Sunglasses may now be compulsory in Macleay Street Elizabeth Bay. The dizzying and blinding dazzle of diamonds at Heidi and Hart’s new jewellery atelier has upgraded the retail landscape of the area.

Heidi Onisforou and Benjamin Hart are high-end jewellery deign specialists. The workshop and studio are on display from the street so passers-by can see into the workshop where the genius happens.

Benjamin Hart has won numerous awards for his designs and craftmanship. He has won many awards.

They both live in the area.

Heidi Onisferou has the aesthetic acumen to see what a diamond can do with its colour, clarity, cut and carats and how it can add lustre, beauty and presence for the wearer. Their combined talents create a symbiosis based on mutual respect and an innate understanding.

Benjamin says “When I design pieces I mean them to be worn, not as accessories but for distinct memories and stories unto themselves.”

He has various awards including the 2014 Australasian Jewellery Ward for Precious Metals, the 2016  Australian Award for Jewellery Design and the 2018 JAA Design Sketch award sponsored by Paspaley.

All items are certified by GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, for quality and graded by the IGI, the International Gemological Institue. All gems are sustainably sourced and ethically viable. They are provenanced from Rahaminov Diamonds in Los Angeles whose celebrity clients include Gweneth Paltrow, Katie Perry and Miranda Kerry.

The Macleay Street maison has only been open for three weeks but is already captivating locals. It is carefully coiffured with French Blue Royale highlights as a backdrop together with 18^th century gilt mirrored panels from a French Chateau in the south of France. It’s very Versailles. It’s a diadem of diamonds with the effect like stepping into a jewel box. Its beauty is embracing, mesmerising and captivating.

The carefully curated range of items includes pearls, earrings, an estate Art Deco diamond studded bow tie, an elegant diamond and ruby parrot brooch and beautiful gold necklaces among many other objects d’art.

But because this is more than just a retail outlet Benjamin relishes designing bespoke pieces to accommodate clients’ wishes or incorporate estate pieces into a updated design, recreating a living lustre and bringing them back to life. He has a lifelong commitment to excellence in craftmanship.

Men’s wear includes cufflinks, bracelets and the growing market for lapel pins and brooches.

Their much-admired designs walk a tightrope between artistry and wearability which reflects their raison d’etre; they achieve perfect proportions, harmony and purity. They are like a delicate piece of poetry poised to sing their wearer’s fine taste.

They work the light and lightning within each stone.

For Christmas all their suggestions have a mesmerising charm including their pot pourri of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earings, lapel pins and brooches.

Heide and Ben anticipate future opportunities on-line and note that more clients are wearing jewellery more informally today.

Contacts

Location 3/28 Macleay Street Elizbeth Bay

Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

Email info@heidiandhart.com.au

Phone 0400 336 060

Instagram: @heidiandhart

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions