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Exploring Gemstones with Julia Storey

Jul 8, 20262 min read

Exploring Gemstones with Julia Storey

We were privileged to step inside the Melbourne studio of much-loved local contemporary jeweller, Julia Storey.

Julia shared her all-encompassing passion for gemstones, and showed us through the creation of some of her latest sapphire rings, earrings and a pendant. Scroll down for a peek at some of Julia's extensive gem collection or head to our Instagram to see the video Reel.

PO8: It's great to come into your studio and see all the beautiful gemstones you have in your collection! Can you talk us through your selection process?

JS: I really love sapphires, rubies, pearls and diamonds. I select my stones in a couple of different ways. I either meet with my gem dealers to browse gems for my stock collection, or, if I'm sourcing something for a client, I usually get a few options and then allow the client to choose one which speaks to them the most.

I really spend a long time looking at gemstones. I look for high quality stones that are cut well and will continue to keep showing their brilliance over many years of wear.

PO8: With so many incredible gemstones featured in your pieces, can you describe what your favourite is, and what draws you to them most?

JS: I have a large selection of teal sapphires - I love these stones for their hardness, and their fun colours make a gorgeous alternative to a standard engagement ring.

Thanks to Julia for generously sharing her workspace with us. If you'd like to explore her collection of unique jewellery for yourself, visit Julia's artist page online or pop into Pieces of Eight Gallery.

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Loved by many

Bespoke

Such an amazing experience. My bespoke ring is stunning. It is constantly admired and I have people comment on it weekly asking where I had it made. Thank you again Melanie for my beautiful ring ( and my other gorgeous jewellery as well).Fiona

Engagement

I’ve been fortunate to have followed Mel’s work for almost 20 years— and have appreciated the immense effort she has put into her own work, not to mention curating a wonderful group of artists through Po8.Over the years I’ve been able to purchase her work— and it was a no brainer to get my engagement and wedding bands made by her. Her staff are incredibly helpful and kind- and I always make an effort to swing by and see what is in store.Shawn

Sapphire

My partner proposed to me with a Melanie Katsilidis Australian blue sapphire ring. We are absolutely floored by its beauty. The architectural design, the jewels, the cut, it’s just out of this world! Thank you so much to Melanie and her team for all the thought, care and class with which you created our forever treasure!Natalie

Pearls

Pieces of Eight is my go-to for timeless, wearable luxury. The curation is always on point and all the artists in this gallery are incredibly talented. However, Melanie Katsalidis' pieces are my absolute favourite—sculptural, stunning, and unique. I always get compliments when I wear her creations. I own several and wear them constantly. They're effortlessly special, every day. I am obsessed with this place!LTP

Loved by many

Excellent customer service. The staff were helpful from the moment I walked in, through to selecting, purchasing, and resizing a ring. When illness meant I couldn't come in to the boutique, they gladly reorganised. The ring itself is an absolute banger, for what it's worth -- my fiancée and I couldn't be happier! Highly recommended. David

The whole experience has been an unalloyed pleasure: a range of pieces that I enjoy choosing from, staff who are helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and helped make the whole process enjoyable. They handled the online enquiry as efficiently as they do in person. Anne

Pieces of Eight is an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures, show casing some of the most original and creative jewellery and objects to be found in Melbourne, let alone around the world. Over the years I have bought many different items from them and all, without fail, receive positive comments from family, friends and strangers when they see them. Dean

Belinda Esperson

Always a wonderful experience working with the fabulous team at Pieces of Eight! First time working with them on a custom piece, by artist Belinda Esperson. A family member loved the style a brooch though found it a little large so she created a smaller version that was just perfect. Leonie