Margot McKinney. The Finest Jewels

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Destined to seek out the very finest jewels in the world.

In the heart of Australia, amidst the vibrant tapestry of nature’s wonders, there exists a name that has become synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled elegance: Margot McKinney.

A fourth-generation Australian jewellery designer, Margot’s artistic journey is a testament to the enduring legacy of the McKinney family, a lineage woven with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the art of jewellery designing.

Margot’s creations are more than just jewellery; they are a celebration of the boundless beauty found in the natural world. Inspired by the vivid hues and textures of coral reefs, the lush depths of rainforests, the sun-kissed red earth of the outback, and the profound azure of oceans, Margot’s designs breathe life into organic forms, capturing the essence of nature’s most enchanting creations.

What sets Margot apart is not only her artistic vision but also her unyielding dedication to her craft. With a patience that knows no bounds, Margot often spends a decade curating the perfect collection of gems for a single bespoke piece.

Her hands-on approach extends to every aspect of her work, from personally selecting gems, to collaborating directly and nurturing relationships with her Australian pearl farmer and world-leading gem miners and cutters, ensuring both quality and sustainability.

These rare and precious gems, meticulously sourced, form the heart of her designs, making each piece a unique masterpiece. Margot’s flagship store is located in Brisbane, Australia, while her jewellery also adorns the prestigious establishments of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in the United States.

Queensland Boulder Opal Ring featuring Umbalite Garnet, Amethyst, Tsavorite, Tourmaline, Sapphire and Diamond, crafted in 18 Karat Rose Gold.

A Rich Heritage

The McKinney family business was founded in Toowoomba, Queensland in 1884 by the adventurous and brave John McKinney, recently arrived from Ireland. Following in his pioneering footsteps, his descendants grew and expanded the family luxury goods business to become one of the most respected family businesses in Australia. The McKinney Family values their impeccable reputation for providing the finest merchandise and bespoke personal service.

With signature McKinney passion and creativity, Margot McKinney has leveraged the relationships forged by her family over more than a century and a quarter, to establish her own reputation as a world-renowned jewellery designer. Fourth-generation in the family business, Margot McKinney’s life’s passion is creating exceptional pieces of jewellery from the finest and rarest gems in the world.

Starting her career at an early age in the 140-year-old McKinney family business, she has risen to global acclaim. From this strong grounding and with always the family tradition in her mind, Margot has nurtured her eponymous brand into one of the most desirable bespoke jewellery brands globally featuring in Neiman Marcus across the United States and in Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.

Clockwise From Top Left: Original McKinney’s store on Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, c1900s. John McKinney (founder), 1930. John McKinney (third generation) and wife, Anne McKinney. Sheep herded outside McKinney’s Toowoomba, c1960s. Kenneth McKinney (second generation). John McKinney (junior) and staff, 1952.

Atlantic Queen detachable pendant featuring a rare and important Aquamarine of 119.44ct surrounded by 9.01ct Diamonds. Handcrafted in 18 Karat White Gold.

In Margot’s hands, Pearls cast off any traditionally conservative and understated antecedents. Large and bold, they are integral to many of her designs, often complements with colourful gemstones as the centrepiece of an arrangement. Their natural shapes, either round or baroque (those with an organic shape that is not perfectly round), are used in designs that enhance their extraordinary size and lustrous qualities.

Australia is the birthplace of the finest pearls in the world and the only place in the world where the mighty silver lipped Maxima Pinctada oyster grows. The Australian pearling industry is very small and is tightly controlled by the Fisheries Department to ensure its sustainability. There are a very limited amount of pearl farms in Australia.

South Sea Pearls are some of the best in the world. Known for the quality of their lustre, complexion, colour, shape and size, they range from 10mm – the size of a garden pea – to a maximum of 25mm.

The White-lipped Pinctada Maxima, with a Silvery White Mother-of-Pearl lining to its shell, is the only oyster that thrives in the seas around Northern Australia. As it is the colour of the Mother-of-Pearl that dictates the hue of the gem, Australian South Sea Pearls are always White or lightly tinted Silvery Grey, which makes them easy to distinguish from Black Tahitian, Golden Philippine and Chinese fresh-water Pink Pearls. Each year Margot visits Aji Ellie’s farm, the only independently owned farm, which is a great honour and privilege. This also means that Margot McKinney pearls come directly from the farm to the jewel salons of Neiman Marcus!

Margot’s Pearl journey started with a phone call from an old friend Aji Ellies, who owns a pearl farm in the remote northern tip of Australia in a little-visited place in the Northern Territory. The pristine waters off East Arnhem Land provide perfect conditions to produce the finest Pearls in the world. It is a designers dream to have such extraordinary inspirational gems with which to work.

Australian Pearls are nurtured through their two year growing period in the most pristine waters on the planet. The oysters are tended to and cared for quite intensely as they are the mother of this most precious gem.

“The simplicity of these large, organically shaped Pearls dominates this stunning neckpiece.”

Tribal Chic Necklace highlighted by twenty five Australian South Sea Pearls with “peanut” enhancers set with a myriad of Gemstones and Diamonds, crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.

