Innovatively combining contemporary design with classic artisanship, Figursky Jewellery works brilliantly to create timeless bespoke individual pieces. Situated in Auckland, New Zealand, Cristina Figursky is the mastermind behind the design. With a background in fine arts and design, she utilised her depth of knowledge and skill to formulate must-wear pieces with heirloom qualities.

Cristina Figursky – Patient Resilient Meticulous

Hailing from Moldova, Cristina moved to New Zealand. With this state of change, she launched herself into the jewellery industry with her greatest challenge. Being in a “new place and a new industry” she has toiled through with dedication and perseverance with Figursky Jewellery. Cristina’s educated background with a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in drawing, painting, illustration and photography was especially useful, as it allowed her to build her business to new levels, establishing a threshold of perfection for her work.

She explored bench jewellery and completed courses in Auckland to develop a newfound respect for jewellery manufacture and “to gain an understanding of how things are built and what goes into the process of making a piece”. Furthermore, her current collaborative work with her jewellers gives real-time feedback on how to improve her pieces. “Each new piece brings a new lesson and if I ever need help I am not ashamed to ask questions and get feedback from the jeweller or setter.”

The Evolution of Art – Figursky

Cristina has “worn a few hats before starting Figursky”. With businesses in “stationary, silver jewellery, and finally bespoke jewellery with exclusively precious metals and gemstones”. Figursky, as it is today, presented itself during the transition to bespoke. A “namesake brand” with every intention of carrying on “heirloom quality”. A brand that “defeats time”.

Figursky evolved due to Cristina’s love of “jewellery, gemstones and arts”. Love, being the most compelling reason to create a brand that combines all three. With artistic pieces that are wearable and transcend time through generations, Figursky is a symbol of everlasting luxury and quality design. “I wanted to work with mostly freeform cuts and bring a fresh new vision of what jewellery can be”.

“I think jewellery is one of the arts that is approachable in the tactile sense. So many arts are for visual pleasure whilst jewellery is something that is meant to be interacted with and worn which is beautiful and poetic in so many ways.”

Figursky stocks collections pieces, but their speciality is in bespoke goods. “The aim is to create with purpose and intention so our biggest offering lies within the bespoke category.” Acting as a template to illustrate the realm of possibility available, whether it be design, gemstone, cut or colour. Furthermore, it allows a customisable process for customers who want options other than bespoke, to connect with their pieces.

“I absolutely love both aspects, creating with a brief and creating without a brief as both offer creative expression in different ways and equally uphold the brand values and vision.”

Growth in All Areas

Figursky has flourished in the Jewellery industry, with exponential growth of the business over the past two years. There have been a magnitude of reasons for this, but one aspect is Cristina’s unique perspective within her business.

“Meticulousness (attention to detail), patience and resilience have probably been three qualities that have been the greatest qualities that have helped me achieve things in life and business” With a keen eye for detail, Figursky Jewellery specialises in bringing detail into contemporary design through flawless amalgamation. A quality which helps Cristina design pieces which “withstand time with great quality”.

Curiosity is another quality which Cristina has displayed in an exemplary manner. A skill which has only developed through her pursuit of Jewellery Design and Manufacture. You have to be “curious about everything – learning, new processes, being flexible with other people but also maintaining a core belief system and never compromising on your values. I think if we’re eager to learn and play with new ideas you can endlessly explore any industry as long as you’re driven by your passion in the subject.”

Having a growth mindset, one of development and one of resilience, has helped Cristina overcome any barrier. ” It’s easy to throw in the towel but it is really hard to keep going day in and out on pure faith, ultimately the compound effect reveals itself. I think the perseverance through thick and thin has been the greatest achievement and battle of all time.” Regardless of foreign industry, or foreign country, Figursky Jewellery has persevered.

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A Message to Future Jewellers

Fall in love with the process of creating your work. Through every client interaction, and through every challenge that you face. The inspiration is always a fine balance between the stone and the client’s personality. Marrying the two and highlighting the edges or the softness of the person I am creating for is something that I love to do when I design.

“As an introvert I love to listen and observe, this perfectly aligns with bespoke appointments when I get to chat with the client and discover more about them to create something that they can truly connect with. The compelling aspect is always delivering something that the client feels at their core that is them and authentic to their story.

I believe less is more in all aspects of life and business and this is something that I aim for when I design. In my work I try to let the stones – be it cut or colour – take the leading role without crowding them with unnecessary design features. The beautiful quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery says it best : “A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.””

“If there is a will, there is a way”

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Published By
Chathula L. Kiripitige FGAA. GIA AJP