nz contemp

The present situation in New Zealand (and probably most Western countries) is that there has been in the past 10-20 years an unprecedented increase in the volume of new entrants to the jewellery field (thanks largely to the technical college industry) as a career option, and for good reason. I am still able to maintain my enthusiasm for my chosen profession after 28 years, it is a fabulous occupation IMHO
This seems to have had several results:

There are now obviously an awful lot of "jewellers". In New Zealand this can mean anything from the ancient art of the bead stringer, to the fabrication of a Faberge egg but I digress, so the market is hideously over-supplied. Add to this the volume of cheap labour fuelled mass-produced, imported jewellery and the prospects for making a reasonable income appear challenging to say the least.

It would seem that there is a widespread perception that NZ-made jewellery is made up of certain motifs and is of a certain rustic quality (a byproduct of low prices and informal training?)
I am disappointed by frequent queries of "who makes this?", "is it made here?", and "you dont import this, do you?"
Granted I sell in a market setting, but it saddens me that we assume because it looks well-finished and complex that it is not New Zealand made.

It's all grist for life's mill I suppose, so one keeps chiselling away at this and that. I love my time spent at the Nelson market getting to meet the people who wear what I make and hear their comments.