5 minute read
ABI TOBIA
from EYE Magazine Collector's Edition 11 Winter 2024
by Multi Media Magazines EYE magazine and Chinese EYE magazine
Solitaire De Parnell
Abi, congratulations on being recognized by EYE magazine as one of the Women to Watch in business. Your journey from an art painter to the owner of Solitaire De Parnell is truly inspiring. Could you share with us how your early exposure to jewellery and gemstones through your mother’s passion influenced your transition into the world of fine jewellery?
Thank you for the recognition and the opportunity to share my journey with you. My early exposure to jewellery and gemstones through my mother’s passion played a significant role in shaping my transition into the world of fine jewellery.
As a young girl, I was fascinated by the beauty and sophistication of the jewellery pieces my mother collected and wore. She had a keen eye for quality craftsmanship and exquisite design, and she often shared stories about the history and significance of different pieces in her collection. This exposure ignited my curiosity and appreciation for the artistry and symbolism behind fine jewellery.
While growing up, I developed a deep love for art and aesthetics. I pursued a career as an art painter, channelling my creative energy into expressing myself through painting. However, my passion for jewellery never waned, and I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of fine jewellery as a form of wearable art. My transition into the jewellery industry more than twenty years ago was a natural evolution of my artistic journey. Today, I founded Solitaire De Parnell with a vision to curate a collection of exquisite jewellery pieces that embody beauty, craftsmanship, and elegance.
Through Solitaire De Parnell, I strive to create a platform where artistry and craftsmanship converge, showcasing handcrafted jewellery pieces from renowned designers and brands from Italy and around the world. My early exposure to jewellery and gemstones instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art of jewellery-making, and it continues to inspire me as I navigate my path in the world of fine jewellery.
Solitaire De Parnell’s collection is truly exquisite, featuring handcrafted jewellery pieces from renowned Italian designers and European brands. Can you tell us more about the influence of Italian design and craftsmanship on your curated selection of jewellery?
Certainly! Italian design and craftsmanship have long been celebrated in the world of jewellery for their exceptional quality, attention to details, and innovative designs. There are several key aspects of the influence of Italian design and craftsmanship on Solitaire De Parnell’s curated selection of jewellery. First, Italian artisans are renowned for their mastery of traditional jewellerymaking techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is crafted with precision and care, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Additionally, Italian designers are known for pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery design, often incorporating innovative techniques and materials to create striking and unique pieces. Solitaire De Parnell’s collection showcases this innovation, featuring pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. Moreover, Italian jewellery design is often characterized by its sophisticated and elegant aesthetics. From sleek and modern designs to detailed and ornate pieces, Italian jewellery reflects a refined sense of style that appeals to determining clients seeking luxury and exclusivity. Italian artisans are meticulous in their attention to detail, ensuring that every facet of a piece is carefully considered and executed to perfection. This commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the exquisite detailing found in the jewellery featured in Solitaire De Parnell’s collection. Finally, Italy has a rich cultural heritage that serves as a constant source of inspiration for its designers. Whether drawing from Renaissance art or contemporary fashion trends, Italian jewellery often reflects a deep appreciation for versatility and aesthetics.
I’m fascinated by the mention of antique jewellery pieces in your collection and the availability of natural loose diamonds for sale. How do these vintage pieces inspire your curation process, what stories do they carry within them, and what are the advantages of selling loose diamonds?
Vintage jewellery pieces hold a special place in my heart and play a role in inspiring my curation process for Solitaire De Parnell’s collection. Each vintage piece carries with it a unique history, craftsmanship, and story that resonates with collectors and enthusiasts alike. Making them cherished treasures for generations to come.
When curating vintage jewellery for my collection, I’m drawn to pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty. These pieces often serve as a source of inspiration, influencing the overall aesthetic and theme of the collection. By incorporating these pieces into my collection, I aim to preserve and celebrate the rich history and heritage of jewellery-making. Vintage jewellery often features complex designs, unique gemstone cuts, and exquisite detailing that are characteristic of the time period in which they were created. These design elements inspire me to seek pieces that showcase exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression. Despite their age, many vintage jewellery pieces possess a timeless beauty that transcends trends and fads. Incorporating these pieces into my collection allows me to offer clients a selection of jewellery that is both classic and enduring in its appeal. solitaire.net.nz
As for the loose diamonds we offer for sale, loose natural diamond stones can be fascinating objects that inspire creativity and storytelling in various ways. Diamonds are renowned for their beauty and rarity. They’re formed under intense pressure and heat deep within the Earth, symbolizing endurance and resilience. We at Solitaire De Parnell offer natural loose diamonds to allow our customers to customize their jewellery pieces according to their preferences. They can select the diamond stone they want based on factors like cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, enabling them to create a truly unique and personalized piece of jewellery.
We can work with our clients to create custom settings that complement the chosen diamond, resulting in one-ofa-kind jewellery creations tailored to individual tastes and styles. Additionally, some customers may prefer to select their diamonds separately from the setting to ensure they get the highest-quality stone possible. Solitaire De Parnell can cater to these discerning customers who prioritize diamond quality and authenticity by offering loose diamonds. Our loose diamonds range comes exclusively from New York. They are all GIA-certified, and we can thoroughly ensure the authenticity, quality, and ethical sourcing of the diamonds we offer.
The ambiance of a jewellery store plays a significant role in the overall experience for customers. Can you describe the design philosophy behind Solitaire De Parnell’s store and how you ensure it is welcoming to every visitor who steps through the door?
Absolutely, our design philosophy for the Solitaire De Parnell store is centred around creating a luxurious yet welcoming environment that enhances the overall shopping experience for our customers. Hence, the design of our store reflects the timeless elegance and sophistication of the jewellery we offer. Clean lines, neutral tones, and luxurious materials such as brass and velvet create a sense of understated luxury, allowing the jewellery to take centre stage. We strive to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visitor feel welcome and valued.
Overall, our design perspective is rooted in creating a pleasant and inclusive space where customers can explore and appreciate the beauty of fine jewellery in a relaxed and luxurious setting, whether they are browsing our selection or seeking expert guidance from our team. We strive to exceed expectations at every turn, ensuring every visitor who steps through the door of Solitaire De Parnell feels valued, inspired, and eager to return.
Everyone deserves to adorn themselves with something beautiful adding a touch of elegance and luxury to life’s everyday moments.