Cover

‘A Currawong Takes Flight’ by Michael Wilson In 2008, The Eltham Cemetery Trust commissioned the late Matcham Skipper to create a major work in bronze, ‘Young Man Awakening’, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Eltham Cemetery. Following the success of this project and with great foresight, the Cemetery Trust decided to establish 10 Grand Estate Plots within the cemetery. Each one of these is a family burial site and the owner is required to commission an artist to design, make and install a creative sculpture. The primary aim is to have the cemetery celebrate and reflect the artistic heritage of the Eltham Community. Harold Mitchell AC, a resident of the Nillumbik Shire for some forty years, had the courage and vision to commission Michael Wilson to create the first of these sites. It is a fine example of Mr. Mitchell’s long term interest and patronage of the arts.

Michael’s vision for this sculpture features the Red Box Eucalypt tree and the Currawong bird, both native species of the Nillumbik Shire. The tree is constructed in corten weathering steel with scalloped leaves gilded in 23ct gold. The Currawong is cast in bronze with a black patina. These subjects represent the notion of a native creature leaving its environment for the unknown heavens above. If you wish to view this captivating piece, the sculpture ‘A Currawong Takes Flight’ is located at the highest point of the fence-lined border between Montsalvat and the Eltham Cemetery directly below the Montsalvat Chapel. We also have a new jewellery collection featuring the Red Box Eucalypt now available at the gallery (please see page 8).

The Blushing Trend

Rose Gold

Enjoying the spotlight in the fashion world today, the feminine warm pink tones of rose gold have seen a recent surge in popularity. The blushing gold hues are a characteristic made by the addition of more copper to the gold alloy. Rose gold is one of the warmest and most universally flattering metal types for any skin tone, offering a new colour option to express your style. The elegant feel of the metal also looks beautiful as part of a mixed-metal ensemble of multiple necklaces or stacked rings. While rose gold can often give jewellery an antique feel, the metal also works well for both classic and modern designs. At Michael Wilson we have several designs available in rose gold, otherwise we are always more than happy to make any items to order.

Aziza Diamond Band in 18ct rose gold $890

Large Thistle Link Earrings in sterling silver and 9ct rose gold $335 Hourglass Bracelet in 9ct rose gold $990

Any jewellery items from our collections can be made to order in rose gold. To guarantee for Christmas all orders must be in by December 10.

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists Christmas Pudding Tradition

Another year has come and gone and the Wilson children continue to grow. With Christmas around the corner, the family gets together every year to prepare the traditional Wilson family Christmas pudding. The recipe has been passed down from Michael’s great-grandmother and there has not been a year that the pudding was missing from a Wilson family Christmas Day spread. We have been sharing the family recipe with our clients for a few years now and are always delighted to hear that Nanny Wilson’s recipe is being enjoyed by more and more families. If you would like to try the recipe for yourself it can be found via our website at: www.michaelwilson.com.au/christmaspudding

Extremely Rare

1.01ct Green Diamond Green diamonds are extremely rare and highly valued. Only a handful of natural green diamonds are introduced into the market each year, making green diamonds some of the most sought after of all natural coloured diamonds. During our 41 years in business this is only the second green diamond we have ever had the opportunity to purchase. This classic two tone bezel set ring is one of Michael’s signature designs, classic and extremely wearable. $7,960

Brand New Design

Ellipse Necklace Michael has been back on the bench and has created a new necklace design for display. The “Ellipse” necklace is a long, solid sterling silver chain suitable for both male and female wearers. The classic, durable design is great for everyday wear and suited to those who prefer a heavier look.

Sterling silver Ellipse necklace $695

www.michaelwilson.com.au

Colours of Summer

New Monica Szwaja Designs These stunning new designs by Monica Szwaja are a great way to add colour to your wardrobe. Unique and vibrant designs, we have a selection of feminine pendants and earrings or if you prefer something a little bold these large rings are just for you. There is no denying the beautiful craftsmanship that Monica puts into all of her entirely handcrafted pieces. We always have a selection of different jewellery by Monica on display, at varying price points, that are always a favourite at Christmas.

