Who is Debra Fallowfield?
DEBRA FALLOWFIELD JEWELLER
” I have no desire to mass produce my jewellery or to use any methods that may take away its uniqueness “
Juxtaposing rough with smooth, fine with contemporary, Debra Fallowfield has been at the forefront of jewellery in New Zealand for near on 23 years, with work that continually pushes the boundaries between contemporary and fine jewellery.
Debra specialises in truly unique one of a kind handmade jewels created with care, immense skill and sincere integrity..
Her work is “Miles away from the mainstream .” A refreshing change in a jewellery market saturated with cheap mass-produced replicas.
Signature pieces include bold, heavyweight wedding/commitment bands in gold, often set with diamonds or rainbow-hued sapphires, distinctive engagement rings, and anything that pushes the envelope of traditional jewellery design and techniques.
Debra still chooses to create everything by hand in today’s age of technology, preferring the tactile nature and process of handcrafting over *CAD designed and produced jewellery.
It should be noted that Debra has also lead the charge towards a more organic aesthetic within the wedding/bridal industry inspiring many younger jewellers to head down this path.
This is “slow jewellery ” impeccably crafted for lovers of the unique, and for those who prefer one of a kind, over one of many.
WHAT IS CAD in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing?
In simple terms, CAD is the process of creating jewellery on a computer instead of by hand.
It is used in a wide variety of manufacturing industries including jewellery
Using a computer program, the jewellery design is turned into a master pattern that can be 3D printed in wax then cast in metal and produced thousands of times repeatedly.
CAD can increase production tremendously, but often pieces lose quality and end up with a generic look.
” For me, the journey in creating a piece is just as important as the final result, I enjoy the process and find beauty in the slightly imperfect nature of crafting by hand .”
“I have made things for as long as I remember, I’ve always been a magpie, attracted to bright shiny things”
The workspace
In 2011 Debra’s world came crashing down and she lost her city studio/gallery with much of her tools in Christchurch’s devastating Feb 22nd Earthquake – however, she was incredibly lucky not to have lost her life.
For nearly 3 years after the event, she worked in a tiny closet-like space off the laundry and held wedding ring consultations at her kitchen table.
In 2014 Debra her husband and teenage son decided to move to Dunedin where Debra grew up, settling in creative Port Chalmers – just out of Dunedin.
Debra still works from home – but also has a beautiful gallery store on George Street, Port Chalmers.
Precious – The Retail Space
Debra’s shop in Port Chalmers (just 15 minutes drive from Dunedin) is as custom made as her creations.
Designed and built by her equally as a creative husband, it features sweeping curved walls and inset round cabinets to mirror her work.
Here you will find a huge selection of amazing pieces!
Open most Saturdays 12-4 pm or via appointment *
We do advise you call/text us first to check we are open.
26A George Street, Port Chalmers
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