EVEN with the overcast weather over the King's Birthday long weekend, Angela Cunningham Jewellery brought a welcome sparkle to Highett Street.

This brand-new shop is the culmination of Ange's 25 years of experience in the industry.

Ange has known she wanted to be a jeweller since high school.

She honed her skills through studies at Box Hill TAFE and Monash University, followed by a four-year traditional apprenticeship at Cameron's in Canterbury.

After seven years of training, she spent 18 more refining her craft at various bespoke jewellers across Melbourne.

Her relocation to Mansfield and the undeniable pull of her High Country home, encouraged by her husband, finally prompted her to establish her own space.

The demanding commute to Melbourne and evening design work made going out on her own a clear next step.

You can find Ange at her stunning studio space at 24 Highett Street, open Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm, and by appointment every other day except Sundays.

Ange brings a deep respect for traditional techniques while embracing modern practices to create truly individual pieces.

She specialises in custom designs and the thoughtful remodelling of existing jewellery.

While a small selection of current pieces are on display, clients can also browse her portfolio for inspiration, seeing the breadth of her skill and talented execution.

She also offers expert restorations and repairs.

"I work closely with my clients to understand their vision and bring it to life through a collaborative design process," Ange said.

All pieces are produced on-site using high-quality materials and gemstones, carefully sourced from international suppliers and select local partners.

Ange loves the stories behind her stones, whether they're Queensland sapphires hand-cut by miners or aquamarine imported from Sri Lanka by a second-generation gem merchant.

Each unique stone contributes to a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Rings are a particular favourite for Ange to create, and she finds immense inspiration in the Art Deco era – its dazzlingly bold style, intricate geometric patterns, and exquisite detailing deeply influence her work.

With a turnaround time of six to eight weeks, everything is custom-made however Ange wants to assure new clients that she is still affordable.

While the studio space is stunning and looks high-end, Ange is mindful of working within the client’s budget to make that special piece.

"Whether you're redesigning a sentimental heirloom or creating something entirely new, come and book a complimentary consultation to explore the possibilities," she said.