Jeweller in Focus: Issue. 20
4th Week, August 2024
Lily Grace Jewellery
Alexandra Gasparini
Lily Grace Jewellery, based in Epping New South Wales, combines experience and skill to form unique pieces of all varieties. Alexandra Gasparini, the master jeweller behind the brand has been working tirelessly to curate to individual clients by sourcing the highest quality metal and stones and bringing her immaculate precision to the table in jewellery making.
Education First
Alex’s jewellery-making and artisanship were first developed straight after high school, where she attended Enmore Tafe for her jewellery trade studies. At the time, this was a once-a-week program, which mainly consisted of male students, all of which had families already established within the industry. Following this, Alex trained to receive her apprenticeship with ” a wonderful jeweller whose humour and kindness made the cramped working area a great place to work”. During this time, Alex was in charge of repairs, with the occasional opportunity of making handmade pieces along the way.
During this time, Alexandra extended herself and also completed the Diploma of Gemmology with the Gemmological Association of Australia – graduating in 2000 – a feat which she loved undertaking! So much so that she then went on to complete the Practical Diamond Grading Course at the same time. Her next step in the educational journey was just post Covid, where she completed her Advanced Diamond Grading, and Diploma in Diamond Technology – which she passed with High Distinction. Alex collates all of the information she learnt, as well as her practically gained skill to create one-off unique pieces for each and every client.
The Story of Lily Grace
After years of being in the industry, Alex took a break from work to have children. During this period, she continued making jewellery for family and friends on the side. After her fourth child, she decided that she required more flexible hours, and as such took the plunge to start her own business. This birthed the creation of Lily Grace Jewellery, a brand that carries the namesake of two of her daughters.
Ironically, although Lily Grace started out with a requirement of more flexible hours, Alex toils and spends copious effort for each and every piece. Eventually, this leads to the realisation that she probably works “more hours, at different times”.
“I start with the gemstone and see where it leads me, what it reminds me of… [what I] seem to draw back to”
Grace from Start to End
Lily Grace Jewellery has multiple decades of jewellery-making experience under its belt, and this allows them to make the heirlooms of the future. Alexandra’s artisanship developed from handmaking pieces through her apprenticeship, practicing for hours using “silver to improve her skills, as it was the only way to learn”. From all her early experience to now, she recognises that “bespoke pieces, remodels, and small collections of one-off pieces are her speciality.” However, she is always one to adapt and learn.
Recently, she has “started experimenting with different styles and techniques” that she doesn’t normally get to do. As such, the “signature style” of Lily Grace can be described as ever-evolving. Like a phoenix, revitalising itself through every stage, Alexandra Gasparini looks to both old and new for her inspiration.
The Artist and Her Muse
Due to the quality of the pieces that Alexandra works with, she always opts for the highest quality of stones and metal. “I always aim to get top quality diamonds and top quality coloured stones as you can get cheap jewellery anywhere but if you get custom, buy once, buy well”. In turn, she promotes the quality of platinum and 18ct yellow or rose gold.
Alexandra has created a multitude of different jewellery pieces of different styles. However, she “loves engraving, so anytime she receives a commission for that, she is really happy!” Besides this, she enjoys making commissions for people who want to make sets of jewellery pieces that are each individual, yet fit a coherent theme. “They are ready to go beyond the plain and simple, and are ready to express themselves a bit more than they were in their 20’s.”
Present and Future
Currently, when making pieces, Alexandra usually uses inspiration from the customer to gain an understanding of how to proceed. “I usually get the customer to bring a few photos of anything they like so I can work out the rough theme that seems to connect the pieces together.” This allows her to create beautifully catered individual pieces for each of her clients. When making her stock and collections, however, she tends to follow some form of theme. “For the Sculpted collection, I was doing a lot of sculpted engraving and wanted to bring it into my jewellery then led to my researching art nouveau jewellery.”
Using these processes, she hopes to expand into the future by selling more of her designs, both domestically and internationally. By expanding her grasp and expertise of varied styles and techniques, she hopes to break the parameters she may be stuck within. “I love learning so I’m always moving forward, increasing my skills in multiple avenues.”
No matter what happens, however, she follows her own goals and aspirations of growth and development.
A Message to Future Jewellers
Within this industry, “learning on my own all the ins and outs of a product-based business was the hardest thing. I had no one to ask or to turn to for advice. Whether in jewellery manufacturing or the business side of running small a business. It was very hard and I had to learn a lot of lessons, but gradually I have built a network of like-minded people to help and receive help.”
Use social media and the technology of today to your advantage. “Instagram has helped a lot in meeting other jewellers and connecting with people. It was something that wasn’t around “back in the day”, and when I started up again after kids, I felt very isolated as the jewellers I knew were from the older, secretive, generation that didn’t pass on information or directly answer a question.” But nowadays, with connection at your fingertips, we should always strive to be better. “Keep pushing forward, keep learning. Don’t get disheartened. Keep learning out of hours if that’s what you need to do.”
Published By
Chathula L. Kiripitige FGAA. GIA AJP
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