My Bench: Andy McGee Posted August 03, 2021 |
Andy McGee
Age: 48
Training: 7-year apprenticeship to obtain New Zealand Technical Certificate in Metalsmithing and Jewellery
First job: After-school engraver at Skelts Jewellers in Invercargill, New Zealand in 1987
Other qualifications: De Beers diamond qualifications, and 34 years of on-the-job training!
SIGNATURE PIECE:
STOCK PIECE
I made this piece 15 years ago and it is one of my absolute favourites. It is entirely handmade using 18-carat white and yellow gold, platinum and titanium, and set with diamonds and Australian South Sea pearls. It is named ‘Lugger’ after the sailing vessel you can see in the design.
Favourite gemstone:
Courtesy
When Kamala Harris took to the stage yesterday to be sworn in as America s first Black, South Asian and female Vice President, she did so in a purple coat and dress by Christopher John Rogers, accessorised with an elegant pearl necklace by the ground-breaking Puerto Rican jewellery designer, Wilfredo Rosado.
The gemstone, which is the only one in world produced by a living creature, seems a natural choice as an accessory for a stateswoman. After all, pearls have come to symbolise power, purity of heart and fidelity for centuries and been adopted by Queens, Kings and First Ladies throughout history, including Michelle Obama and Jacqueline Kennedy, who once famously dubbed them always appropriate .
Tony Bravo January 20, 2021Updated: January 21, 2021, 2:45 pm
Doug Emhoff (left), U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden wave as they arrive at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and person of Black and South Asian descent sworn in as vice president of the United States on Wednesday, Jan. 20, and she did it wearing the creations of Black designers.
Harris’ vibrant purple coat and dress were by New York designer Christopher John Rogers, a Council of Fashion Designers of America award winner and a favorite of celebrities. Rogers is a rising star in the fashion industry, lauded not only for his bold designs but also his push for diversity on runways and in the larger fashion industry.
Alex Wong
When Kamala Harris becomes the first woman Vice President of the United States of America today, she will be stepping on to the world stage â and doing so wearing a pearl necklace. This is no surprise given that the politician, who is also the first Black and South Asian person to be elected to the number two position, has famously worn her so-called power pearls for every significant moment of her adult life before now. Todayâs choice is no ordinary necklace, however.
New York jeweller Wilfredo Rosado designed Harrisâs bold and elegant combination of Australian South Sea pearls wrapped in interlocking, elliptical gold chain links to symbolise Harrisâs historic achievement, and to reflect her winning combination of toughness and femininity. âI wanted it to represent who Kamala is â to Americans, to women, to people of colour, to the world,â says Rosado. âI ve admired her for a long time and love her strength, her fierceness, her rea