Christopher Rackley has been a jeweller for over 30 years, developing his craft by learning traditional jewellery handmaking techniques. He is inspired by the vibrant colours and bold styles of Portuguese jewellery, and he offers a fresh take on beautiful natural Australian gems, especially opals and Queensland boulder opals and Australian sapphires.
Chris enjoys finding the story in each individual gem and likes to work with the customer to create a piece that will have meaning to them for many years to come. "My pieces are of a high quality designed to last. I like to think of myself as a one-man cottage industry. Designed, made, gems set and finished by me," he says.
In his travels, he likes to observe the jewellery making techniques and design styles from other cultures and countries and incorporate elements of these into his work. He particularly likes to bring in fresh finishes and meld techniques to create a textured and rich aesthetic the fresh ideas he found in Portugal and Eastern Canada. His jewellery reflects his eclectic influences, ranging from geometric shapes to organic forms, from minimalist aesthetics to intricate details.
Chris’ jewellery is not only beautiful but also meaningful. He uses his skills and creativity to express his personal vision and values, as well as to connect with his customers and their stories. He is a jewel of a designer who deserves recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the Australian art scene.
