Phil’s Story
I’ve always been fascinated by materials and form. As a child, I collected stones—many brought back from my parents’ travels. My collection included pebbles of rose quartz, heliotrope, pyrite, amethyst, and tiger’s eye. Of course, I also stuffed my pockets with any old rock that I found unusual during walks or trips to the beach. I would spend hours carefully arranging them in a wooden box, which became my personal treasure chest.
Years later, when I decided to propose to my girlfriend (now wife), I found myself unsatisfied with the rings available. Instead, I chose a beautiful emerald and had something bespoke made. The process of working with a jeweller in Wellington was so captivating that I asked him to teach me the craft. Although he couldn’t, he directed me to a local workshop where I began learning. That’s where my passion for jewellery truly took off.
Balancing my career as a lawyer with my passion for this craft has its challenges, but it’s something I’ve embraced fully. It’s never a hardship for me to pick up the tools or a pencil and do what I love.
"Billy Phain" is a nickname from my time working at Lake Louise in Canada—a playful twist on my name, Phil Bain. It reflects the approachable and joyful nature of the pieces I want to create.
"I like the idea of creating Something simply because it’s interesting or beautiful."
Crafted for You
Creating jewellery is a fascinating process. When the work is flowing, it feels almost meditative—a seamless connection between the mind, the hands, and the materials. But when things don’t go as planned, it can be deeply frustrating. Yet, it’s precisely this dynamic—the balance between ease and challenge—that makes the craft so rewarding. There’s a unique satisfaction in taking an idea from a simple sketch and transforming it into a tangible piece of jewellery that will stand the test of time.
From the very beginning, certain values have been at the heart of everything I do: a deep dedication to craftsmanship, a love of continuous learning, and an unwavering passion for creating pieces that are not just beautiful but timeless.
My current work is heavily inspired by the transient beauty of ephemeral elements like foam, bubbles, and clouds. I’m captivated by the idea of taking something so fleeting—something that exists only for a moment—and translating it into a piece of jewellery that is both solid and enduring.
“My goal is to create pieces that celebrate individuality and reflect what you’ve achieved."
Coming soon
In progress. Abstract pieces exploring ‘the end’. Popped bubbles and melting ice blocks.
Il Finale
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BILLY PHAIN Fine Jewellery