ROXANNE WATTS
Roxanne Watts is a Melbourne based Gold and Silversmith and Jetsmith who specializes in working with Jet, particularly Whitby Jet.
Inspired by the history of Medieval and Victorian Europe, Roxanne is particularly influenced by Victorian jewellery. A beautiful gem that started forming 180 million years ago in the Jurassic period, from the fossilised Araucaria tree, Jet is black and velvety in appearance, light in weight and it warms to the touch. In Australia, Jet is difficult to source. Even more so is the superior Whitby Jet. Roxanne combines silver and 18ct gold in her pieces to accentuate the blackness of this unique material. Designs include large gem structures featuring scrollwork, ornate frames, Victorian symbols, Fleur de Lys, Crosses, and floral motif reflected in a memoir of style: an homage to a romantic and decadent time now gone.
Roxanne creates original pieces that are a blend of traditional techniques and style. Each piece is then given a twist of individual contemporary flair. As a Maker, Roxanne strives to make quality pieces that will last: perhaps even until another ornate era has come.
All jet pieces are traditionally hand faceted and finished. A personal element is thus infused into each piece. Many are totally unique, with no similar items having been produced. In addition to Whitby Jet other historical materials and techniques such as mammoth tusk from the pre Ice Age and cloisonné enamel feature in the collection and exhibition pieces. Roxanne uses larger Whitby Jet pieces and cloisonné enamel for her exhibition pieces, combining traditional techniques and materials with with contemporary materials such as aluminium, ebonite and mild steel.
Both Whitby Jet and Mammoth tusk are rare materials and there is a very limited source available, it is a precious commodity like diamonds or platinum.