Cabachon natural coloured sapphires in sterling silver and fine gold with diamonds

Cabachon pink tourmaline and peridot in sterling silver and fine gold with diamonds

$2,100 including chain

$1,120 including chain

Sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold ring with blue topaz $600

Sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold ring with champagne coloured zircon $600

Sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold ring with cognac coloured zircon $720

Sterling silver and fine gold drop earrings with diamonds and garnets $1260

Sterling silver and fine gold earrings with diamonds $825

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists New Jewellery Collection

Red Box Eucalypt Jewellery We have added to our vast range of Australian inspired jewellery with these new earring and pendant designs featuring the lush leaves of the Red Box Eucalypt. These pieces will appeal to the nature lover. We have some stunning options featuring cognac coloured diamonds or white diamonds in gold, for that extra special gift. This is destined to be our top seller this Christmas, so make sure you get your order in now so you do not miss out.

Sterling silver Eucalypt pendant

9ct yellow gold Eucalypt pendant with cognac diamond

$120 including standard silver 45cm chain

$610 including standard 45cm 9ct chain

Sterling silver Eucalypt earrings

9ct yellow gold Eucalypt earrings with cognac diamonds

$195

$695

Gift Suggestions Celtic MacRegol Monogram Pendant The Celtic Collection is directly influenced by aesthetics and relics founded during Ancient Celtic Civilisation. Michael was captivated by the artistic brilliance displayed by the many ancient Celtic artefacts he observed during his travels around Scotland and Ireland in the early 1990s. The monogram in this design represents the author of the Book of MacRegol, which is an illuminated manuscript of the Celtic Christian era. $145 in sterling silver with standard silver chain

Eltham Copper Butterfly Earrings These earrings designed by Michael Wilson are one of our most popular items. They feature the small but unique local icon the Eltham Copper Butterfly. A new colony founded in 1987 still exists in Eltham Bushland today. The collection was created in 1988 in recognition of the endangered butterfly. $290 in sterling silver and 9ct rose gold

Landscape Rings The Landscape design was Michael’s first design. The design was inspired by the view from Michael’s first workshop window of the Eltham landscape. It is a unisex ring that we make in either a wide or a narrow band. Sterling silver with 22ct yellow gold sun $195

$175

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists New Diamond

Ring Designs

We are always excited when creating new diamond rings and cannot wait to find a happy home for them. These new designs all exhibit exceptional brilliance as a result of the stunning high quality 0.46ct diamonds set in fine metal work. Eye catching and great value, you are sure to make an impact wearing such a piece. Any of these would make for a beautiful engagement ring, eternity ring or an extra special Christmas gift. Whatever the occasion, it is sure to be well received.

$5,290

$5,290

$5,790

Conflict Diamonds and The Kimberley Process Conflict or blood diamonds are so called because they are mined and sold to fund civil war, terrorism and other criminal activities. According to the United Nations Security Council’s definition, conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments. There is evidence that these diamonds have been used

as international currency for money laundering and arms trafficking. To stem this illicit trade in conflict diamonds, the Kimberley Process was developed. Under this system, each shipment of rough diamonds must be transported in a tamper-proof container, accompanied by a government-validated Kimberley Process Certificate.

For your peace of mind you can be assured all Michael Wilson diamonds are compliant with the Kimberley Process and guaranteed conflict free.

