An Entrepreneurial Spirit Adds
Beauty to the Lives of Others Jewellery designer Nicole Winkler (’91) loves to add pieces of beauty to the lives of others – including our own Prime Minister.
Above: Nicole Winkler
“Jewellery design suits me because I can create on my own terms,” said Nicole, who has fashioned individual pieces for public figures, most notably a pearl necklace and earrings for Prime Minister Julia Gillard. “I created the pieces and sent them to Julia Gillard before she became Prime Minister,” said Nicole. “I think it is great that we have a female Prime Minister now, and I have been delighted to see her wearing my jewellery on a number of occasions, including for her most recent official portrait.” Logie award winners and acclaimed Australian actors have also been snapped wearing Nicole’s striking pieces.
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Describing her career as ‘chequered – in a good way’, Nicole’s creative drive was nurtured in ‘a wonderful haven’ – the MLC Art Room. As well as developing her artistic aptitude, Nicole also learned useful skills that she employs today, such as technical drawing. In Year 10, Nicole took up a work experience opportunity with a jewellery studio, was Arts Prefect in Year 12, and on leaving MLC pursued a Visual Arts degree at Curtin University. This was followed by the acting course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). “Acting and visual arts have always been my two passions – and still are,” said Nicole.
Before settling into her jewellery career, Nicole gave acting a chance. While she experienced great success in Australia and Asia – working with Bell Shakespeare, setting up independent theatre company Maelstrom, and landing guest roles in TV productions – she also worked in jewellery stores “to pay the bills”. After landing a job with the prestigious Sydney jewellers, Rox Gems and Jewellery, and tucking a diamond grading certificate under her belt, Nicole decided to set up her own jewellery designing business – an ambition that came to fruition in 2008 with Nicole Winkler Couture Jewellery.