Black Finch Jewellery Store by Danielle Brustman

This jewellery store in Melbourne by Danielle Brustman has all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from the designer; a quirky and vibrant space filled with colour, that champions local design makers and artisans.

Founded in 2007 by master jeweller Raymond de Zwart, Black Finch calls inner-city Melbourne home. Fusing influences of the art world with the poetics of fine jewellery making, Raymond alongside Creative Director Davina Adamson delivers an elevated experience for those seeking a unique piece of fine jewellery.

When the brand had (well) outgrown their space they tapped Danielle, longtime friend and local Melbourne talent to develop the interiors for their new Collingwood digs. The space was empty, vast, and austere at the first site visit. Danielle looked to inject warmth into the space alongside some much-needed character and electricity. The main goal was to do this without distracting from the jewellery itself which ultimately had to be the hero of the interior.

Being old friends, the design process began from a place of depth, with Danielle being able to delve into what design choices would really capture Raymond and Davina’s creative eye, “I wanted the design to reflect the owners’ individual sensibilities, skills and vibrant personalities.” she elaborates.

The colour and materials palette was key. Subtle enough to allow the jewellery to shine but warm enough to set the scene for an interesting and enjoyable customer experience, Danielle and her team went through several scenarios in the concept stage, ultimately landing on a palette that had the right amount of earthiness, texture and “zing”.

The space feels far from the traditional as far as jewellery stores go. Danielle, alongside her team, went about zoning the public-facing shop into three areas: retail at the front, consult areas in the middle and a more back-of-house area at the rear of the store where jewels are paired with precious metals and ring sizes are measured.

Long linen fabric drapes and carpeted areas were utilised to partition the space and create an area for clients to comfortably meet with the designers—offering the level of privacy needed for important decisions, “We wanted these spaces to feel intimate and gentle. A place where a big decision can comfortably be made,” Danielle continues.

In a true collaborative effort, Danielle engaged a series of local artists and suppliers in the fit-out. For the display, Minaal Lawn’s ‘knuckles’ and ‘knots’ were developed specifically to work with the interior palette, found alongside bronze pieces by Sydney artist Josee Vesely Manning and ceramic vases by Steph Woods purchased from Pepite around the corner.

Danielle Brustman Black Finch Jewellery Store Collingwood Melbourne Photo Sean Fennessey Yellowtrace 08

Danielle Brustman Black Finch Jewellery Store Collingwood Melbourne Photo Sean Fennessey Yellowtrace 09

The local love affair continues with canvases painted by Black Finch Creative Director herself, Davina and the cream rectangular mirror that takes pride of place in the interior by maker Joshua Space. A set of vintage modernist chairs was purchased from Fitzroy shoppe Modern Times, and the aubergine glass pendants are by Mark Douglass, while all the bespoke joinery was built locally by Adam Afiff and Kyran Starsivich of The Makery Club.

“My favourite material [though] would have to be the dichroic glass counter, which gives the space a sense of alchemy. It plays with light in an interesting way and gives a nod to the ways in which gemstones reflect light in beautiful and interesting ways,” Danielle elaborates.

Splendidly off-kilter, this jewellery store showcases the best Melbourne has to offer in one tight, idiosyncratic design. “I think I am most proud of the unique nature of the interior. I think it has a unique feel to it, and the palette is a little discordant, which I love,” Danielle concludes.