"…these gems have life in them – their colours speak, say what words fail".
-George Elliot

Justine Austen is both a jeweller and miniature sculpture artist. She is fascinated with the way people communicate using body adornment and the identity they can create for themselves through a piece of jewellery.
"I particularly enjoy the way each piece develops new meanings, other than those I have attached, through the wearer and the viewer of the piece once it has left my hands."


Artist Bio
Justine Austen completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons, Gold and Silversmithing), Monash University, 1998. She followed her passion for gemmology, gaining a Certificate IV in Gemmology, Gemmological Association of Australia, 2004. In 2009 Justine held two solo exhibitions of her Monster Zoo collection- at Pieces of Eight Gallery and KickArts Contemporary Arts, Cairns. She has been manufacturing jewellery for over a decade and is currently based in Melbourne.

Exhibitions at Pieces of Eight
Monster Zoo
October 13 - November 14, 2009

My Pet Rock
June 24 - July 19, 2008