Interview with Kate Reid head Jeweller for Larsen

As one of the most respected jewellers in Australia, Larsen Jewellery specialises in custom made pieces of fine jewellery; which can be customised to meet the individual taste and requirement of each client. 

Established by Lars and Susie Larsen in 2006, Larsen Jewellery consists of a team of highly skilled and talented jewellers, boasting a joint 150 years of experience; ensuring every piece of jewellery is of the highest standard. 

You can chose wide range of designs or create your own. Larsen are all about 'Personal Touch' which is demonstrated from the moment you walk in offering one on one service with a jeweller and consultant.

Renowned for its custom-made engagement and wedding rings, Larsen Jewellery has developed a reputation for excellence with its unique Wedding Ring Experience. The Wedding Ring Experience enables couples the opportunity to become fully immersed in the design and creation process of making their own bespoke wedding rings. Under the guidance of one of Larsen’s expert jewellers, a couple can design and produce each other’s wedding rings whilst enjoying champagne and nibbles in the Larsen Jewellery studio. This unique experience gives couples the opportunity to create something their partner will truly love and cherish for a lifetime.

Who doesn't love Jewellery? Right? So I'm very excited to share with you all a little interview I had recently with Head Jeweller of Larsen Kate Reid:

As a designer, where do you draw your inspiration?

There are many places where I find inspiration. I love looking at images of vintage jewellery on Pinterest and in auction catalogues and I adore old painted jewellery designs too. In the past, I have found inspiration in some unusual places such as tattoo designs and windows in art deco buildings. I also once designed a pair of pearl earrings based on an interesting shaped lamp I saw in a movie.

What are the trends you are seeing in fine Jewellery productions?

There is huge popularity for fine and delicate rings at the moment. Rings that, at a glance, seem modest and understated but on closer inspection have intricate detailed features in the side of the band or underneath the setting, these designs often incorporate rose gold and micro-pave set diamonds. Also, the Gatsby inspired 1920s designs are still very popular especially designs that feature gemstones in soft, pastel colours such as apricot, ice blue and sage.

Whar is the most meaningful piece of jewellery you own? 

I have a sapphire and diamond ring that I made myself 8 years ago, I wear it almost every day. I decided I wanted something special that showed what I could do, it took me nearly a year to finish and I absolutely love it!

Tell me about your design style?

I love to draw so I often play around with ideas in pencil and paper before starting anything at the bench. I tend to design very feminine shapes incorporating some negative spaces to highlight delicate details. Having said that, I enjoy being challenged to design things that are out of my comfort zone too.  Some of the designs I am most proud of are bold contemporary pieces that differ from my usual aesthetic.

What Material and techniques do you favour? 

18ct white gold and platinum are my favourite metals to work in. We also get to work with a type of metal called mokume which is fantastic, it is a technique that uses two or three different coloured precious metal layered together and fused.  This is then twisted, forged and rolled in a way that creates unique patterns across the surface resembling woodgrain. There aren’t many mokume workshops in Australia so I’m lucky to work in one, the design options are endless.

How do you feel seeing people wear your designs? 

This is the best part of my job! I think it's brilliant that the pieces I have designed and made are treasured and worn proudly. I am humbled when people me to create rings and other pieces of jewellery which will be worn for decades then eventually become heirlooms. I absolutely love looking at their faces when they see their design in metal for the first time, it really is a special privilege. 

Larsen Jewellery is currently open in Sydney Strand Arcade and Melbourne GPO building. 
More on Larsen Here