Sophie Divett is an ethical jeweller who has recently moved back to Christchurch from Wellington. Taking her inspirations from nature and antiquity, she specialises in bespoke pieces using sustainably sourced metals and natural gems.
What do you make?
I’m a jeweller, and I make a lot of wedding rings and bespoke, one-off pieces. I like to make jewels that hold sentimental value for the wearer and will be worn and treasured.
How did you get into your craft?
I studied Fine Art and always gravitated toward making tiny, delicate sculptural pieces. After graduating, something clicked and I started making jewellery in the evenings as a way to stay making and creative. Everything just sort of escalated from there.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Aside from my Bachelor of Fine Art, I’ve just finished my Diploma in Applied Arts (Jewellery Design) at Whitireia last year.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
All of the metals I use are ethically and sustainably sourced, mainly recycled from industry waste. I work with sterling silver, bronze and gold, with gold definitely being my favourite. It is a beautiful material to work with. I especially love white gold- most of the white gold you see in shops is rhodium plated to look brighter and more silvery, but naturally it has a beautiful subtle golden hue which is so unique.
My favourite tools would have to be the few that I have made myself, and older ones that have been handed on to me. Some tools get so much better with age, and you can’t beat a tool that has been customised or handmade to fit a specific purpose. A lot of these are the ones I use all the time and you can’t buy them in a shop.
Tell us about the techniques involved in producing a piece of your jewellery
I like to use lost wax casting methods to make my pieces, because the wax allows for so much more freedom with organic shapes. I’ll usually create a model of a new piece in wax, before casting it in precious metal. After that, lots of polishing and finishing, and setting stones.
…the impressions left by the wearer as it takes the knocks of life and becomes polished next to the skin become part of the piece.
What inspires you?
I’ve always been very inspired by the natural world, and ancient artifacts. I am fascinated by the way centuries-old objects develop the marks of time through corrosion and decay, and it is uncertain where the original object ends and the hand of nature begins. I like to think about this when making many of my jewels- they are made to be worn, and the impressions left by the wearer as it takes the knocks of life and becomes polished next to the skin become part of the piece.
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Make beautiful things for lovely people.
Describe your creative process:
Sometimes there’s an idea first, other times I just begin with a lump of wax and see where it takes me. Either way, the best things happen when they develop organically.
Describe your workspace:
I share a workshop with two other jewellers at the back of Form Gallery on Colombo Street, in Christchurch. My bench is usually the messiest, though I prefer the term ‘creative jumble’. It’s usually covered in lots of half-made bits and pieces, any commissions I’m working on, and a scattering of interesting objects I’ve picked up at some point- rocks, bones, seeds, leaves, insects. The bench itself was made by repurposing an old bankers desk and customising it to suit my needs.
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
I’m quite blessed with a lot of absolutely lovely customers so couldn’t possibly pick just one. I love hearing about the people behind the jewels, which is a bit hard when so much of what I do is online, so it’s always so special when people go to the trouble to tell me their stories.
What are you currently listening to? Shura – Touch.
Recommend an album: Furns – Furns (2014).
If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
I’m not sure about superhero, but I am pretty good at hoarding gold and precious jewels. So I’d probably be a dragon.
What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
Be prepared to persist, anything really worth doing is probably going to be difficult. But if it’s what you really want to do, do it and you won’t have any regrets.
What’s in store for 2017?
Oh, so much. This will be my first year working as a jeweller full-time since graduating, so it’s going to be all go. Right now I’m working on a new collection of engagement rings, which is so exciting, it’s something I’ve been planning for a long time. I’ve just moved back to Christchurch so am very interested in getting involved with the Christchurch arts scene, events and exhibitions and collaborations with other artists.
Sophie has very generously offered an exquisite prize for one lucky Felt reader of a beautiful Sterling silver Annui necklace (see above). Annui in Latin means to favour or smile on, and this necklace embodies that feeling wonderfully.
