MADE IN MELBOURNE
What she makes Genie’s rings and pendants are made from Australian-mined gold and silver. They feature intricate shapes and patterns, and
conflict-free stones such as amethyst, opal and garnet. Genie researches antique jewellery to find inspiration for her pieces. “I’m trying to make something that’s contemporary and new, but bringing in influences from history – sort of 16th to 18th-century jewellery from the Renaissance period,” she says. Each piece takes days to make and Genie is very particular in her process. “A lot of commercial jewellery now is 3D-printed,” she says. “I’m trying to go in another direction and slow-make individual pieces. I want pieces to look like they’ve been hand-crafted.” She talks with her customers before settling on a design, and her custom pieces are always influenced by the client. “I want to make them feel like it’s not just a business transaction,” Genie says. “Especially with engagement rings – that’s a big step in someone’s life and I want them to feel like they’re getting someone who loves what they do.” Where to buy it Genie’s pieces are available from her online store and at her stall at Fitzroy’s Rose Street Artists’ Market. Prices start at $129. ● JEMIMAH CLEGG jclegg@theweeklyreview.com.au
Arts & Culture
WHAT INSPIRES ME
➾ M AKER’S M ARK
“Sixteenth- to 18th-century jewellery, the handmade element of it and also the Gothic feel. I’m also inspired by nature and organic influences.”
Psychic Desert jewellery by Genie Desert ● psychicdesert.bigcartel.com ● Instagram: @psychic_desert (SUPPLIED)
Meet the maker Jewellery has always been personal to Genie Desert. She loves the way that meaningful pieces get passed down from generation to generation. “I remember when I was a little girl, my mother had this beautiful ring and I loved it,” she says. “Then on my 30th birthday, she gave me that ring. I still have it, it’s super special to me.” Genie’s interest in jewellery-making grew after she finished a master’s degree in fine art in 2014. “I actually have a background in painting, and I picked up jewellery as more of a hobby,” she says. “It developed organically. I fell in love with the process of making, and it turned into a business.” She taught herself gold and silver-smithing through online tutorials, and now makes her pieces in her Preston home. “I love making custom pieces,” Genie says. “I really want to make something for someone that they can treasure and hopefully hand down to their children.”
(STEPHEN MCKENZIE)
P SYC H I C D E S E RT J E W E L L E RY
BLK CLUSTER RING \ Made from sterling silver, this ring has three black zircons placed to create a gothic yet modern look. $199. ●
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