They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend but personally I would much prefer the Stalactite ring from the latest Damselfly collection, Black Magic Woman. Apparently so too, would the likes of Kate Bosworth, Miranda Kerr and Gwen Stefani, all of whom have been spotted adorned in some form of Damselfly jewellery.
Quite remarkable for a label that was launched by a young Christianna Heideman fresh out of high school. Role forward ten years and it would appear that this born and bred Melbourne girl has a budding empire on her hands, one that now extends to a men's collection and an up and coming foray into leather ware.
Each collection is different unto its own, from the whimsical, to the bohemian, to the edgy, it is clear that inspiration flows thick and freely through a number of mediums. "It could be anything from a song, a piece of artwork, vintage jewellery, travel, or just people watching", claims Heideman.
Needing to know more (as I so often do) I dug a little deeper and decided to find out what goes on behind the semi precious stones, the fossilized material and the leather...
ONCE UPON A TIME//
The name Damselfly is an indication of Heideman's life long fascination with insects or anything with wings. "From a young age, I liked to draw and paint butterflies, damselflies, birds...I was pretty obsessed for a while! (Actually I still am...) I just thought the name fit well, as it was feminine but also had personal significance for me".
YOUNG LOVE AND EDIBLE CANDY//
Don't be surprised should Damselfly's next collection be entirely edible. Heideman's earliest memory of gifted jewellery was exactly that - a candy necklace from her first crush in primary school. "It was made of pink musk love hearts and I kept it for about two weeks before eating it! (I must have really liked him...). In terms of my first piece of non-edible jewellery, when I was about 6 I was given a sterling silver bracelet and matching necklace with little blue birds on it from my mum. I remember wearing them everyday and feeling like a princess".
TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING//
According to Heideman there is no one way to describe Damselfly as a whole, ideas change from season to season. "It's really dependant on my inspirations at the time. However, I would describe the Damselfly woman as urban, confident, creative, nomadic, and free spirited.
BLACK MAGIC WOMAN//
The latest collection Black Magic Woman, is decidedly darker and edgier, eschewing the romantic, whimsical style of some of Damselfly's previous collections. This was done to more reflect Heideman's own personal style. "I have been studying the geological side of precious and semi precious stones and have become fascinated with raw, fossilized shells/stones as opposed to the highly polished, faceted stones that would generally be used in jewellery making. Many of the stones used, particularly Pyrite, Stibnite and fossilized shell, are in a very raw form and almost look like something you would find in outer space!"
Asked to pick her favourite from her latest collection and she says its almost too hard, but is drawn to the Pyrite sun stone pendant, "It is such an amazing stone, I could look at it for hours! Also the fossilized shell Nautilus ring is definitely a favourite".
MATERIAL WORLD//
When it comes to sourcing materials, Heideman is forever on the hunt for that something unique. "I travel a lot sourcing components but I would have to say I am constantly "sourcing" and thinking about potential collections. I spend a lot of time scouring through op shops, antique stores, markets and basically anyone that will let me know look through their jewellery boxes..."
FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW//
Fast becoming something of a multi-tasker, Heideman also caters for the men in our lives, having launched Elias in 2005. "It began as a men's jewellery label but has also expanded into belts and wallets. I am now working on a leather ware range with plans to launch the collection next year.
As it would appear, ventures into overseas markets are also on the horizon. "We have just been picked up by an Asian based agent who has plans to expand the label throughout Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. We have previously dealt with all overseas sales in-house but I really do think you need an agent based in the country you're dealing with, otherwise it just gets a bit much to handle.
So whilst Heideman sticks to Pyrite rather than Diamonds, I'm sure that Diamonds or not, the likes of Marilyn Monroe would still approve.
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