About Gary Barnes

Gary is a fine jewellery designer based in Fitzroy, Melbourne. With over 20 years experience, and having studied jewellery at Stellenbosch University, Gary has honed his classical and contemporary techniques and design skills with jewellers from around the world. Specialising in custom and bespoke design, Gary also has wide experience remodelling jewellery, using the gemstones and precious metals from client's pieces that have sentimental or heirloom value to them. Gary also creates his own collections and supplies jewellery houses in Australia. 

"I have been very fortunate in the people I have studied and worked with.  South African, German, Polish, Indian and Australian - all have shared their technical knowledge and design inspirations freely.

Jewellery is an emotional statement by the wearer, showing who they are, what tribe they belong to, and what they value. So the pieces need to match the wearer’s aesthetic, and hold meaning for them.  They also need to be technically well constructed so that they can withstand the wear and tear of day to day use. They develop their emotional value to their owners by being enjoyed for many years, possibly many generations, and reminding them of joyous relationships, events, triumphs and rites of passage.

What I find most rewarding is when someone tells me they like to wear my piece every day."