Lisa Hoskin began designing jewellery in 1992 in the central Italian town of Siena.
She returned to New Zealand in 1993 and has continued to create since, opening her new studio, Lisa Hoskin Jewellery, in Osborne Street this year.
Was jewellery making a pathway you’d always envisioned for yourself?
I was performing and writing lyrics in the 80s Auckland music scene. When I moved to Siena in the early 90s, I had a different kind of cultural awakening. I became involved with making and selling jewellery through friends who made bigiotteria in Florence and they helped me with lessons to get started. Years later I found an old brochure about jewellery courses in Italy that I’d had since the 80s and had completely forgotten about. So, it felt like the idea was in my subconscious, pulling me along.
Does the inspiration you found in Siena continue to form part of your design aesthetic?
Living in Tuscany I was immersed in the Renaissance and medieval arts. My initial pieces were heavily influenced by this and still today I use Italian phrases or poetry cast into gold, silver or sandblasted onto glass. Before the pandemic I travelled back to Siena with my daughter and rekindled much of my inspiration. We met with old friends who have children my daughter now keeps in touch with. I also sourced new materials and products for the showroom, including a lovely range of handmade glass jewellery from Murano.
How has your style evolved over the years?
Initially I was making a Renaissance-influenced range using Italian miniatures but over the years this has progressed to sandblasted glass, silver and gold ranges. These days I also curate a collection of international brands unique to the LH showroom in Newmarket.
What is it about jewellery that creates such personal and sentimental value?
Jewellery often reminds us of loved ones or of a time and place. It could be gifted, inherited, or a thing of beauty we’ve chosen for ourselves. The tactile nature of a piece can be important. For example, a pendant that’s smooth and soothing to the touch – a touchstone or talisman can be a comfort to wear and easy to become attached to. Natural stones evoke sentiment as the amazing forms and colours are created over millennia and can be awe inspiring.
I particularly love seeing customers from the early days with their pieces that are still so treasured. I get to hear the wonderful stories attached to pieces that were special gifts, worn at weddings, and have played a part in their history.
How does the design of your new store reflect the aesthetic that you create in your jewellery pieces?
I love the character of the new showroom in Osborne Street. The high stud, brick, wood, and dappled light gives a boho luxe vibe that suits the collections and is inspiring to work in. The high wooden ceiling gives a feel similar to the 11th-century workspace I used in Italy years ago, and my original workroom in Emily Place in Auckland, which was built in 1901, had a similar feel.
Your favourite piece that you’ve created?
This is always changing but currently it’s the Wild at Heart Pendant in 14k gold or sterling silver.
