At Tania Mallow Jewellery, my aim is to capture the inherent elegance of nature through the enduring art of impeccable craftsmanship. With over twenty years immersed in the world of jewellery making, I personally design and meticulously craft each piece to be a lasting treasure.
My Journey
My creative journey began organically, in my father's garage, experimenting with wire and glass beads. This early exploration ignited a lifelong passion. Even as a young girl, selling braided wristbands to my classmates, I felt the pull of bringing my creations to others. Formal training with renowned Goldsmith Chris Schweder in 2001 provided the technical foundation for my artistic vision.
In early 2005, I saw an opportunity to create high-quality, handmade jewellery that blended exquisite design with accessible pricing, leading to the birth of 'Tania Mallow Jewellery.'
Making the jump
In 2021, I made the jump and decided to make jewellery making my full-time pursuit, drawing endless inspiration from the beauty of our natural landscapes, the charm of native birdlife, and the refined simplicity of classic contemporary aesthetics. Collaborating with clients to bring their unique jewellery ideas to life is also a deeply rewarding part of my work.
For more than two decades, sharing my creations in galleries and stores across New Zealand has allowed me to build wonderful connections with those who appreciate handcrafted artistry.
The process of bringing a piece to life, from a simple idea on paper to the final result, is incredibly fulfilling. It's a journey I truly cherish.
MY Creative Process: A Conversation with Tania
Question: Where does the inspiration for your jewellery typically come from?
For me, the journey of a new piece begins with an idea – often sparked by the textures and forms I observe in the natural world here in Aotearoa. It might be the delicate unfurling of a fern frond, the intricate patterns on a seashell I've found, or the graceful flight of a native bird. These initial inspirations often translate into quick sketches in my notebook.This is where the first whispers of a design take shape, a dance between the organic lines I see and the potential of metal and stone.
Question: Once you have an idea, what's the next step in bringing it to life?
Once an initial concept takes hold, my focus shifts to the materials themselves. I carefully consider the properties of sterling silver, the warmth of bronze, or the unique character of each gemstone. Often, the inherent qualities of the materials guide the design further. I might experiment with different techniques – perhaps the subtle hammering that creates a beautiful texture, the delicate art of filigree, or the vibrant application of enamel. Each step in the process is a hands-on exploration, a conversation between me and the medium, working together to achieve the desired form and finish.
Question: Can you walk us through the evolution of a typical piece of your jewellery?
The creation of a piece of Tania Mallow Jewellery is rarely a linear process. An initial idea might evolve and transform as I work with the materials and refine the design. There's a constant back-and-forth, a careful consideration of balance, texture, and wearability. It's in these stages of shaping, soldering, setting, and polishing that the true character of the piece emerges. Each mark, each carefully placed element, contributes to the final story the jewellery tells.
Question: What's the most rewarding aspect of your creative work?
There's a quiet satisfaction in taking a fleeting idea and transforming it into something tangible and lasting. My creative process is deeply personal, a way for me to connect with the beauty I see around me and share that connection with you. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final polish, each piece carries a part of that journey. It's about more than just aesthetics; it's about the feeling the piece evokes, the story it whispers, and the way it connects with the wearer.