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Christie Nicolaides
“All the time spent in shops allowed me to see what sells and what appeals to women”
Australian Jewellery Designer Christie Nicolaides creates bold, raw, unique and timeless jewellery. Originally juggling a degree in journalism, art and fashion, Nicolaides immersed herself in personal styling and all things fashion, styling the likes of many Australian celebrities. She finally launched her self-titled line in 2014 after struggling to find quality costume and semiprecious jewellery. “My playbox was full of vintage pieces and Valentino costume jewellery, I decided to start designing my own because I felt I couldn’t find what I was looking for” Nicolaides explains. Since doing so, the 31-year-old Brisbane jewellery designer has signed a deal with Myer (a large Australian retailer) as well as recently opening her very own store in Brisbane.
Nicolaides’s desire for cinematic glamour is evident in her dramatic jewellery collections, treasured by A-listers and stylish women everywhere. The collection spans gold-plated, stone-studded earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and crowns that recall Byzantine antiquities (except in the price).
Statement Earrings
Her handcrafted collections feature colourful semi-precious stones, glass, enamel, and plated brass. A lot of her jewellery is gold dipped, bringing an opulent feel to her range, something she feels is making quite a comeback with a demand for more ‘extravagant shows of wealth’. “All the time spent in shops and retail stores has allowed me to see what sells and what appeals to most women” she says.
Nicolaides’s collections have been strongly influenced by her heritage and love of antique, antiquities and vintage runway jewellery. A third generation Greek Australian, her love of fashion and all things colour can be tracked back to her Greek roots and her very fashionable grandmother, “my grandmother and great-grandmother were incredibly stylish”. Each piece is designed in her studio in Brisbane, Australia and handcrafted by skilled artisans throughout Asia and Europe. Nicolaides travels to Turkey and Greece to source enamellers, silversmiths and people specialising in semi-precious stones to make her jewellery stand out.
Today, Nicolaides’ creations are adorned by celebrities across the world such as Katy Perry, Kelly Rowland, Paris Jackson, Jennifer Hawkins, Anna Heinrich, Carrie Bickmore, Kate Ritchie and Jodi Anasta.
Bold, raw, unique and timeless jewellery.