When meeting jewellery designer and gemologist Olivia Bond at her Sydney headquarters, the space does much of the talking before she does. Perched atop the historic Trust Building on King Street, above the Hermès boutique, the studio immediately resists the sterility expected of a city office. It is intimate and considered – less workplace, more “jewellery box”, as Olivia puts it – and that is telling.

We catch up with Sydney jeweller Olivia Bond to talk what's on her wish list, her dream travel destinations and how she nourishes her creativity.

I grew up in... Perth, WA, by the sea. My mother’s home interior taste was more on the minimal than maximal side, but this allowed for the objects and artworks that my parents collected to really shine and have their own space to breathe. I definitely think I got the eye and skill for knowing when to pare things back and appreciate negative space from growing up in this environment. 

My entry into jewellery design was... very organic. I was making engagement rings on request, which were very simple in design, then I became interested in broadening the scope of my work. I started designing pieces for myself to wear and received so much positive feedback that I launched a tiny online collection in 2021. It just took off from there. It’s been such a fun and fulfilling journey.

To nourish my creativity, I... need to give myself space. Being too busy, overwhelmed or bogged down in the day to day doesn’t allow for a lot of creative thought. Sometimes all that is needed is a walk in nature, with no headphones, to let thoughts flow. A wonderful book, film or art show can also go a long way towards creating inspiration. And, of course, travel.

I like to listen to... anything and everything. I love to be across a broad range of music – I would probably lean more into bygone eras, but my daughters help me stay up to date with current artists too, which I love. 

My favourite things to watch are... gritty, organised-crime dramas that I can really dive into. The Sopranos, The Wire and Peaky Blinders are all favourites. When it comes  to films I’m not tied to genres – my favourites are those that provide a beautiful visual experience and great music, transporting you to another time and place, like films by Sofia Coppola or Luca Guadagnino. I have just started season two of The Night Manager. Season one has long been a favourite: the globe-trotting to incredible locations provides the visual delight and Elizabeth Debicki’s style is the icing on the cake. 

(clockwise from top left) Alpine village Verbier. The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. Dessert at Neptune’s Grotto. A Céline trench.

“Globe-trotting to incredible locations provides the visual delight and Elizabeth Debicki’s style is the icing on the cake.”

Choosing just one favourite travel destination is impossible. A part of my heart is always in London. I lived there as a young child and again in my 20s. Visiting the city brings me so much joy and feels like coming home. My husband and I are planning on visiting friends in Verbier, Switzerland soon. Very excited to discover spring skiing in the Swiss Alps.

Books bring me great joy. I cross many genres with my reading. Recently, I adored The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. The language is so descriptive and the imagery is so rich, yet the themes are so bleak. It’s a powerful read and I found it inspiring.

True luxury to me is... having the perspective, time and health to appreciate all the special moments and seasons of life. 

On my wish list? Beltrami linen. It feels like silk but is made from birch wood. I also have my eye on a vintage Céline leather trench coat from Relik. Neptune’s Grotto in Sydney is a favourite spot for a cosy winter dinner, and Sean’s in North Bondi for a long lunch by the sea (taking dessert outside to catch the sunset is essential).