A perfect circle

Schmid Gallery/Workshop – a showcase for contemporary jewellery and art – also a workshop where Sandra Schmid creates distinctive jewellery. She regularly takes commissions and offers couples the chance to make their own wedding rings. By Katherine Robinson.

Sandra’s first question for a couple looking for a wedding ring isn’t likely to be about the kind of jewellery they like, more to do with finding out a little more about them as people.

 “I do want clients to tell me about themselves and what they enjoy. It could be that they like nature, or they might say they have a passion for something, or are maybe a bit unconventional. All of this can be integrated into the rings,” says Sandra.

Next there’s the choice of metals and details such as the surface and width of the band. 

 “The metal you choose does makes a difference to the price – there’s a dramatic price difference between 9, 14 or 21 carat gold.”

 Sandra is finding there’s a tilt away from gold, with iron becoming more popular particularly for men.

 As a professional jeweller, Sandra can make your choice of rings, but she thinks it is a particularly loving gesture for each one of the couple to make a wedding ring for one another. It is even more powerful if the base metal is provided by the couple from family jewellery.

“It can be particularly personal if someone brings in old family jewellery – it doesn’t have to be a ring. It could be a necklace or a bracelet that can be melted down,” she says.

The process itself is like alchemy, or maybe even the Lord of the Rings,as what looks like an unpromising piece of metal transforms into an important piece of jewellery under fire and heat.

 “It’s magical,” says Sandra.

 No jewellery making experience is necessary for couples, as Sandra, a gentle and reassuring presence, can guide couples through every step of the way. 

 “It takes about five hours, so they could have a nice breakfast at one of the cafés, morning tea here, then go on to one of the vineyards. It’s about taking time out to enjoy a memory together.”

 Sandra has worked as a jeweller for many years, but the gallery/workshop is a new step for her – and she’s loving it. 
“When I first opened an elderly couple came in and said, "Did you know the first people who owned the house here had a jewellery and watchmaking business – so it was meant to be. Its lovely,  I feel happy, at home here.”

 Schmid Gallery/Workshop, 021 0711441,mail@sandraschmid.co.nz  www.schmid.nz

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