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Inside the Tidal Wave Launch

Aug 15, 20261 min read

Inside the Tidal Wave Launch

Tidal Wave opened on the evening of Thursday 13 August, 6 to 8pm, at 28 Russell Place. The room was full.

The exhibition began with a question from Gallery Director Melanie Katsalidis: what happens if you ask a painter to work directly onto a pearl. Baroque pearls are not made for paint. The surface is curved and nacreous, built to throw light back rather than hold pigment, and no two are the same shape. Nine Australian artists were each sent a pair, along with enamel paint, and left to solve it.

Nine responses came back: eight pairs of earrings, and a pearl strewn sculpture by Troy Emery.

Our thanks to Emma Coulter, Troy Emery, Betra Fraval, Lucas Grogan, Pia Murphy, Joshua Searle, Miranda Skoczek, Heather B. Swann and Kate Tucker, and to everyone who came out on a Thursday night in August.

Tidal Wave is on view at Pieces of Eight, 28 Russell Place, until Saturday 29 August 2026.

Photography by Michael Pham.

With thanks to Never Never Distilling Co. and StrangeLove for supporting the evening.

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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

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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