Meet the Maker | House of Coco Fine Jewellery

When a serious family illness meant Annette Crichton-Walsh needed to spend more time at home, the qualified Goldsmith started making jewellery in her spare time. When Annette had collected more exquisite pieces than she knew what to do with, it became clear that she needed to find a way to sell some of her items and the House of Coco Fine Jewellery stall at the local Handmade in the Hunter Markets was born. You can meet Annette and all the other amazing stallholders at the markets this month.

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HVMAG: Hi, Annette! Can you tell us how you got into Jewellery design?

Annette: I am a Fine Manufacturing Jeweller by trade after studying for my qualification at the Enmore Design Centre in Sydney. I always wanted to be a jeweller right from when I was in my late teens, but circumstances prohibited it, so I went to Newcastle Uni and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design instead.

How and when did House of Coco come about?

I started House of Coco in January 2014. I had many ideas for pieces I wanted to handmake, and I already had a home workshop setup. It soon became obvious that besides selling my pieces online, I needed to get out into the world to sell some things. So, I started doing markets.

What types of jewellery do you produce?

I make and sell anything and everything jewellery related! From rings, earrings, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, hat pins, brooches etc. I love when people say, “Oh, this is perfect; I’ve been looking for something just like this forever!”

My top-selling product is probably my freeform heart pendant. Each is uniquely different as I make them freehand; they are available in sterling silver, gold or platinum. They make amazing gifts and can be worn alone or layered with other necklaces.

What materials do you use to create your pieces?

I use precious metals - Platinum, 18ct and 9ct gold, and sterling silver. Sometimes I use a combination of two or more. All of my products are handmade (except for the fine chains), so even the bangles and heavy chains are handmade.