On Wednesday night we were lucky enough to attend Pop, Fizz and Sparkle – the launch of Annette Coleman’s jewellery range, Gate Uniques, at King William Road’s Tomich Wines. Armed with some of the best tasting bubbly, we got to try on all of Annette’s fabulous new creations. Hello, boyfriends of Adelaide? Take note of these sparkly goodies and add them to your ‘presents to spoil your girlfriend with’ list. Hell, ladies, just treat yourself. These babies are worth it.
A real country Aussie at heart, Annette was born and raised on a working property on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, leaving only to follow her dreams in the world of design. She paved her way into the fashion industry with highly successful fashion brands chetWynd and Gate, which were stocked in over 120 boutiques across Australia. It was the tragic loss of her husband to cancer in 2003 that took Annette to rural Asia, where she spent some time soul searching. She didn’t know then that this search would lead her to designing beautiful, storytelling jewellery pieces.
An Asian silversmith inspired her to tell the story of her life journey through symbols, and she did – symbols on silver jewellery such as pendants, necklaces, bracelets and signet rings. This was the beginning of her ride back into design. Gate Uniques had been born.
Annette’s pieces for Gate Uniques incorporate sterling silver, semi-precious stones and shell beads, as well as the ability to tell a story and envelop meaning for the wearer. The brand includes a Manchester collection (hello beautiful serviettes, hand towels, cushion covers and overall home design inspo), belts, soy candles, pendants and sparkling cocktail rings. Authenticity in jewellery is rare – designs are copied, cheapened and become overused quickly. Annette’s Gate Uniques pieces, however, radiate stories, meaning and individuality.
Mother’s Day is coming up and I promise you, Mum will swoon over one of these pieces. Head over to Gate Uniques website now to score her something uniquely beautiful. Or just get one for yourself – or maybe a few for yourself. That can be justified, right? I don’t think I can stop.
