JASMINE WATSON

Today we are in Auckland Domain one of the oldest parks in New Zealand.

As we stroll along walking paths, we have clear views of splendid varieties of plant such as astelias, bronze flax, and senecio. New Zealand is also home to featured jewelry designer Jasmine Watson.


From 1992 to 1995, while attending the Unitec School of Design, Watson worked part-time dressing Lucy Lawless and Kevin Sorbo for the Sam Raimi produced Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

After Watson graduated, in 1995, the studio offered her a full-time position as the shows' jewelry and costume maker.

Several years later, Middle Earth would summon Watson to provide Galadriel with her Elven ring of power, Nenya, as well as her gold and silver crown. Watson would then create Arwen's stately crown her Evenstar pendant necklace, and lastly she would take on the sinister beauty of The One Ring.

Watson's work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy garnered her immediate, worldwide attention. "Working on Lord of the Rings has been one of the biggest projects of my career so far, and it has certainly generated a huge amount of positive feedback and interest in my work.

Designing for film and television generally allows you to be more elaborate and expressive. However, jewelry for film still needs to be durable and comfortable as the particular piece may be worn every day."

In the midst of creating designs for the trilogy, Watson found the time to create her personal designer jewelry collections drawing on the influence of professors and fellow designers she admired.

Her understated, minimalist pieces feature lovely flower motifs. "I am endlessly fascinated and inspired by nature, and the complexities and minute detail, in particular, of the native plants and flowers of New Zealand."

Walt Disney and Walden Media also took notice of Watson's talent, hiring her to design the jewelry and crowns featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

She plans to continue working in film as well as adding to her personal line. "I love the creative side of film making, though at the moment, I am focused on producing my own range of jewelry, so it's a case of trying to fit everything in."

If you are interested in checking out replica Lord of the Rings jewelry, you are in for a real treat. Not one, but two jewelers have official authorization to produce recreations.

Tolkien Enterprises officially licensed Badali Jewelry to create items inspired by the books and the film trilogy. The Noble Collection used Watson's original patterns and molds to create its replicas.

In addition, Walt Disney and Walden Media authorized Bob Siemon Designs to create original jewelry inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
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Photo 1 (top right): From Watson's personal collection Sterling Silver Lotus Brooch
Photo 2 (bottom left): From Watson's personal collection White Lotus Ring