Craft Victoria unveils Trove: Contemporary Jewellery

Craft Victoria is set to shine a spotlight on some of Australia’s most innovative jewellery makers with the opening of Trove: Contemporary Jewellery, running from September 27 to November 8 at its Watson Place gallery.

The exhibition brings together 22 artists whose practices explore jewellery as more than ornamentation – presenting it as a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and social commentary.

From intricate works that reflect personal identity to bold designs tackling sustainability and political themes, Trove demonstrates how jewellery can operate on cultural, social and conceptual levels while remaining deeply personal.

Participating artists include some of the nation’s most respected names in the field: Roseanne Bartley, Liv Boyle, Lorraine Brigdale, Christine Collins, Laila Marie Costa, Laura Deakin, Samantha Dennis, Carly Tarkari Dodd, Anna Davern, Polly Dymond, Kirsten Haydon, Inari Kiuru, Anke Kindle, Sarah Lockey, Sim Luttin, Leslie Matthews, Belinda Newick, Emily O’Brien, Gabbee Stolp, Blanche Tilden, Zoe Veness and Melinda Young.

Together, their works create a “treasure trove” of contemporary design – from pieces that highlight material innovation to those that reinterpret traditional forms. Many of the artists are internationally recognised, while others represent the next generation of Australian makers pushing boundaries in scale, concept and technique.

Craft Victoria, which has long been at the forefront of supporting contemporary craft and design, said the exhibition invited audiences to reflect on the role jewellery played in shaping and expressing values.

“Trove celebrates jewellery as a form of cultural storytelling,” the gallery said. “It asks viewers to consider how something small and intimate can hold powerful messages about who we are and what we value.”

Trove: Contemporary Jewellery is on display at Craft Victoria, 11 Watson Place, Melbourne, from September 27 to November 8. Works are also available to view and purchase online: craft.org.au •