Tasmanian lapidarist and jeweller John O’Brien
Has done many things and lived in many places but working in metal has always been part of his life. In recent years he has blended design and fabrication in precious metals with lapidary, creating unique settings for gemstones sourced in Tasmania and beyond. Using Tasmanian topaz (Killikrankie diamonds), greenstone from New Zealand and Australian opal his settings are designed for the gem, focussing on large, showy rings and pendants. His study in the US encouraged him to move away from conventional design into wearable one off pieces a mile away from mass produced jewellery store products.
