MODERN
vintage
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
M
ornington jewellery designer Sally Rose welcomes clients into her cosy studio at The Nook on Progress Street to sit down and articulate their dreams and visions. Together they plan the design for a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art. Each engagement ring, wedding or keepsake ring will hold that person’s story, energy and memories; a daily reminder of all they hold dear.
Meeting and talking to clients is a bit like conducting an interview. Sally has to grasp the essence of the wearer in order to create something that reflects his/her personality. When they have decided on the design, stones and metals, Sally creates an intricate mock up drawing of the piece to make sure it’s exactly what the client wants.
Jewellery was a natural progression; it’s just scaled down sculpture Designing has always been part of Sally’s world. Originally, her plan was to become a fashion designer, but sewing didn’t inspire her, so she went in a different direction. In her early life, Sally was surrounded by creativity. Her Mum, an early childhood teacher, enjoyed sewing, making and playing piano. Sally loved to sing. Her father worked in radio and played drums as did her brother. They could have formed a family band. Growing up on a couple of acres in Gippsland, Sally and her younger brother spent a lot of time outdoors. The natural beauty of the region had a profound impact. In school, Sally regularly got in trouble for daydreaming and doodling. She was always drawing. An enterprising child, on weekends and school holidays, Sally set up a stand outside her house to sell handmade beaded jewellery, foreshadowing her future. continued page 10...
8 | PENINSULA essence December 2025