Who we are

Nikki and Michaela’s jewellery journey began in 2014, the year of our father’s final illness. As we spent hours by his bed scrolling on our phones, we fell under the spell of Instagram’s antique jewellery lovers.

Within weeks of his death, we bought our first diamond rings: Art Deco three-stones that became our version of mourning jewellery. Our mother said they stood for three strong women.

Michaela had a better slogan: “Life is short. Diamonds.” We liked this so much we used it to name our Instagram account.

Devotion tipped into obsession when Nikki walked into a small Sydney shop and met Karen Deakin, an antique jewellery dealer since 1978 with vast knowledge and a keen eye. Nikki helped Karen set up her website – opening her business to the world – then started visiting the shop each week to take photographs.

In this unexpected late-life apprenticeship – which she wrote about in a 2018 article for the Guardian – Nikki learnt all the boxes that must be ticked for a jewel to be judged “good” and hold its value: design, condition, materials, workmanship, rarity, wearability and authenticity. She also experienced holding a 200-year-old ring and feeling the thrill of “rightness” run through her.

In December 2024 Karen made a first step towards retirement, closing her Sydney shop. With her support and life-changing generosity this website was born.

Now it’s our turn to unite jewellery lovers with talismans to treasure. So many of life’s milestones – matches, hatches and dispatches – are marked by jewellery, given to us by those we love.

We want to help you find beautiful, affordable jewels that thrill you. We offer free returns within 14 days so you can buy with confidence – we want you to be delighted with your purchase.

And if you’d like to see a jewel in person, we can meet you by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.

Let us know how we can help!