Projects & Commissions
Emma Bugg, a contemporary jeweller hailing from the vibrant artistic hub of Hobart, Tasmania, has a passion for transforming stories and profound concepts into dynamic jewellery objects. With a passion for making the complex accessible, Emma's craft thrives on weaving narratives into each piece. At the core of her practice lies a deep love for collaboration, inviting scientist and thinkers to join her in crafting meaningful jewellery that sparks conversation and connection.
If you have a wild idea waiting to be brought to life, let's chat
Third Nipple Necklace
2024
Introducing the 'Third Nipple' wedding anniversary necklace, commissioned by owner of MONA museum David Walsh for Kirsha Kaechele
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Inspired by Kirsha Kaechele's nurturing spirit, this piece celebrates love and creativity on their 10th wedding anniversary, 22nd March, 2024.
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The design features a sparkling Tasmanian Killecrankie diamond in an 18k gold setting, with a sterling silver milk drop. The centerpiece? A mysterious naturally formed, nipple-shaped mineral specimen discovered during the construction of MONA's new underground wing, also set in gold. It hangs from a hand forged gold and blackened silver chain, with alternating drip and chain links.
We're intrigued by its mystery—8 cm in diameter, very heavy, and resembles rock but feels cold like metal. Tiny mica sparkle on the surface. Not radioactive, but its identity remains unknown.
Any guesses?
A Moment to Reflect
Thylacine DNA locket
Science Gallery, Melbourne
2024
For Not Natural exhibition, Emma Bugg has created a locket that forms part of a collaborative installation with Professor Andrew Pask, the lead biologist in the field of Thylacine De-extinction at TIGRR lab.
More about the locket
Visit Science Gallery Melbourne between 17 February and 29 March, 2024 and contribute your thoughts
Survey Results- April 2024
Should we bring back the Thylacine?
Science Gallery, Melbourne
Gilded Memories
Queenstown, Tasmania
Unconformity
2023
In 1895, the General Manager of the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company, Robert Carl Sticht, gifted his wife, Marion, a charm necklace. Over time, the 27 unique charms added to the necklace told the couple’s story, following their journey to lutruwita/Tasmania from the United States.
One hundred and twenty eight years on, jeweller Emma Bugg created a contemporary necklace as homage to both the original piece and the histories of Queenstown. Embedded with stories of place and people, Emma’s intricate metalwork provides a glimpse into the past for future generations and visitors alike. Displayed in Penghana, the Sticht family’s historic home over the Unconformity, the necklace took form over the course of the festival as the charms were progressively connected to its chain.
Click here for detailed guide to each charm
Gilded Memories charm necklace
Photograph by Ivette Dodd
Lucky Rabbit necklace
Concrete, Tasmanian abalone shell, cubic zirconia, iron, brass, NFC tag, digital content
Exhibited in Melbourne, Radiant Pavilion, 2021 at The Boroughs
Lucky Rabbit Project
2021
once upon a time there lived a girl.
when the girl was knee high to a lady bug,
her mother taught her how to find
4 leafed clovers
and her great grandfather
gave her a lucky rabbit's foot
Pattern recognition is the foundation for the inspiration behind the lucky rabbit necklace.
The concrete rabbit hangs from a brass chain. It contains a hidden NFC tag. When a mobile device is held against the rabbit, it connects to a website with lots of secret buttons.
Experience what happens when you connect
Selected Tech Projects
2010-2024
The experimental aspect of Emma's design practice investigates how technology can be embedded in jewellery, negating obsolescence by creating precious objects whereby form outlasts function.
The first QR code brooch was made in 2013. Since then the Microsoft version of the QR code (sterling silver code, laser cut and cast in cuttlefish bone) has been super-seeded.
This ongoing investigation seeks curious ways to incorporate the most current forms of technology so that over a lifetime, an archive of non-functional objects is created
Retractable USB locket, 2010. Contains raw diamond, concrete sample and images of places before demolition
Bio Feedback Bracelet
2018
This work engages traditional silversmith techniques to create jewellery that embodies emergent technology. As devices get smaller and more powerful, the interface between body and machine become invisible
Read more...
Crown for KK
Currently showing at The Ladies Lounge, MONA
2014
It's not every day you get a crown commission, so needless to say, there were challenges ahead. After Kirsha Kaechele provided me with an image of a Dolce and Gabbana crown to inspire the design for her wedding day, I set about working out a way I could produce it
Read on...
Photo Credit: Jonathan Wherrett
