Art Deco inspired Australian jewellery designer David Parker creates beautiful contemporary jewellery for men and women
David Parker
David Parker grew up in rural Melbourne, but today spends lots of time in a cosy mezzanine workshop overlooking a gallery in a funky, yet to be really discovered, Melbourne lane way.
He greets me with an infectious smile and a warm handshake. David is obviously besotted with the world of jewellery design and though he is based in Melbourne, he has pieces in galleries around the world.
He tells me about his childhood, his mother who inspired and encouraged creativity, his father who was a carpenter and of always being around timber and tools. Crafting objects from raw materials is in David’s blood, but feeling restricted by the limitations of timber, he began to explore metals, working free of change one day a week with a local jeweller. An apprenticeship followed shortly afterwards and later David moved to the inner suburbs and began working on 'society pieces’ for wealthy patrons while continuing to pursue his desire to become technically proficient and push the boundaries of design and materials.
Today, David Parker designs embody a unique and exciting connection between head, heart and hand. His technical precision and clean lines are a result of sheer hard work, traditional training and years spent working with some of Australia's leading jewellers. His style comes from within and around him. A love of older, particularly art deco design and architecture, which he interprets with the passion and style of a modern sculptor to create pieces that are innovative, elegant, unique and exquisite.
David chooses to work with a number of precious metals and stones, exploring their attributes and limitations and forging them through skill, passion and technique into wearable works of art.
“I’m committed to making jewellery of the highest standards. I believe the value of my work comes from the design, workmanship and attention to detail I put into the pieces I create.” - David Parker