Jumbo Baroque Pearl Collier featuring five 22-26mm Jumbo Australian South Sea Baroque Pearls set with 12.22ct Diamonds, 17.55ct Sapphire and 19.55ct Tsavorite. Handcrafted18 Karat White Gold.

Diamond Bow Pendant, crafted in 18 Karat White Gold with a strand of Australian South Sea Pearls.

Margot begins with the design. Shape and colour drive her selection of Opals, often paired with other fine gemstones in complementary tones, a process she describes as “painting with gems”.

Margot’s pieces use Australian Boulder Opal and the rarest form of this gem, Black Opal, found mostly in Lightening Ridge.

16.16ct Australian Boulder Opals, set with 36.47ct Blue Zircon and Pistachio Green Pearls. Enhanced by Diamonds, Sapphire, Tsavorite and Peridot.

Pistachio Green Pearls, set with 38.35ct Australian Boulder Opals. Enhanced by Diamonds, Blue Zircon, Yellow Beryl, Paraiba, Demantoid Garnet, Green Tourmalines, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tsavorites and Peridot.

“The opals come from one of the most arid places in the world, the driest environment.”

40.46ct White Opal Ring surrounded by Yellow Sapphires, Amethyst, Peridot, Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds, crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.

53ct Australian Boulder Opals enhanced with Pink and Blue Sapphires, Peridot, Tsavorite, Aquamarine, Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds. Finished with a pair of Blue Topaz drops.

Margot’s distinct design style is characterised by colour and a bold, awe-inspiring aesthetic.

Each piece celebrates life’s joys - from intense depths of colour to exciting locations, family and togetherness - which the artist holds dear.

She designs pieces that make a statement, offering the wearer confidence in making both an entrance and leaving an unforgettable impression.

Multi-coloured Tourmaline and Pearl Double-row Collier featuring 178.26ct multi-colour Tourmalines set with forty-two 13.5-15.2mm multi-coloured round Pearls, Diamonds, Sapphires, Yellow, Pink, Orange and White Sapphires, Tsavorites and Pink Tourmalines. Handcrafted in 18 Karat Rose Gold.

Pink Tourmaline and Peridot Earrings with Kunzite Drops enhanced with Diamonds, Yellow and Pink Sapphires, and Paraiba with a detachable pair of Kunzite total weight 81.49cts, crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.

‘Margot pavé’ was

coined to refer to Margot’s use of stones of significant size and colour, to surround a magnificent centre stone.

153.33ct Amethyst Pendant surrounded with ‘Margot Pave’ of Peridot, Beryl, Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Kunzite, Green Tourmaline, Pink Tourmaline, Rubellite and Garnet with a detachable Australian Baroque South Sea Pearl.

The story behind four generations of design and the world’s rarest gems

ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITIONS AT BRISBANE CITY HALL

The Green Door

Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Margot McKinney’s flagship store is delightfully known as the Green Door and for those lucky enough to visit, a thrilling journey awaits when you pass through this iconic Green Door.

We proudly submit this presentation to support the Board welcoming Margot McKinney as a prestigious new tenant at

785 Fifth Ave.

Our family retail business, spanning five generations and 140 years, has a legacy deeply rooted in providing exceptional luxury experiences. This historic location, once home to Citibank for over 50 years, holds a special place in New York's heritage, making it the perfect setting for Margot McKinney's exquisite brand.

Our approach to fitting out this extraordinary site would be characterized by sensitivity and respect for its history and significance. We understand the importance of preserving the architectural integrity of this landmark while infusing it with the modern elegance that defines Margot McKinney's brand.

Furthermore, our professional marketing and advertising strategies would be tailored to enhance the value of this space within the community and beyond. We would leverage our extensive network and experience in luxury retail to create campaigns that resonate with discerning clientele, drawing attention to the unique offerings that Margot McKinney would bring to this prestigious address.

In conclusion, we are confident that Margot McKinney's tenancy at 785 Fifth Ave would not only honor the legacy of this historic location but also elevate its status as a destination for luxury and sophistication in New York City. We are committed to ensuring that this partnership is mutually beneficial and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of this esteemed property.

The Precious Jewels Salons of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman are known worldwide for an extraordinary and curated offering of the finest gemstones and exquisitely crafted jewelry.

As luxury merchants, we gravitate to collections that possess a unique aesthetic, exquisite artistry and unmatched quality. Margot McKinney shares our passion for fine design and appreciation for rarity.

She is unique, however, because of her innate understanding of the importance of the customer experience to the fine jewelry business. We attribute this sensitivity to the fact that she is a fourth generation jeweler who possesses the rare combination of both design talent and business acumen.

Karen Katz

Immediate Past President and CEO and current Board Member Neiman Marcus Group

Margot McKinney is proud to be a Patron of The Prince’s Trust Australia and an Associate Sponsor for the Global Gala 2024.

The Prince’s Trust was founded by King Charles III to tackle the global crisis of youth unemployment and to support young people worldwide.

The charity helps young people prepare for the rapidly changing world of work, inspires veterans and their families into entrepreneurship and self-employment, and champions resilient sustainable community.

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