Here at Freckle Mag we are majorly crushing on Petra Bettjeman and her latest collection. Petra is a trained Goldsmith and specialises in the manufacture of bespoke made to order jewellery. With a brand new studio and stunning new range this talented designer is one to watch. I loved talking to Petra about her range, style and how it all began.

FM-Tell us a little about you first-

I am a young qualified goldsmith who believes in quality New Zealand made, every day and special occasion Jewellery.  I live and work In Auckland and have just opened my first studio in Orakei.

FM-How did your love of Jewellery Design first begin?

As a young girl my mum had two shoe boxes filled with all of her amazing jewellery she had collected over the years (a lot of awesome 80s and 90s stunners).  She had quite a mix of special and costume jewellery.  There were two silk pouches that she hid in her bottom draw that held the good stuff.  I always used to sneak in and try it all on.  Mums collection was bold and exciting I loved looking at it all.  I’ve always loved to make things and usually the finer and smaller the better.  This reflects a lot in my work now. I love small fine rings.  When I left school I had no idea what I wanted to do so I worked at a radio station for a few years then for my parents before moving over to the UK and Ireland with my partner for our big OE.  It was In Dublin that I thought to myself ‘what do I want to do with my life’ and somehow started to Google jewellery schools back home.  I came across Peter Minturn Jewellery School and that was that.

FM-What is your favourite piece of Jewelry that you own?

For my 21^st my Nanna and Granddad gave me a family piece which I didn’t even know existed.  It is a beautiful Gold locket on a stunning handmade chain.  It belonged to my great great Grandmother.  It was a gift to her from her fiancé when they got engaged in Dublin.  I don’t wear it very much as I’m afraid I will damage it so it is in a very safe place waiting for a special occasion.

FM-How would you describe your style?

I found this question difficult to answer as I feel my style is forever changing as I develop.  Mum thinks if I had to put a name to it it’s ‘Casual Elegance’.  Yes perhaps that’s it at the moment.  I love simplicity but I have an eye for fine detail and that reflects in my personal style and my work.  I love the simplicity of fine stackable rings and yet the detail in my Calavera collection excites me too.

FM-Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am inspired by all sorts of situations.  I was so lucky in my early life as my parents took my brother and I to Asia for 6 months where I was amazed at the cultural detail they showed in their art and traditions.  We lived in Tuscany for a year and I’ve seen some exquisite classical art first hand.  I love the emotional side for art, for instance my ‘Calavera’ collection is all about the celebration of life.  My ‘Cute as a Button’ collection came about because my friends are having babies and they are “as cute as a button”.  I also have an exciting new collection I am about to launch that is inspired by the Game of Thrones.

FM-I get really annoyed when..?

I hear an insensitive comment about my work.  These pieces come from my heart and my hands so I can feel hurt, as opposed to annoyed when someone criticizes a beautiful piece.

The other thing that can get up my nose is when people don’t see the value in what’s hand made here in N.Z.  I am a huge advocate for supporting the industries around me that provide setting, raw materials, chain and packaging.  I believe it gives me an edge and a quality that makes my pieces special.

FM-Your dream holiday would be?

My Dream holiday would be going to Japan with my partner Paul and eating, drinking and exploring our way around with an unlimited budget and time. (In my dreams J)

FM-Happiness to you is…?

Happiness to me is my family and friends.  I am extremely close to my mum and dad, family time is very important to me.

My Partner Paul is my rock he has stood by me and supported me in so many ways through life.  He was a huge emotional support through my apprenticeship which was an amazing but tough 3 years.  We just celebrated out 10 year anniversary which is amazing and I can’t wait for the next 10 years of our lives.

My friends are very important to me as well.  I have a very close knit group of girls and even though with all our busy lives my time with them is very precious to me.

FM-Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In 5 years I want my jewellery to be sold all over the world in beautiful boutiques. I also want to launch a small exclusive bespoke engagement ring and diamond jewellery range in the next 12 months.  I would love an awesome team working with me in a beautiful studio creating more beautiful pieces.  I would love a specialist group of designers and jewellers working under the Petra Bettjeman label.  There are so many talented young jewellers out there with such amazing ideas. It is very important to me to keep my jewellery made here in New Zealand with quality metals so I can be involved in the whole process and keep a high standard.

For all enquires or to discuss a quote for custom made jewellery contact on 021 985 220

Check Petra Bettjeman here and follow her on Facebook

ph: 021 985 220