Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Gems As Emotion: Heather B. Swann at MONA

Jul 3, 20261 min read

Gems As Emotion: Heather B. Swann at MONA

During a recent visit to MONA, our founder Melanie experienced the evocative new site-specific installations by Tasmanian artist Heather B. Swann: Cabinet of knowing and weeping and the Cabinet of seeing and knowing.

Flanking the entrance to Anselm Kiefer’s monumental Elektra, these striking caryatids stand as a sanctuary for the weary traveller. Look closely within their alcoves and you’ll discover sculpted glass eyes, some observing, others weeping tears, masterfully rendered in precious gemstones.

For Melanie, seeing gemstones employed as vessels for such profound human emotion was deeply inspiring. It serves as a powerful reminder that the materials we work with every day can carry memory, symbolism and stories far greater than their physical form.

Swann’s works pave the way to MONA’s soon-to-open Phrontisterion library space, making them a compelling stop for anyone with an appreciation for art, design and exceptional craftsmanship.

With more visits to MONA planned, stay tuned as we share further discoveries from this extraordinary cultural landscape.

Photo Credit: Mona/Jesse HunnifordImage Courtesy the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Share

Read more

ArtJun 25, 20261 min read

SPECTRA: Ryoji Ikeda at MONA

On my recent visit to MONA, I found myself completely captivated by Ryoji Ikeda’s Spectra. There is something profoundly moving about a single, monumental pillar of light piercing fifteen kilometr...

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