The Jeweller
Jessica McCormack happily admits she’s a thief. “When I was younger, I ‘accidentally acquired’ anything that was shiny or unusual. I have a collector’s possession obsession.” That fascination for shiny things quickly grew into a passion for combining those trinkets into intricately beautiful pieces of jewellery – chandelier earrings made from the inner workings of a watch, or eclectic charm bracelets. Originally selling from her home in Christchurch, McCormack was asked to supply pieces for Zambesi. On moving to London, she secured a job in the jewellery department of Sotheby’s. Now, she has just opened her own salon space in London – a huge step, but not surprising for someone whose New York Night diamond ring was once worn by Madonna. “I had so much love for [that] ring,” she says. “It literally had to be cut from my finger when a client insisted on buying it.” McCormack finds inspiration everywhere – “art, music, books, poetry, conversations, fashion, dreams, science fiction, architecture, people, shadows” – but especially from “things that speak directly to the soul.” Her aim is to help people realise they have the inspiration and memories themselves to help create beautiful keepsakes. “I would love people to start understanding quality and longevity in the pieces they purchase. We can’t afford to buy something just to throw it away. I want people to collect and create future heirlooms.” We want her to make them for us.