To be in to win this elegant handcrafted prize, simply leave a comment telling us what appeals to you about Sophie’s story and her beautiful jewellery creations. The draw will be made on Friday 10 February and is open to New Zealand residents only.
Explore Sophie Divett’s ethical jewellery on Felt »
Sophie I adore the texture in your work it looks like it really holds the fingerprints of its maker. It’s always exciting to meet Christchurch designers and especially those so committed to an ethical process. I’m keen to see more of your work. Beautiful!
What amazing pieces of jewellery. So beautiful and so different from the plain mass market offerings!
Your jewellery are beautiful pieces of art! They look very unique and original to the mainstream market. I don’t normally wear jewellery but these are very natural and would definitely wear these.
I love reading Sophie’s story. Especially about how making jewellery was a way to keep creative in the evenings and it escalated! Also making and using your own tools is so wonderful and rewarding! Well done to Sophie! The pieces are so beautiful!
I love your work. I cannot decide on a favourite but by the end of 2017 I will be the proud owner of at least 2 of your pieces #GoalsFor2017
I love how your metals are ethically and sustainably sourced. Your jewellery is stunning Sophie. Love that you’re inspired by nature. Also really like your re-purposed work bench 🙂
Artfully crafted, just love your work.
My wife would love your jewellery. She really appreciates the uniqueness and skill involved in hand crafted pieces. This work looks right up her stret.
Wow, your work is beautiful. Silver is my favourite metal and I always love things that are inspired by nature. Gorgeous!!
Beautiful pieces sophie! Love reading about local artists following their passions. I love your old bank desk too!
Wow where has your beautiful jewellery been all my life?! I love how you capture nature in your pieces in a rugged but delicate way. Now to drop hints to my significant other 🙂
Hi Sophie,
I hadn’t heard of your jewellery until now. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and instantly spotted the picture of the Annui necklace. My late Grandmother wore a necklace much like this and seeing a similar design bought back some amazing memories. The simplicity and elegance of the piece you’ve designed is just beautiful and was something I always adored growing up. You’ve created so many timeless, lovely pieces – congratulations on going full time!
Love love love your work! I have a pair of your earrings which always get commented on!
What a talent!
I appreciate the time, energy and creativity that goes into individual pieces of beauty such as this. What looks simple and beautiful as a finished product can bring a smile to the face of it’s new owner, and all who see the joy in her, brought about by the creator’s gift. Beautiful jewellery is made more beautiful by it’s owners joy. Sophie has a special talent to bring metals to life…
Blending the concepts of decaying and mouldable nature into solid, long lasting silver is really interesting
In the same vein as Sophie’s appreciation for the patina of wearing, I like seeing that things were crafted by actual people. That they had their hands on the piece. I appreciate that I see Sophie’s hands in a lot of her pieces – in the mark making on the metal, in the textures applied by physical force. Without the people in the story, it is just so much beautiful cold metal. Sophie, I wish you raving success so that you can continue loving what you do/doing what you love.
A stunning example of taking inspiration from nature and using what’s already around you to create something new and wholly unique! I admire that through your persistence and drive, you’ve been able to forge a career doing something you love. Best wishes for the future 🙂
Just beautiful. 🙂
Absolutely exquisite pieces so beautifully handcrafted. I love that they are one offs! Such an incredible talent.
I truly share Sophie’s love of natural, asymmetrical forms, the idea of wabi sabi – things which are imperfect, decaying are so beauriful. I would wear a piece of Sophie’s jewellery with great pride.
I admire that Sophie chose to pursue tertiary education in a field which often advised against. It’s wonderful to see that, through that, she has found a passion which she can also have a career in.
I love that Sophie’s work is elegant and not overly flashy. I love the use of texture. I like how organic and relaxed the pieces are; as we see in nature, beauty can be found in unique imperfections. I agree with Sophie’s philosophy, that the history of a piece becomes part of its beauty. I appreciate her commitment towards sustainability and fair trade.
Wow! These are gorgeous!!
