Hinged sleepers were originally developed in response to an earlier exclusive retailer of ours; Sarah Hepler of Mecca, in Brisbane. Sarah was a savvy USA fashion stylist and golfer who wanted a solid gold, yet lightweight earring that could be worn 24/7. During active gym and sports activities, enhanced for day wear and then with gem additions for evening wear, even wearing the sleepers over night.
The studio has developed a new hinged 3D version in both round and a new oval design, all hand assembled. Now these are not for the High Street (quick-fix) fashion purchase . . . they are designed and built for a lifetime of use as long as clients treat then respectfully. Barbara continues to create her own suite of enhancers using elements from our collection and wholesale gems from the ‘jeweller to the lost’ studio stock.
Different versions of Barbara’s own earring enhancers made over the past thirty years
Here is some of the stock being prepared for this year’s commissioners ‘studio sale’ scheduled for November 27 & 28 – 2021:
Previous versions of ‘block’ style bracelets have been made as commissions. Fully articulated hinged elements with a ‘figure of eight’ safety clasp with fresh water gold button pearls.
All items for sale from the Jeweller to the Lost studio are priced at wholesale incl GST. We supply a replacement retail valuation for your insurance at the full ‘high-street’ price . . . call + 61 431 464 470 to book an appointment or send Barbara an email <barby@jewellertothelost.com.au>
Barbara has been doing these handmade hinged sleepers for over 35 years. Some clients have rationalised their jewellery and have gone further and commissioned gem enhancers . . . they wear their sleepers 24/7 and fit numerous enhancers for day or night wear. Lace balls in 9mm to 13mm in all metal types. Barbara’s early symbols and gems from our collection have been made for at least 30 clients that I can rattle off.
These are 18ct yellow gold hinged sleepers with 14mm Citrine Nirvana cut 2=16.25ct set in oxidised 925 Silver setting with four claws and suspension ring in 18ct yellow gold.
Sarah Rayner / Queensland shared the first prize with Sophie Carnell / Tasmania – Kyoko Hashimoto / New South Wales was the second prize winner – Kierra-Jay Power won the student prize – Mari Hirata / Queensland + Gretal Ferguson / South Australia + Maddison Bygrave / Queensland + Anke Kindle / Victoria + Elfrun Lach / Victoria and the three winners were all purchased by the Toowoomba Regional Gallery on behalf of the Toowoomba Regional Council. Go to Instagram: @trartgalleries
Hi Barbara, It was very successful – I think I’m still recovering! The live-stream is certainly the way forward in the future – there has been over 300 views on the original livestream and close to 300 on the Instagram feed – we’re over the moon! Thank you for all your support and for taking on the judging task. We were thrilled to host you and hope you got to enjoy a little bit of Toowoomba while you were here. Thanks again and all the best,Tina
Tina Wilson
Promotion and Exhibition Officer (Mon-Wed) Coordinator Exhibitions and Public Programs (Acting Thurs-Fri) Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
the old chain was melted and remade in the same style – other gems were reset in #jewellertothelost symbols – for a lovely artist and friend of our family in Tasmania
