Treasures and textures for all

Klustre, a group exhibition of jewellery, Reflections Gallery at World of Wearable Art.

I love to look at jewellery, but never wear it. Maybe it's a bloke thing, maybe it's my age, or maybe it's just me.

If I were a woman (I'd take care to be a rich and beautiful one), it would be quite a different matter. I'd have a field day at the Klustre exhibition.

For my special night out, with my little black dress, I'd choose the necklace by Mieke Van Dam. Small leaf-like forms, which Van Dam calls tree seeds, are linked together, some studded with blue sapphires or aquamarine in a piece of pure beauty.

Her other seven exhibits, either earrings or necklaces, reflect the tree seeds theme in a delicate and coherent display.

For a less formal night, my inner woman would choose a powelliphanta-inspired necklace in sterling silver and resin by Ashley Hilton. His 12 different interpretations of this theme are expressed in delicate spirals, which trace snail shell patterns in subtle references to something quintessentially New Zealand.

Jewellery implies metal, but that doesn't always have to be the case.

Adornment of the body is an assumed function of jewellery, and for a more relaxed night out in my female role I might fancy a cloth patch by Rachel Raphael.

As a matter of fact, even as a bloke I think I'd feel pretty cool with one of them stitched on my hoodie. The themes are a bit girly for my macho self, but I loved the colours and textures.

Duncan Mackay divided his work into three categories. I liked them all, especially the "fusion" group of oxidised copper brooches and pendants. The use of plain silver wire in the pendants kept the focus on the depth and richness of the colour.

My other favourites included the baroque eccentricity of Louise Douglas, the more classic discipline of Andrea Barnes, the delicacy of the work by Nic Wooding, and the cheeky confidence of Peter Elsbury's earrings and studs. Adrian Myers' kowhai earrings and pendant were exceptional.

Not an exhibition to be absorbed in a cursory walk through, there are some gems to be discovered and some rising talent to look out for in the future.

- © Fairfax NZ News