Settled in Istanbul, Olivia is an Australian nomad passionate by ancient cultures and by nature. She has created a jewels brand called Cleopatra’s Bling. She hunts down gemstones and traditional manufacturing processes. Olivia’s pieces seem to come from far away countries. She is inspired by ancient cultures and by Turkish craftsmen methods that she has met in her adopted city. Each piece is unique, handmade et is adapted to the selected gemstone.
Can you please introduce yourself in a few words?
I was born in Australia and I grew up in Melbourne. At 16, I went in Germany to live in Berlin for a year. I met my ex-boyfriend and I went to Paris with him where I have discovered French culture and language. I studied branding, marketing and languages. Then, I started to work in an agency. In the same time, I have started to draw my own jewels to imagine pieces I couldn’t find in jewelry shops. I went to Turkey for the first time, during a week and I have been very inspired by all the thing I discovered there. I traveled again to Turkey when my relationship with my boyfriend was on the blink and I decided to move to Turkey and to create my own jewels.
© Emile DP Photography
What does « Cleopatra’s Bling » mean?
I am Australian, this name refers to things I associate to the West. In my opinion, Cleopatra represents all these Western and North African ancient cultures, very difference from mine. I am found of these jewels inspired by ancient periods. The combination of these two universes is working and I really like it. My jewels look like ancient pieces, somebody asked me if I found my moon jewel, from my new collection, in Syria. I was very flattered, nowadays women like ancient jewels.
How would you define your universe?
Bohemian even if the meaning of this word has changed. Many brands define themselves as bohemian. I draw my inspiration from Turkish, Byzantine and Roman cultures. These universes and ancient shapes are less used by jewels makers. I also like references to Asia and Arab countries.
© Emile DP Photography
Through my creations, I try to arouse travel and discovery. In my work, there are also a spiritual aspect and a reference to my own story. This is a mix of things we discover when we travel. There are elements from France, Australia, Turkey or reading about ancient jewelry, etc. First, beyond this research, there are stories. Each culture refers – through shapes or drawings – to goddesses or special energies. Our society less and less uses these symbols. I am interested in it and I am not the only one. There is also a huge influence of my native land in my jewels. In Australia, we grow up newt to the ocean, in the nature, girls are real tomboys and spend their time on the trees, you can feel it in my pieces.
To read the next part : Cleopatra’s Bling – 2/3 Know-how
Photos : © Cleopatra’s Bling except if this mention appears : © Emile DP Photography. Photographs provided by Olivia Cummings and published with her approval.
