Story: Crafts and applied arts

Elsie Reeve was one of the first women in New Zealand to work as a professional jeweller and her career was only ended by her untimely death in 1927, aged 42. She worked from a studio in Lambton Quay, Wellington, and then later in Queen Street, Auckland. Reeve's work was often distinguished by her use of wire-work tendrils and fine stones. This necklace and earring set, made from silver and turquoise, is a good example of this aesthetic. Zoom in to explore the details of the work.