This might look like a miniature toolkit befitting of one of Snow White’s dwarves, but it’s actually a jewellery-customisation kit created by Melbourne brand Edenborough Evans. Using the lettered stamps and the tiny gold hammer, words and whispers can be forever imprinted in nameplate necklaces and bracelets.
Called Personalised Collections, the kit is the bright idea of Edenborough Evans co-founder Anna Cowen, who launched the label with her sister Kate in 2009, after studying Visual Arts (Metals and Jewellery) at Monash University (Kate provides the duo’s business brains).
“The Personalised Collections resulted from family and friends always wanting to watch me working in the studio,” Anna says. “They were always keen to understand the process and wanted to have a go. Jewellery is very personal and we thought it would be great to allow our customers to put their own unique touch on pieces.”
The delicate customisation process provides a nice counterpoint to Edenborough Evans’ current collection, which offers striking, coral-inspired pieces in silver and gold. The sisters have shown a similarly bold approach to their business – after just one year, they were invited to exhibit in the world-renowned accessories and fashion show, Premiere Classe in Paris. From there it was London, where the brand is now stocked in Harrod’s. “We’re strong believers in creating our own luck and work hard to make the most of our opportunities,” Kate says.
They’ve also had their eyes on this particular prize for many years, having launched their first jewellery business at the tender ages of nine and 10.
“We called it Bead2Bead, after the popular music duo at the time, Sister2Sister, and sold our beaded creations at the local surf shop,” Anna laughs. “Business was conducted from the pages of an exercise book covered in dolphin-print contact.”
They’ve come a long way since printed contact and local surf shops. Edenborough Evans is now stocked around Australia and internationally, as well as online here. The Personalised Collection kit is available at Arabella Ramsay boutiques and elsewhere. But before you begin stamping those nameplates, you’d be advised to double-check all necessary details.
“One of our customers was stamping in her wedding date,” Anna recalls. “She got the date wrong by one day and had to be reminded by her husband – who was standing right next to her at the time.”
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