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.
It is the boldness of Margot’s approach to jewellery design that immediately strikes the first-time observer. An unfettered freedom of expression, combining opals, pearls and precious gems into works of art that are as captivating and as natural as the Australian landscape that inspires her.
Australian opals
Margot’s pieces use Australian boulder opal and the rarest form of this gem – black opal – found mostly at Lightning Ridge in outback New South Wales. 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”.
South Sea pearls
Australia is the birthplace of the finest pearls in the world – Australian South Sea pearls – and the only place where the mighty silver-lipped Pinctada maxima oyster grows. The natural shapes of these pearls – either round or baroque (those with an organic shape that is not perfectly round) – are featured in designs that celebrate their extraordinary size and lustrous qualities.
The finest jewels
Within Margot McKinney’s œuvre, it is colour – its many bold notes and distinctions – and the highest quality gems that unite her work. What sets her apart is not only her artistic vision but also her unyielding dedication to her craft. With 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.
This article was produced with content supplied by Margot McKinney and is a Signature Luxury Travel & Style digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter.
