Introducing Emma Jane Donald
Emma Jane Donald is a contemporary jewellery artist known for her intricate, architectural designs and "New Zealand Noir" aesthetic. Excited to find out more, we sat down with Emma to chat about her craft, her inspirations and design process and her recent return to Auckland.
Po8: Welcome to Pieces of Eight Gallery Emma! What was it about our gallery and its ethos that resonated with you and made you want to showcase your work with us?
EJD: I have long admired Pieces of Eight’s thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary jewellery and its strong emphasis on local artisans - a connection that resonated with me as a former Melbournian. The striking, architecturally designed gallery space has always drawn me in, and I’ve loved attending exhibitions there in the past. Now, after returning home to Aotearoa with my family, I’m incredibly excited and honoured to have PO8 as my Melbourne stockist.
Po8: Your collection for Pieces of Eight often features intricate, almost architectural forms. Can you walk us through your design process, from initial inspiration to the finished piece?
EJD: When creating new pieces, I start by experimenting in silver, using elemental forms as the building blocks of my work. I’m drawn to industrial shapes and enjoy juxtaposing them with traditional fine jewellery techniques. Each design naturally evolves into the next through a process of trial and error. In my studio, we often laugh at my habit of sketching designs directly onto my fingers - a slightly unconventional but effective way for me to refine scale and form. As a mother of twins who often spend afternoons with me in the workshop, this hands-on, intuitive approach feels like second nature. Once I feel confident in a design, I translate it into gold, bringing the final piece to life.
Po8: Many of your pieces play with negative space and structural balance. How do you approach the challenge of creating jewellery that is both visually striking and wearable?
EJD: With a background in sculpture, my early works in precious metal were often bold and sculptural, sometimes blurring the line between jewellery and art objects. Over time, I developed a deeper understanding of scale, wearability, and how pieces interact with the body. While I now consider practicality more consciously, I’m still drawn to exploring the delicate balance between form and function - creating pieces that feel both striking and effortless to wear.
Stay tuned for the second part of our interview with Emma Jane Donald. Emma's collection is now on display at our Royal Arcade Gallery. We welcome you to make an appointment or drop in - Monday to Saturday 11am - 5pm, to experience these striking new works.