Christmas Tree Brooch Lovely festive brooch to celebrate the holiday season. This makes a great stocking gift and a new tradition to wear with any Christmas Day outfit. The Christmas Tree Brooch is crafted in sterling silver with a gold gild finish and features an arrangement of coloured semi-precious stones. We have more Christmas Tree jewellery available in store. $495

Natural Green Sapphire This stunning apple green sapphire weighs 3.24ct and is set off brilliantly in this entirely handcrafted Art Deco design with small grain set white diamonds. It is often difficult to find attractive green stones to work with, so this sapphire was a fantastic find. This ring is bound to make a statement! $6,490

Snowflake Pendant Add a touch of frost this Christmas! Although the weather is hot and sunny, there is no reason why you can’t have a single snowflake. The snowflake diamond pendant is a dainty, feminine piece that would make a great addition to a Christmas stocking. 9ct yellow and white gold diamond pendant with 9ct gold chain $625

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists

Staff Favourites Ben Azura The Azura style ring is one that I enjoy crafting with many different variations. It is a substantial ring that looks great no matter what size stones are featured. It is a great choice for a remodel using stones that you already have and resetting them in a more contemporary design. $10,990

Robert Frog on Lily Pad Brooch The Frog on Lily Pad Brooch is one of the most interesting brooches that I get the opportunity to work on. Every lily pad is entirely handmade each time. It is made in sterling silver with 18ct yellow gold dew drops.

$345

Samantha 1.32ct Cognac Pear This stunning ring is the current ‘must try on’ piece in the gallery. The deep cognac colour is breathtaking and I must say that I have always been quite partial to a pear shape diamond. This is an eye catching, unique diamond ring that would make a beautiful engagement or dress ring. Next time you’re in the gallery try it on, if only for fun! $8,900

Carmel Face Necklace with Onyx and Fresh Water Pearls This necklace is bold and unique. The soft blue of the fresh water pearls with contrasting black onyx beads are complementary to many outfit choices. The lustre on the highly polished silver face has a moon like quality that really stands out. I think this necklace is great value for something so individual. $890

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists

Staff Favourites Andrea Pink Diamond Pendant There is nothing more special than rare natural coloured pink Argyle diamonds. Over the years we have created several stunning pendants featuring these gorgeous stones. This particular pendant is classic, elegant and understated. It is also at a very reasonable price for these exclusive diamonds. $4,010 including 18ct white gold chain

Aaron Two Tone Thistle Link Bangle Our single most popular design, the two tone Thistle Link Bangle is really suitable for any age or taste. Timelessness is its best attribute as well as the combination of the two metals that will match all of your jewellery. Available in different sizes and metals. $575 in sterling silver and 9ct yellow gold

Paula Always Solitaire The Always solitaire is one of Michael’s designs that really stood out for me. I love the simplicity and elegance of the setting. It is timeless, yet portrays a unique twist on the traditional engagement ring. This ring features a brilliant 0.80ct diamond with a platinum setting and 18ct white gold ring. $8,990

Kristie Tahitian Pearl Necklace These dark, moody pearls are a more current vogue than the traditional white pearl strand. They are extremely versatile as they can be worn for both casual or formal attire. Aaron buys these pearls for incredible prices, considering that they are some of the most sought after and expensive pearls in the world. Starting from $2350

www.michaelwilson.com.au

The One Carat Diamond Specialists Contemporary Diamond

Ring Designs

Contemporary streamlined designs for the modern woman. A move away from the more traditional style rings, these designs are elegant, yet simple with clean lines. All diamond ring designs are available in diamond qualities and sizes of your choice and can be handcrafted in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum.

Atlantica

Atara

Avenza

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Aurelia

Christmas Trading Hours

Have you changed address?

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM NOVEMBER 30TH

Please help us to update our records by emailing your new address to [email protected] or phone our office on 03 9439 3111.

Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm Sunday 11.00am to 4.00pm from November 29th until Christmas

Gallery Holidays Prices

CLOSE

At the time of going to press we have taken significant care to provide accurate information and prices. Due to fluctuations in the Australian dollar and world metal prices the retail prices quoted in this newsletter are subject to change without notice.

Thursday, 24th December 2015 at 4.00pm

RE-OPEN Thursday, 7th January 2016 at 10.00am

Normal Business Hours Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm Closed Sundays and Public Holidays

Gallery 725 Main Rd, Eltham 3095 T 03 9439 3111 F 03 9439 1662 E [email protected] www.michaelwilson.com.au