A passion for beautiful jewellery crafted with the precision and expertise of iconic Italian master jewellers, combined with years of experience and relationships with heritage artisans, has helped Sarah Hutchings establish and grow Orsini Fine Jewellery as a leading light in this most exquisite of industries.
Browsing around the sumptuous Orsini Fine Jewellers boutique in the Auckland suburb of Parnell, surrounded by some of the most exquisite creations from Italy, along with the expert hand of Orsini founder and director Sarah Hutchings and her team, it is, of all things, a coffee table book plucked from Sarah’s own curated collection that perhaps best underlines the timeless nature of high-quality jewellery.
The book in question celebrates the work of Pino Rabolini, founder of the Milanese design house Pomellato. Rabolini revolutionised jewellery by adding bold colour to what was beforehand a conservative Northern Italian tradition. The book, which details the early works of Rabolini dating from 1967, showcases some stunningly modernist designs, colours, and campaigns: the beautiful hues of Pomellato’s iconic Nudo ring, earring, and necklace settings looking as contemporary today as they were 50 years ago.
It’s no wonder Sarah, who founded Orsini in 2008 and has been a fixture of Parnell’s boutique retail scene ever since, is immensely proud of her company’s connection with Italian fine jewellery, and Pomellato in particular.
“We were the first jeweller to bring Pomellato to the Southern Hemisphere and we remain the brand’s sole importer into New Zealand to this day,” she says. “The work of Pomellato is truly timeless and I love that their designs appeal to New Zealand women. The idea of strong and successful women is very much a part of Pomellato’s DNA through the decades.”
Orsini Fine Jewellers in Parnell offers more than just a stunning array of Italian jewellery; it offers an experience that combines artistry, history, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. As you explore the boutique, it's clear that every piece tells a story—one that reflects the passion and dedication of both the designers and the curator, Sarah Hutchings. The Pomellato collection, in particular, resonates with the boutique’s ethos of blending tradition with modernity. Sarah’s connection to this iconic brand is not just about business; it’s about sharing a legacy of elegance and innovation with her clients. Whether you're admiring a vibrant Nudo ring or a pair of exquisite earrings, the sense of timelessness and style is palpable. Orsini is not just a jewellery store; it's a testament to the enduring allure of Italian design and the power of a well-curated collection to inspire and captivate.
But Orsini is well-known for more than its ability to deliver the best of the best from overseas.
Sarah was introduced to fine handcrafted European jewellery by her father-in-law, jeweller Peter Hutchings, while she was living in Europe. A visit to the famous Vicenza Jewellery Fair in Northern Italy opened Sarah’s eyes to the exquisite craftsmanship and heritage of jewellery from the region: she realised this design philosophy was something she wanted to share with an antipodean audience.
“There wasn’t really anything like what I saw at Vicenza in New Zealand at the time. With Orsini, I set out to change that and give clients here access to the very best from Italian master jewellers. Through establishing fantastic working relationships with some of the best artisans in Europe and visiting jewellery fairs all over the world, we’ve been able to broaden the availability of high-quality Italian jewellery here.”
But Orsini is well-known for more than its ability to deliver the best of the best from overseas.
Sarah designs pieces and has worked with her own in-house master jeweller for many years in order to bring her clients’ dream pieces to fruition. The Orsini team have completed traditional jewellery apprenticeships and trade certificates in the craft. And these days it’s something of a family affair too, with Sarah’s nephew Harry Barker working in the business and, like Sarah, a qualified diamond grader, as well as having numerous Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certifications. Orsini is also a member of the Goldsmith Guild of New Zealand.
Sarah’s journey into the world of fine European jewellery was more than just a professional pursuit; it was a deeply personal exploration of art, culture, and tradition. Inspired by the unparalleled craftsmanship she encountered at the Vicenza Jewellery Fair, Sarah knew that her mission was to introduce New Zealand to these remarkable works of art. The relationships she forged with master artisans across Europe were not just business connections but collaborations rooted in a shared passion for excellence.
Orsini has grown into a brand that is synonymous with luxury and bespoke craftsmanship. Beyond importing the finest Italian jewellery, Sarah has made her mark with her own unique designs, blending the best of European tradition with her creative vision. The involvement of her family, particularly her nephew Harry Barker, adds another layer of dedication and expertise to the business. With a strong focus on quality and authenticity, Orsini has become a beloved name in the New Zealand jewellery scene, known for its commitment to bringing clients’ visions to life through exquisite, handcrafted pieces.
What does Sarah look for when grading a diamond? There are a multitude of facets to the selection process which will see her reviewing a lot of potentials before centring on the right example for the piece being designed.
“We weigh up a lot of attributes during the selection process. Cut, symmetry, polish: it’s all very important. We utilise certified ethical diamonds sourced from certified mines and above all, naturally, quality is paramount.
“The gemstone is the focal point and the piece we design might be worn not just in the short term but passed down to future generations. In that context, getting the right gemstone and the right design for our client is key. A lot of what a jeweller does comes down to trust.”
As a result, Orsini’s reputation for quality that can be trusted extends further than the leafy surrounds of Parnell. Sarah’s regular clientele can be found as far away as Christchurch, Queenstown, the Pacific Islands and even the United States.
“Naturally we do offer online sales, but we’d always encourage people to visit and discuss what they most desire from any new piece,” she says.
“I love beautiful things, whether that be art, fashion, or jewellery. To be able to surround oneself with beautiful things is a privilege. And to be able to help clients choose or create something that is timeless, something that is of absolute quality, is very rewarding indeed.”
