NZ designers create Christchurch quake jewellery

3.1 k views | Posted March 29, 2011 | By Sonia Nair

Two Wellington-based jewellers are set to help earthquake victims in Christchurch by transforming their broken china into jewellery.

Caroline McGlinchy and Joanne Grove operate a business called Smash Palace where they convert old broken patterned china into one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery pieces.

The idea to transform old broken china and porcelain items of Christchurch victims into jewellery evolved from a visit to the affected town.

“People have been seeking respite from the craziness of Christchurch and many people admired what we were doing and wanted us to make commissions for them,” McGlinchy said.

“This got us thinking that it should not just be for those who can afford to commission our work. [It] should be a gift to anyone who wanted it,” she added.

McGlinchy and Grove have now decided to hold free workshops over three days and are urging people who want to salvage their broken items to come along.

“One woman said to us, ‘I can’t believe you could make something beautiful from our broken lives’. This really struck a cord with us and we [thought we] would love to offer people this option,” McGlinchy said.

The pair have received an overwhelming number of responses and publicity generated from their official website and Facebook page.

They are expecting at least 100 people a day.

“I am feeling very humbled by the experience and we are so thrilled that we are going to be able to help in this small way,” McGlinchy said.

McGlinchy and Grove are not the first jewellery designers to take inspiration from Christchurch’s earthquakes – following last September’s quake in the city, local jeweller Holly Budge launched the “7.1 Quake Collection”. The range was reminiscent of the events, emotions and changes the designer had seen in the city.

The three workshops will be held on April 1, 2 and 3 from 10am to 4pm at 169 Knowles Street in St Albans, Christchurch.

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