INTERVIEW
SMOUN JEWELLERY XMAURIE + EVE
M+E: Tell us a bit about the magic that is SMOUN.
CR: Smoun is a small label that creates unique jewellery from vintage materials. This is what makes each piece one of a kind. I love the process of finding beautiful materials to create something new, and reworking pre-loved pearls, gems, shells and everything else that catches my eye.
M+E: And your process as a creator?
CR: Most of the time I start with a vision and proceed to source the matching materials to bring it to life (this can be tricky!). Sometimes the process is reversed in that I create new designs based on the pearls and gems I have in stock – coveting inspiration from a treasured vintage piece, or in collaboration with the customer.
M+E: Where do you source your vintage materials?
CR: I spend a lot of time at vintage online markets and flea markets … a pastime I am missing in these crazy times! All SMOUN pieces are limited, or even unique, and for this quantities are small. This is what makes my work special … your piece of jewellery can only be found on just a few others in the world, if any at all.
M+E: How do you hope SMOUN wearers feel?
CR: I hope they love each piece as I do. For me it always feels like a treasure to wear on my body, connecting me to nature with the reminder we must take care of our environment through transforming old into new.
M+E: What stones are you most drawn to and why?
CR: Oh, that’s a tough question! I’m Gemini of Zodiac which means I like a lot and my opinion changes regularly! I especially love the unperfected freshwater pearls. Currently I am drawn to citrine or opals for their reaction with the light.
MAILA NECKLACE
“I think these MAURIE + EVE pieces represent the ethno era most … inspirations from all over the world. Ethnic jewellery is from different pearls and shells with large pendants, which should remind you of beautiful times on the beach.”
M+E: Tell us about the SMOUN pieces now stocked on Maurie + Eve – why are they the perfect compliment to our designs, and what era of vintage to they represent?
CR: Co-Founder and Designer, Kelly had the choice of a few pieces and chose beautifully. The Maila necklace is the first design I ever made. It eventuated during a creative evening with a friend, so I have a special bond with that. I think these pieces represent the ethno era most … inspirations from all over the world. Ethnic jewellery is from different pearls and shells with large pendants, which should remind you of beautiful times on the beach.
M+E: What piece are you currently working on?
CR: I am working on many orders at present, but one is a little extra special. It’s a necklace for a bride. I feel honoured at the chance to beautify her special day with a SMOUN creation.
M+E: If you could sit for dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be, and what piece of jewellery would you create for them?
CR: My Great Grandmother. She is perfect for long wonderful conversations. I would create a timeless shimmer necklace for her with an old cross pendant that I received for my communion.
M+E: What Maurie + Eve pieces are you currently loving?
CR: I love wearing my 100% organic cotton Soma top and I’ve fallen in love with the Kimono set in lemon.
Follow @maurieandeve | @the.smoun
