A Personal Profile
Many words and images could be used to describe the masterful works of art created by Australian Jeweller Tony White, however the words unique, romantic, luxurious and glamorous are those that first come to mind.
Tony travels to the world's most exotic destinations in search of inspiration and gemstones for his creations.
Born and bred in Sydney, Tony graduated from Sydney University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. He travelled to Europe in 1969 and has continued these journeys for the past 30 years. He has ventured to such locations as Africa, India, USA., the Middle East, Japan, Greece, Egypt, Cook Islands, China and Europe.
It has been whilst on these journeys that Tony has acquired the rare materials, semi-precious and precious stones he uses in his jewellery. South Sea Island pearls are a trademark. They appeal to him because they reflect surrounding colours and compliment skin tones and clothing. He likes contrasting colours and textures – smooth white pearls matching with carved stones. He selects precious and semi-precious gems for his designs of necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches, pendants and cufflinks. Favoured gemstones are ruby, emerald, tourmaline, diamond, aquamarine, sapphire, citrine.
Tony has built up a tremendous reputation over the past 30 years both nationally and internationally. Tony's works have been exhibited in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra and in 1982 were first displayed in Newcastle at the Cooks Hill Gallery. This year also celebrates a 10 year exhibiting anniversary for Tony in America, where he has established a strong support for his jewellery in New York, Chicago, Dallas and Washington.
Private collections of Tony's jewellery are held in London, Rome, New York and Hong Kong. In addition to this, Tony has the distinction of having his work displayed for the Sultanate of Brunei and at Nieman Marcus in the USA. Lauren Bacall; Evelyn Lauder; Sally Duchess of Westminster; Mel Gibson; Lady Fairfax are only a few of his noteable collectors. Tony White could be described as Australia's, and indeed one of the world's, Master Craftsmen in Jewellery design.
Another interesting side to this man is his personal collection of treasures, antiques and artifacts he has collected during his many overseas visits. These range from French provincial furniture and crystal to Georgian silverware, many pieces from India including ancient dieties, carved from ivory, ancestral portraits from China, a painted wood mogul watchman from Jaipur and much, much more.........
Tony's designs were initially inspired from natural history subjects, marine, Australian fauna and flora and have developed to a truly unique and distinctive jewellery.
Three periods of jewellery designs have had a major influence on White – Ancient Egypt, Baroque and early 20th Century. He combines the elements of these great periods with his own artfulness to create important one-of-a-kind collectors’ items.
Collections
Australian National Gallery, Canberra; The Powerhouse Museum; Western Australian Art Gallery.
