While growing up in New Zealand, Julian Polglase was surrounded by a family of doers who taught him that if you can think it, you can do it. He came to live by this creed, and in 2015, he began honing his jewellery-making craft from his Melbourne studio. Polglase's style came to be characterised by raw, rustic and earthy designs that play with natural reactions like oxidization and showcase the qualities of the metals he's working with.
Most importantly, everything is hand-crafted using sustainably sourced materials — in a world of fast fashion and mass-produced baubles, it's easy to lose sight of the value of a high-quality piece that can be treasured for a lifetime. With the help of his partner Alejandra Barrantes, Polglase launched Blackstone Bespoke in 2020.
The range features rings, pendant necklaces, cuff bracelets and chain bracelets, with choker necklaces and earrings joining the collection by mid-2023. Perfect for gifting (or for treating yourself!), the collection includes a mix of everyday jewellery and pieces strong enough to work as statement jewellery for holidays and nights out. Think silver pendants reminiscent of wax seals and etched with rustic details, oxidised metal made to look like striking pieces of onyx and rings for every finger.
Plans are currently underway to craft a premium range featuring gold and precious stones like diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. Best of all, many of the pieces in this collection will be one-of-a-kind. And if you can't wait but are after a bespoke piece, custom orders can be arranged here. To get your hands on the current collection, you can visit the website, organise a visit to the studio (by appointment only) or visit Maison Otto, the label's first Melbourne stockist. And if you operate a store that's keen to carry the brand, you can request to be a stockist through the website.
Polglase and Barrantes don't want to stop there, though. Since accessories are what truly make the outfit, future plans involve turning Blackstone Bespoke into a one-stop shop for luxury jewellery, scarves, hats and more. To make that dream a reality, the duo is on the hunt for a Melbourne storefront and for other brands to work on consignment in the space.
Visits to the studio are by appointment only, and you can browse both ranges through the Blackstone Bespoke website.