A lot of love and care goes into every Aurea piece to ensure the highest quality finish.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Alex Patchett, the founder of Aurea Jewellery. As a qualified goldsmith with over a decade of experience, Alex has been handcrafting exquisite jewellery since 2010. She’s had the privilege of learning from some of the most esteemed jewellers in the industry, and today, she creates under her luxury brand, Aurea Jewellery. Her designs are intricate, stunning works of art, crafted to be cherished and passed down through generations. Alex is undoubtedly a rising star and poised to become a leading name in the jewellery world.
Can you share the story behind Aurea Jewellery? What inspired you to start this journey, and how has it evolved?
I have always loved and appreciated beautiful things. I am very creative and studied to become a goldsmith after finishing high school 14 years ago. Being able to pour my heart and soul into creating beautiful pieces of jewellery that bring the wearer joy is very rewarding and my “why.”
What sets Aurea Jewellery apart from other fine jewellery brands? Is there a particular philosophy or approach that defines your work?
Every Aurea piece is a carefully considered work of art. I love to design pieces that are beautiful from every angle—not just the top view of the stones. My work is very intricate, with fine diamond detailing and floral accents that really add a wow factor. A lot of love and care goes into every piece to ensure the highest quality finish.
Where are your jewels crafted, and how do you ensure the highest quality in each piece?
Every piece is handcrafted by myself in my Herne Bay showroom. My workshop is on display so clients can see where their jewellery will be created. I am a perfectionist, which is necessary when it comes to creating high quality jewellery, as there is no room for error. I also source the finest natural diamonds and gemstones to ensure the finished piece is truly breathtaking.
Can you walk us through the process of creating a bespoke piece of jewellery with Aurea? How do you collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life?
Creating a bespoke piece of jewellery is such a fun and personal experience. You get to design a piece that reflects you and is truly one of a kind. Before meeting, I will source a range of beautiful natural diamonds and gemstones to meet client requirements. From there, we sit down together to view the gems and try on pieces that are on display in the showroom to get a feel for what styles they like. I will then hand sketch designs in person to consider and approve. I also recommend that my clients send me any inspirational photos they love before the consultation so I can get a feel for their style. This way I can get my creative juices flowing and have design ideas ready to share on the day.
What materials and gemstones do you specialise in, and how do you source them?
I work with natural diamonds and precious gemstones, like sapphires and emeralds. Diamonds and gemstones are rare treasures for Mother Nature; they are such a special gift to give and receive. I work closely with reputable suppliers that ensure all of their gems are conflict-free. I also work with the highest quality precious metals like platinum and 18ct gold to create high value jewellery. The gold I use is sourced from the South Island here in New Zealand or recycled and refined, so there is no waste.
Why should clients choose Aurea Jewellery for their special occasions? What makes your pieces the perfect choice for those significant moments?
Jewellery is a beautiful way to celebrate life’s special milestones. I love to hear these stories when working with my clients and ensure that I create a custom piece that is special and unique to them. It is important that I then deliver a well-made, high quality piece so that they will get lifelong enjoyment from it.
Can you share a memorable story or project that highlights your approach to design and craftsmanship?
Jewellery, to me, isn’t just something pretty to look at; it holds immense sentimental value. Inheriting a piece of jewellery from a loved one can feel like you’re always carrying a piece of them with you and evokes memories. Speaking from experience, I recently finished a piece for myself. I lost my younger brother a few years ago, and I received his rose gold signet ring. I remodelled it, using gold to create a diamond cherry blossom ring (pictured below), as he has always wanted to go to Japan to see cherry blossoms. This piece of jewellery is my most prized possession. Receiving an heirloom piece of jewellery is so special, and using the gold and gemstones to give it new life and create a piece that reflects your personal style is what makes jewellery more than just a material possession.
How do you stay inspired and keep your designs fresh and unique in a competitive market?
I like to design pieces that I would personally wear and adore. To me, this feels like I am staying true to myself and also helps to create a distinguishable style. There are a lot of jewellers out there selling the same, mass produced styles and it can become a race to the bottom. If I was to compete with them, it would be a disservice to my craftsmanship. I like to take the classics that all ladies love and elevate them to make them beautiful from every angle- like the Fleur solitaire, which looks classic solitaire from the top but has an ornate flower setting with intricate diamond detailing to showcase the centre diamond.
What plans and dreams do you have for the future of Aurea Jewellery? Are there any exciting projects or collections in the works?
A dream would be to see my pieces worn by celebrities on the red carpet. I am working on creating designs that are distinctively recognisable as Aurea. I have lots of intricate designs sketched up that I am excited to create in time (when the budget allows) using large, rare natural gemstones and diamonds.
As you look ahead, how do you envision Aurea Jewellery continuing to grow and make an impact in the fine jewellery industry?
I would love to see Aurea become more established and recognised for creating high quality, luxury jewellery pieces. I believe that there are still those who appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of a handmade piece of jewellery and would like to see my pieces worn and loved across the world.
Learn more by visiting aurea.co.nz and @aureafinejewellery.
