SIGNATURE SIGNETS
WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOS Supplied
Since 2012, Benjamin Black has been filling the jewellery world with iconic pieces made to last. Recently adding a further feather to its hat with Custom Signet Rings’ launch, the jeweller melds age-old technique with unparalleled modern quality.
Cofounders Benjamin Clark and Amy Cunningham are experts in their fields. Benjamin’s experience as a jeweller and goldsmith, and Amy, with hers in public relations and marketing, saw a fantastic business opportunity flourish.
“Benjamin Black was born in 2012 from a small shed in a property the pair were renting at the time. The original idea was for the business to be online, but with demand coming from local customers, they quickly decided to set up a studio and workshop.”
It has since grown from strength to strength.
“We now have two more jewellers, two graphic designers. And we have also opened another store on Ponsonby Road in Auckland for our sister brand - Black Matter Jewellery, which also has an online store and is sold throughout the country at department stores and independent jewellers,” Amy says.
The pair and the team pride themselves on the jewellery quality and are qualified professionals and Goldsmiths Guild members, meaning they take their work seriously.
“Our signet rings – and in fact, all of our jewellery – are made with solid precious metals. The metal is worked by hand to close the grain to ensure the highest quality and longevity. Our motto is made by hand, made to last and this is what we strive to achieve in everything we do.”
Adding to the high-spec items available is Custom Signet Rings. The rings, originally designed to wax seal documents, now come in a wide range of forms, engraved with whatever is important to the wearer. After noticing a trend towards the rings leading up to the Covid lockdown last year, Benjamin Black decided to pivot attention into the area, investing in a laser engraver to provide beautiful detail and high-quality finish at a good price.
Further inspiration came from some of the guiding principles of the team.
“Family, tradition, and legacy are important to us as a team and as a company. Creating jewellery that is personal, sentimental, and will be treasured for generations is an honour and privilege. We have always loved the story and history behind signet rings because it aligns so perfectly with our vision and our values,” Amy says.
Designs can come in any form, and if a customer doesn’t know what they want, the team will design something custom for them.
“Recently, our talented designer Katy merged a husband and wife’s family crests together – to create a modern personalised crest for the couple. The options are endless.”
Amy believes the popularity of such rings is growing for a number of reasons, saying they are a fantastic idea for a special birthday or anniversary gift, a contemporary wedding band, or as a symbol to bring families together.
“We have recently created matching signet rings for siblings and families who are separated due to Covid but want something special to unite them. Because our signet rings are made to last, they can be heirloom pieces, which can be worn and then handed on to the next generation.”