As a little girl, I loved rummaging through my mom's jewellery case, a mini
treasure chest in my eyes. How I revelled in the exotic-sounding metals and
gemstones; lapis lazuli, amber, tourmaline and pearls set in rose gold or
silver, all displayed on red velvet and smelling of perfume. It transported me to
unknown worlds, magical places and elegant parties that my young mind
could only imagine. Since then, I have been creating jewellery.
Furthermore, the beauty and sacred mystery of the natural world have always
held a special fascination for me, so when it became time for me to choose a
career, I decided to study Jewellery and Metal Design with Gemmology. It
was love at first smelt.
After completing my studies, my jewellery journey began by working on the
bench- mainly making silver and gemstone pieces. Later, I became more
attracted to the modern CAD design and printing of precious metals and
diamonds. Finally, designing engagement rings, anniversary gifts and
redesigning jewellery became my main focus while my children were toddlers.
But something was missing… I yearned for the raw, natural world filled with
the magic and creativity of my childhood. Then, one day, a friend popped in
with a car trunk full of books ready for donation. Take anything you like, she said. As a minimalist by nature, my first reaction was to say no, but a
particular book caught my eye; Buried Treasure, Travels through the Jewel
Box, written by Victoria Finlay.
When I read the book, it was as if something opened up in me, a passion
started burning in my heart, and I just KNEW I had to return to my beloved
gemstones and crystals. So I started researching how one can set rough
stones, and voila! I happened upon a process called copper electroforming.
Copper electroforming is a process of electrolysis. It allows the deposition of
copper electrolytes on the gemstones over several hours in a copper/acid
solution. The entire process is organic, and the results are unique and
beautiful, with unpredictable textures.
After a year of trial and error, countless tears and a lot of money, I could
finally say that I had a solid understanding of creating this specific kind of
jewellery.
At the end of 2021, my new business was born, Down to Earth Jewellery -
Where the beauty of the natural world is celebrated through handcrafted
works of wearable art.
Jewellery design and making combine everything I love most in the world. I
am fascinated by the alchemy of working with metals and the incredible
complexity of the crystal systems and how they form. These elements come
from deep within our wonderous earth and have been organically created over
so many millions of years.
I am blessed to be able to transform them into a wearable symbol, a reminder
of the incredible intelligence of our magnificent Universe. I am truly humbled
and grateful every day to be in this profession.
I hope the jewellery pieces will bring their wearer the joy, solace, hope,
acceptance, appreciation and love intended during their creation.

With love from me to you

Rethea xoxo