Portrait by Fairfax & Roberts

Portrait by Fairfax & Roberts is an inspiring diffusion jewellery line that reflects the quality and excellence of Fairfax & Roberts’ heritage and culture.
Sparkle amongst your friends and family this holiday season with a unique jewellery piece from the range. Each piece of jewellery is stamped with a jeweller’s hallmark, representing quality of design and craftsmanship.

Rescu loves Fairfax & Roberts’ philosophy of “don’t hang anything on your body that you wouldn’t hang on your wall”, so you know you’re investing in an art piece with quality designs and craftsmanship that has been at the heart of the company since 1858.

The Portrait by Fairfax and Roberts collection will let you experience attainable luxury designed for the modern woman in a fresh and contemporary environment. 

RESCU chatted with head designer, Catherine Barnett about what inspired the collection.

RESCU: Why did you create the Portrait collection in silver?

Catherine Barnett: I wanted to create something beautiful using alternative metals and gemstones to traditional Fairfax and Roberts jewellery.

RESCU: You have also incorporated some semi-precious stones - what are they and what inspired you to work with these stones?

Catherine Barnett: People love colour and history of gemstones. Silver is a great medium to act as a contrast against many gemstones. We have included Chalcedony, Spinel, Peridot and Green Amber to name a few. Gemstones are an incredible microcosm of the wonders of nature. Gemstones are formed under great pressure over millions of years. I am constantly inspired by each stones unique personality.

RESCU: Many of the collections have been inspired by travel; can you tell us more about this?

Catherine Barnett: I have lived overseas for many years and have been fortunate to have travelled extensively during this time. A person cannot be immune to the influence of these things, even on a subconscious level. As a designer, ideas come to me at any time, one will strike at the most unexpected moments. I am particularly inspired by architecture of historical periods where decoration and ornamentation is incorporated into buildings.

RESCU: Which are your favourite pieces from the Portrait collection?

Catherine Barnett: I love the Adorn Cuff. I think it encapsulates current trends and shows off the expert craftsmanship that is inherent in the brand and its parent brand. I also love the Petunia miniature stud earrings. Small in size, yet they still make a strong statement.

Silver and gemstone jewellery pieces retail from $190. Available from October 2012 from MYER Melbourne City (VIC) and MYER Sydney City (NSW).

Check out the Portrait by Fairfax and Roberts Designer Gallery