Working with gemstones to create beautifully understated every day jewellery blows the mind of Cristin Waite of Dunedin’s LUUM Workshop.

“Our earth creates these vibrant and carefully constructed beauties, they’re just phenomenal – somehow both exhilarating and grounding. They are meaningfully symbolic and I believe carry metaphysical healing properties.”

 The Antiques Roadshow jewellery segment had an influence on Cristin growing up.

“It was total magic but I feel traditional gemstone jewellery is way too elegant, too restrictive and too special for my day-to-day, more laid-back style. Big opulent jewellery is not my thing but I love using beautiful gemstones in my necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are designed to be thrown on with a T-shirt and jeans. My jewellery is definitely crafted to be loved and worn every day, not just for special occasions.”

Cristin graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Arts in Design from  before exploring fashion and graphic design.

“For a while I lost my creative nerve in the real world building a 15-year career in the advertising industry.  But I realised life is brief and it was time to get on with it and two years ago I canned the ad career and created LUUM Workshop.”

“LUUM is my interpretation of the Latin root word ‘lum’ meaning light – think illuminate or luminous. I create each piece by hand using precious and semi-precious gems like emerald, ruby, sapphire, opal, Citrine and garnet as inspiration. I love that these pieces are not mass produced with each gemstone lovingly scrutinised to enhance the piece I am crafting.”

The LUUM Workshop range is represented in six South Island stores alongside online sales attracting clients all over the country. Cristin also designs custom ordered bespoke, personalised pieces.

“It’s so special to talk with new clients and discover which gemstones resonate with them. I’m fortunate to have an eye for what colour combination might suit their personality and we take it from there. Glorious colours abound with gemstones such as pink tourmaline, lapis lazuli and green tsavorite garnet.”