Amazeballs!
Very talented … an art form for us to all to wear and admire
I love how Sophie is an ethical jeweller, all metals are ethically & sustainably sourced, many from recycled material!
She is a leader in this industry, I also love that she makes a lot of one-off pieces and is inspired by nature & ancient artifacts.
Love the Latin name of the necklace, my name is also Latin ❤️
“Make beautiful things for lovely people.” Such a simple philosophy and she is definitely doing it! These are unique pieces and I love that they are made from sustainable materials also.
In a addition to the absolutely beautiful work there is so much I love about Sophie’s story: sustainably sourced materials, handmade tools, repurposed work bench… fantastic
Absolutely stunning jewellery
Gorgeous pieces – making in a ‘creative jumble’ works for you
OMG these are absolutely gorgeous! Well done 🙂
Stunning pieces
I absolutely love that Sophie uses sustainably sourced and recycled materials to make her beautiful pieces. Really nice to see such care and thought going into every single aspect of her jewellery-making process, from where it comes from to the finished product to its life with the wearer. She’s a very talented girl!
The detailed pieces embodying elements of nature are truly beautiful.
Sophie is incredibly talented! I own a ring she made me and I love it, I will definitely be getting her to make me more in the future. She is always trying something new and everything is so unique and delicate.
I love how unique each piece is, taking inspiration from nature. They are bespoke pieces and items to be treasured. Looking forward to seeing what she does next!
After reading this story I reckon the planet needs more people like Sophie. Her sustainable attitude is inspiring, even the desk she works on is repurposed. I have been keeping an eye on Sophie’s work for a little while now, and I love the new folium rings she’s got in her shop. I wish her all the best for 2017 and beyond.
I love that it’s uniquely kiwi. I love the mountain pendants, I’ve seen nothing like them.
I love how her pieces are made with such care and attention, they are original and gorgeous!
What lovely craftiness. If only you were creating such stunning pieces years ago when my husband and I were hunting for engagement/wedding rings. I love your unique beautiful ethical style. Maybe I can convince my husband to invest in a ring for our 15th wedding anniversary later this year!
Just beautiful. I love to support local artists. The way you bring the natural world into your work. Beautiful pieces indeed xxx
Wow, beautiful, inspiring work Sophie! I love the idea of making your own tools to suit your style of working. The influence of nature is also really clear in your designs and I adore your comment about the pieces taking on a new life through the wearer. All the best for your Christchurch endeavours 🙂
I love reading Sophie’s story. I especially like the acceptance of wear and tear on a beautifully crafted object. Beauty is whatever you decide it is.
I love her organic feel. That her work adapts to the wearer and takes on new meaning through their life. That mountain piece is….breathtaking. I too would be a dragon if I had a superpower!
It is easy to see that you are passionate about your work and it shows in your most beautiful work! Just lovely!
I love how she gets her inspiration- from history and natural things around her. I think it really shows in her work- there’s such an organic feel to it all. I love that each piece feels like it has a story behind it.
I’m a huge fan of Sophie and her beautiful creations. I’ve been following her work on social media for a while now, and have been blown away by each new piece she posts.
The fact that she uses ethically sourced materials is really special and I also feel like you can see the amount of love that she puts into her craft. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to in 2017 Sophie! 🙂
Wow, what gorgeous pieces! What I love about Sophie’s work (aside from how great it looks!) is her commitment to using sustainably sourced materials – Such a fantastic attitude that makes the pieces extra special.
I love that Sophie is inspired by nature and ancient artifacts. There is real raw sophisticated appeal to her jewellery that shines through. I just love that. And her response to the philosophy question. That she loves to make beautiful things for lovely people is simply a beautiful statement in itself. I feel exactly the same being a creative. What a gorgeous girl with an amazing talent!
Her jewelry is beautifully hand crafted and I love how Sophie’s favourite tools are ones she has made herself or had handed down to her. Very nice to see individually crafted pieces instead of mass produced goods.