The Australian jewelry designer, Sharona Harris, founder of F+H Jewellery shares the story behind the label. Built with a bold and vintage aesthetic in mind, F+H Jewellery is meant to suit the woman looking to add an air of edge to their personal styling.
Tell us about your background; how did you get started in jewelry design? My background is actually in Marketing and Public Relations, and jewellery design is something that came along by chance. I have always loved working in fashion related industries and went into business with a friend who was to be the main designer for our original brand. However, when that didn’t work out, I decided to continue on the path and develop my own jewellery brand which is now F+H Jewellery. So, it’s a lesson that life is always full of surprises and you just need to stay open to all opportunities.
What drew you into the world of jewelry design, and how was the brand developed? The original reason I wanted to create jewellery was because I couldn’t find anything on the market that suited my style. The jewellery market was, and still is, dominated by minimal or bohemian jewellery brands, neither of which is my fashion styling. My favourite fashion houses such as YSL, Gucci and Moschino all create bold fashion jewellery that I love, and I am always inspired by their vintage collections from the 70s and 80s, so I saw a gap in the market to create statement jewellery, that was premium quality for women that want an edge to their styling.
Who is the type of woman you are designing for? The woman I am designing for doesn’t follow every trend, she has a distinct style with her favourite little black dress, leather jackets, vintage jeans and well tailored blazers. She likes her accessories black and her music loud. Her favourite brands would be Frame Denim, IRO, and Blazè Milano.
“The woman I am designing for doesn’t follow every trend, she has a distinct style with her favourite little black dress, leather jackets, vintage jeans and well tailored blazers. She likes her accessories black and her music loud.”
What is the one piece of jewelry you wear daily? I have five piercings, so I like to layer! I love mixing mini hoops with interesting studs. Currently, I am wearing my ‘Helena’ multi-gemstone ear crawler, the ‘Andy’ onyx studs and ‘Naomi’ mini hoops, the black gemstones tie the look together and the different shaped make it a fun combination. I think the key is to just mix and match!
Is there a signature piece of jewelry you feel makes an ideal gift, and why? You can’t go past a statement hoop earring. Every woman needs a good hoop in their collection, perfect by day with t-shirt and jeans or by night with your new favourite dress, it’s an essential styling piece. My ‘Bianca’ maxi-hoop earring was influenced by the over-sized hoops in the 80s, it’s simple yet timeless and perfect for any age and the black onyx gemstone gives it that little bit of F+H edge.
What makes for the perfect piece of statement jewelry? The perfect statement piece should ‘make’ an outfit. You should be able to wear a simple dress or jeans, and when you put on that statement necklace or earrings, it should take your outfit to the next level.
What is your ideal Saturday morning? My ideal Saturday morning is either a yoga class and lazy breakfast with my husband and dog. I love getting a new magazine on a Saturday morning to entertain me for the weekend. I am currently reading, LOVE, Dazed and Wonderland, they are great for photography referencing.
Favorite local spot for a cup of coffee? We have so much good coffee in Byron Bay, for such a small town the ratio of coffee shops to people is ridiculous! My favourite is a little hole-in-the wall spot called Sparrow Coffee in town, the coffee is always good, but very strong so it can be a bit dangerous!
Favorite way to relax at the end of the workday? A walk around the beautiful Byron Bay lighthouse and beaches. I honestly believe I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so some outdoor activities and fresh air is essential.
To learn more, visit F+H Jewellery.
