Acanthus: a career in jewellery

Some people consider making jewellery a hobby, something that they do in their spare time. However to some people, making jewellery is a career choice; it’s their livelihood. For Nichole McIver it is precisely that.

Nichole only discovered her passion for jewellery in the past few years. It wasn’t something she had dreamt of doing as a child. She has been artistic all her life and throughout her childhood she was always making various pretty things in order to make extra money. She made pressed flower bookmarks and notecards, and sewed hair scrunchies which her mum sold for her; she even made friendship bracelets in school. In college she majored in art but didn’t see herself selling her paintings and drawings in galleries, so she focused on art history. She fell in love with cultures of the past and the way amazing works of art of all types were also functional pieces in people’s daily lives. In particular, female artists, personal objects and artwork of women, such as prayer books, portraits and jewellery became the focus of her studies. Nichole found that even though she holds a master’s in art history, she found jobs to be few and far between.

Acanthus was created out of the desire to start and develop a career that was her own. This career allowed her to create, to learn new skills and to grow and be proud of what she had built for herself. The website was launched in 2010 and the line has evolved and developed ever since.

Acanthus has several collections, including Hathor, Facet, Inscriptive, Gemma and Bridal. One of her collections, Regalia, is for vintage lovers. It reminds you of keepsakes your grandma might have given you. This crescent pendant and the Eleanor locket could have belonged to a long lost relative. If you’re a bride-to-be then you might want to consider the Regina drop earrings. They look like a piece of jewellery that has been picked from an antique jewellery box.

Nichole’s love of art history is evident in her work. “Since my background is in art history and studying the lives and objects that belonged to women of the past, I’m inspired to create pieces for modern women that evoke another age and feel like personal, cherished heirlooms. I love pairing the rough with the refined, the classic with the contemporary, feminine curves with hard edges.” 

Jenny Rodgers

For more information on Acanthus, visit here.