Meet Hannah Chambers: Behind the Counter at Pieces of Eight

If you’ve visited Pieces of Eight Gallery during the last year and half, you’ve likely had the pleasure of being greeted by Hannah Chambers. Joining the team as the gallery’s Retail Manager in early 2024, Hannah is known for her keen eye, warmth, and love and appreciation for jewellery and the artists we represent.

Hannah brings both expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every client interaction. We sat down with her to talk about her jewellery journey, her favourite works in the gallery, and what makes this creative space so special.

PO8: Hannah, what led you to your current role as Retail Manager at Pieces of Eight?

HC: Fate! I used to do some studio work for Nina Ellis, an artist PO8 represented way back when the gallery was based in Fitzroy. She would set me up at Melanie's workbench, and I always loved seeing Mel's Suspended Pearl pieces scattered over the bench as I worked. Years later, I finally bought myself a pair of her large pearl hoops from that range. A PO8 colleague spotted me wearing them while I was working at my last position. We got to chatting and the rest is history.

PO8: What do you love most about working with contemporary jewellery and design?

HC: I adore working with all the different artists, learning about their processes and how their minds work, but my favourite thing about the job is the clients I get to meet. Hearing their stories, and getting to help mark the important moments in their lives, is a complete delight and privilege. 

PO8: What does a typical day look like for you in the gallery?

HC: My first task of the day is setting up the space, getting all the jewellery out and placing it on display. I like beginning the day by handling all the pieces; it's meditative and almost ritualistic. I prepare for any client consultations that might be booked during the day, check emails from clients and artists alike, and once the doors open, I’m ready to meet with clients. I could be measuring someone’s ring size for an adjustment, helping choose a birthday gift, or working with a couple to design the engagement ring they'll treasure and pass down as a future heirloom. I especially love running gemstone viewings; I get to play with beautiful gems and see jewels come together from start to finish. Handing over a finished piece and seeing my clients eyes light up is incredibly satisfying - it never gets old.

PO8: We know picking favourites is an impossible task, but which artists or pieces are you coveting at the moment?

HC: I recently received an order of an Anna Marrone pendant I’ve wanted for the longest time. It’s engraved with the phrase ‘In Vino Veritas’ (in wine there is truth), which makes me laugh. I also have my eye on Georgie Harrison’s 'Polar Grey Spinel Necklace' from her new Bonded collection. Georgie achieves this incredibly soft texture on the yellow gold, and I’m obsessed with how this contrasts with the brightness of the gem.

PO8: It’s no secret within the gallery that you’re a spinel enthusiast. For readers who may not know much about these gemstones, what draws you to them?

HC: I love all spinels, but I'm most drawn to the grey stones. They are singly refractive like a diamond, so they have that same intense sparkle, but with the moodier grey tone. They also come in the most intense reds and pinks you've ever seen, soft lavender and mauve, deep teal, and occasionally rich cobalt blue. They've been tragically overlooked historically, but many people working in the jewellery industry really appreciate them. For me, I'll never go past the grey spinel. They give you all the brilliance and elegance of the most beautiful diamond, but with so much more character and individuality. I could look at them forever and not get bored.

PO8: How would you describe the experience of visiting Pieces of Eight to someone who’s never been here before?

HC: I think visiting Pieces of Eight feels a bit like stepping into a hidden world. We’re tucked away down one of Melbourne City's laneways, so it already feels special when people find us. Once inside, the space is calm and beautifully lit. Every display feels considered. There’s a quiet sense of discovery as you move through and take in the details of each piece. We want everyone who comes in to feel welcome and unhurried, to have the time to ask questions, try things on, and really connect with the work.

PO8: When you’re not in the gallery, where do you find inspiration?

HC: I find inspiration in beautiful experiences; travelling to new places, eating incredible food, and hearing live music. When I travel, I’m always drawn to galleries, architecture, and the unique fashions of a place; anywhere I can see how design reflects a culture. All of those moments feed back into how I think about style, presentation, and storytelling in the gallery.

Hannah’s passion for contemporary jewellery is at the core of the Pieces of Eight experience. Her insight, care, and knowledge make each visit personal and pleasurable, a reminder that behind every handcrafted piece is a story waiting to be shared. You can make an appointment, or drop in anytime during our opening hours of 11am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday, to visit Hannah and her team at Pieces of Eight, 28 Russell Place, Melbourne, 3000